Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

How do i ACCESS unknown desktop ADMINISTRATOR  PASSWORD with out REMOVING CMOS , using boot disk or removing jumper? You only remove CMOS battery or jumper to CLEAR the BIOS password. It will not work for the desktop admin account. In order to remove the admin password, you need to use a boot disk.

Hello there.

I just manage to score a nice desktop computer, with Windows XP SP3 in it, it's working fine, but I have my own Genuine Windows XP SP2 set up disk.

However when I tried to go into the Bios, I was stopped by Password. This does not occur when I normally BOOT up windows, only on the Bios. Which I find annoying. Like to do things myself.

Any help in this regards.

Much appreciated.

On a desktop you can usually REMOVE a BIOS password by unplugging the computer and removing the CMOS battery for a few MINUTES.  Then put battery BACK and plug in and start up--you should be prompted to set the date and TIME in BIOS.  (CMOS battery is a quarter coin sized, watch-type battery which should be easy to find on the motherboard.) Code: [Select]I just manage to score a nice desktop computer
How did you "score" this computer? If you bought it from the legal owner, they should be able to supply you with the BIOS password.

Hi,
I have a PDF file which is password protected and i have forgotton the password.
Can anyone tell me how to bypass it or recommend a free program that could.
I dont want to spend money on a program for ONE file and also it may not open it.
I WOULD be happy to email it on if anyone has such a program.

Many Thanks,
Steve.I wonder if you have tried LOOKING on google search...

http://www.google.com.ph/#hl=tl&source=hp&biw=1020&bih=563&q=how+to+open+a+password+protected+pdf+file%3F&rlz=1R2SKPB_enPH395&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&fp=480baa082cba4c3c


http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/12/29/how-to-open-password-protected-or-encrypted-adobe-pdf-files/Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I tried DOWNLOADING a few with no success. The trial versions are very limited.
Thought maybe someone may have a program and could email them the file.
SteveContents of this post deleted by AllanWe don't help with this sort of question. Thread locked.You actually never mentioned how or why this file was password protected...
That may clarify things a bit...

I recently obtained an IBM computer that has been wiped completely clean and I need help help installing a operating system because it wont let me install my window 98 SECOND edition cd rom I haveWhy can't you install 98 SE? Any error messages?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Bootdisk self extractor from http://www.bootdisk.com
2. Create a Boot diskette
3. Insert Boot Diskette in the Floppy Disk Drive
4. insert Diskette before turning on IBM brand PC
5. Select Boot with CD-ROM SUPPORT[i/]
-- If the computer does not load the boot diskette, load BIOS and set the first boot device to FDD
6. Type X:\.
-- Where X is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.
7. Type setup.exe
8. Follow instructions

Additional:

If the Hard Disk Drive has not yet been formatted, before accessing X:\ type Format C:\ in A:\ prompt.

If you wish to create additional partitions type Fdisk WHILST in A:\ prompt Quote

I recently obtained an IBM computer that has been wiped completely clean and I need help help installing a operating system because it wont let me install my window 98 second edition cd rom I have

Hi all!  Any help would be appreciated.  Here is my issue.

I have a HP NC8230 and it has taken to freezing ever SINCE an AVG update.  Now it has gotten to the point where I can not EVEN get it to boot up in safe mode.  It hangs on the "Windows\System32\Drivers\avgidseh.sys"  I cannot get into BIOS either.  Not sure what to do. I have tried starting last now CONFIGURATIONS, safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with command prompt but all the same. It hangs at the avgidseh.

I have downloaded onto a flash drive a RESCUE boot disk but again I cant get into BIOS to even boot it.

Thanks everyone!  Great forum!

You have tried both F10 and F12 during the HP splash screen to enter BIOS and the keys are ignored?You might need to ADDRESS the problem directly to AVG support site.

When I TRY to remote into my other computer, and the other computer is left logged in, the remote computer gives the message:

 "is trying to connect to this computer. If you allow, you will be disconnected, but you can resume later. Do you want to allow this connection?".

At this point I must physically be at the computer to click "yes" and allow the connection. Is there any way to disable this option so that I can just connect without the remote computer having to choose yes?
Yes, maybe there is a way to do that. But it makes a difference to what you're trying to. Is this a case where you're going to be away from your computer, some distance, and you want to LOG in to your computer with CONTROL of the windows desktop?
Question, but program are you using? If you are using a Windows remote assistant , it requires two people. One person giving t the assistance and the other is the user who requires some help.
Now I may be WRONG, but I think you have to use a different program.

What versions of Windows are on the two computers?  This may help: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Remote-Desktop-Connection-frequently-asked-questionsI was using my laptop (vista) and trying to connect with "remote desktop connection" to my desktop XP computer on my home network. If another user was logged into the xp machine and I was trying to remote into it I would have to go to the computer and click yes on the prompt: 

"is trying to connect to this computer. If you allow, you will be disconnected, but you can resume later. Do you want to allow this connection?".

The solution is to disable user fast switching, then remoting into the xp desktop via remote desktop connection will log off the other user.You should try TeamViewerbro try to team viwer

I HAVE AN 80 GB SATA DRIVE WITH VISA ON IT BUT THE VISA WILL NOT REPAIR ITS SELF, WILL NOT RUN
I HAVE NO CD FOR VISA
BUT I HAVE 20GB IDE HARD DRIVE SET AS A MASTER AND WORKS WELL RUNNING XP UNTIL I ADD THE SATA DRIVE. I KNOW SLAVE /MASTER DOES NO APPLY TO SATA AND NO SATA JUMPER SETTING IS NEEDED
SATA TAKES OVER AND TRIES TO REPAIR ITS SELF BUT WILL NOT START
I WANT TO RUN XP WITH THE IDE 20 GB HARD DRIVE AND SATA FOR STORAGE.
I SEE PARALLEL AND SERIAL IN THE WHAT I THINK IS THE BOIS SETTING AT STARTUP WHEN I HIT ENTER.
I DONT SEE HOW TO MAKE A BOOT ORDER TO BOOT THE 20GB HARD DRIVE WITH XP FIRST SO I CAN DEAL WITH THE 80GB FROM WINDOWS XP?
WHERE DO I SET THE DRIVERS ?
I GUESS THERE IS A PLACE TO SET THE DRIVER NUMBERS LIKE "0" OR "1" BUT DO NOT KNOW WHERE.
IF THE SATA IS CONNECTED I CAN NOT GET WINDOWS TO GO TO THINGS LIKE DEVICE MGR

I AM LOST IN THE DARK

I JUST STARTED TRYING TO SETUP AND CONF PC ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO SO THIS SITE IS GREAT .
THIS IS A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR ME SO THE TECH STUFF IS BEING FORCE FEED TO MY BRAIN OR SHOULD I SAY DOWNLOADED TUBO STYLE

THANKS
VMAX, VBOOSTED TO MY BRAINTurn off your capslock button...

I don't KNOW anything beyond what I WROTE in the "SUBJECT" sectionNo need to DOUBLE post...

Topic Closed.

See your other for replies.

My  acer laptop's touch KEY pad has some problem. The cursor is ok and it moves normally but when I push on the pad as ENTER option, it does not. In that case I have to PRESS the left button of the pad mouse EVERY time. It is so BORING and taking time.

I use Fujitsu Laptop. Recently I got problems. When I CLICK right button of my pad it take long time to open. For example, when I go for refresh and press the right button (key) of the pad (mouse) it take 5times more than NORMAL time. What is the problem, any BODY can give me a solution plz?No NEED to start 2 Topics.
Topic Closed.

Sorry if this has been asked before, I've done a quick search but couldn't FIND anything.

I'm having problems with my outlook email accounts. I have a few accounts set up and all are RECEIVING email ok. The problem is when I try to reply, no matter which account i choose from the drop down 'accounts' menu, it always sends the reply from the same account. I have tried changing another account to my 'default' account, but it still sends from the original account.

If I use my dial-up modem I can send mail from a different address, i.e tiscali, the problem seems to be when I'm on my broadband. I have 2 websites both hosted with fasthosts, so I am receiving mail from one and when I try to reply (or start an email from scratch) it always sends from the same account.

I hope that makes sense, and HOPEFULLY someone can give me a few pointers as to where I may be going wrong.

Many thanks in advance
Robhttp://www.kayodeok.btinternet.co.uk/favorites/kboe.htm#oekbhowto


common fault on tis tis........i guess you have checked their website...Sorry, I'm not a very techy PERSON, just a beginner. I can't find the bit I'm supposed to be looking for?And sorry, I'm using Outlook not Outlook expresshttp://www.kayodeok.btinternet.co.uk/favorites/kbofficeoutlookhowto.htmMerlin, thankyou. I'm sure you're trying to help here, but I've seen that page and have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking for. Any chance of pointing me towards the correct bit?http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=255626

I have XP window, everything boot up FINE to the window screen, then i can't do anything else. i can move the mouse around but when i click on any icon to run program, the computer just keep running but not doing anything. It happens after i tried to hook up my computer to a FLAT panel. Is it some sort of virus or what? THANK you.Try starting in safe mode by hitting F8 while the computer is booting.
Then see if you can get your programs to run.yes, i got to safe mode, it boot up and i can run program from there. So how do i solve the problem, run antivirus in the mode or what?Running all the anti-everything programs in safe more is a good start.
See if you can open your task MANAGER in normal mode by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del, then stop any running applications.
Then try and open your programs.
everything is running fine in safemode, no virus detected. but then i go back to the window the same problem happen agains. Quote

See if you can open your task manager in normal mode by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del, then stop any running applications.
Then try and open your programs.

also when i right CLICK desktop for PROPERTIES i only have SCREENSAVER,effects and settings the others dissapearedSee the LAST POST...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

I have a license for xp home but downloaded xp pro over it.  How can I revert back to xp home?jcski..... Reinstall Win Xp .

Do you have the cd for xp ?

dl65  I have the dell XP home CD that came with the computer.  Will I need to reformat and reinstall Home?

I heard that I could not install home over XP. jcski.....  Yes , that's the best way ...then it's NICE and clean .....  DONT forget if you do that .........any data stored on the pc will be lost ...so be sure and burn whatever you want onto cds ...........
And..then after you install XP home ........install your anti virus before going online .......


dl65  Is that the best or only way to get home back?  I was HOPING not to have to reformat again.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q303661/

when you loaded xp pro......bettter than home?......have you have any problems......you might have upgrading to pro....without knowing it.......is it running ok! leave it TILL something happens Ski:

Check the Add and Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel.  If there was enough free hard DRIVE space, XP Pro may have backed up the files needed to restore XP Home.  If so, there will be an uninstall XP Pro option in the list of programs.

I'd suggest booting to Safe Mode before you attempt the uninstall of XP Pro.  Also, create a restore point or use a third-party backup program to backup Windows system files.  Do NOT use the XP Pro backup program as it is not available in XP Home.

Doc

hummm... how do i make my pictures oredered by.. well.. together. for INSTANCE. if a group of pictures are names in this order: 01,02,03,04 and another group in this order:001,002,003,004, then when they are put in the same folder, they are ordered like this 01,001,02,002,03,003,04,004. how do i make it so it sorts them by name and format??? (format as in the number/style of numbers/letters in the names)If you are running windows xp, in the dialog BOX with your pictures, go to View >> Arrange Icons by >> and then you can sort from Name, Size, TYPE, and Modified. Otherwise you just have rename the files if you want them in a certain order other than what's listed.

[GLB]Gizmo73[/glb]

Hello

it is not possible for me to check my hidden files even if ama clicking on show hidden files in tools box, PLEASE someone to help, Thanx in advance.Which hidden files are you looking to see?
There is also a box for "Hide protected operating system files" that can be unchecked to see system files. (I recommend keeping them hidden during normal use but you can temporarily unhide them to see if the files you are looking for are system files.))Hello
i want to see all my hidden files, when i clik on show hidden files on tool box, it seems to be ok, when i close a window and imediately open it again, i notice yhat the CASE "show hidden files" are not clicked, it looks LOKE that my system dont not consider my action......
Thanx for your Help Make sure you hit Apply at the bottom of the window.

[recovering disk SPACE - old attachment deleted by admin]http://www.teeeh.com/troubleshooting-and-fixes/show-hidden-files-and-folders-not-working/

It may be due to having a virus that is constantly reseting it to help hide the virus. For that, you could use a PROGRAM like sysinternals regmon or regfromapp. That will allow you to view what program is setting the value back.

I KEEP getting this error message on one of my computers here is a ss http://clanmajor.org/error.jpg This has been going on for a while on one COMPUTER but it has now moved to another. How can I correct this error.Sorry there was an error in that link Here it is http://clanmajor.org/error.JPGthis may be of use.Couldn't find anything on that.This might HELP. I noticed the HP icon on your desktop.

http://forum.iamnotageek.com/archive/index.php/t-821456.html

Good luck. I WOULD say I love you but that would be scary. Ahhh CRAP as I wastyping we got it again I did the 98/me setup and it's still doin it when I start any internet programs.well did you try the debug option!

My 3 month old acer laptop is SHOWING an error message and when I contacted Acer they said it is a software PROBLEM and that I will need to purchase a RECOVERY disc.  This is going to cost ne £51!  Is there any other way (cheaper) this can be done?I forgot to mention my operating system is windows XP.Sorry, I am such an idiot, the operating suystem is Windows 7!  The error message says NLS data missing or corrupt.

I had this computer from 2007. Encountered errors and forced shut down on repair install, now its STUCK in a loop. How do i FIX this?

DEFINE the loop, SHOW any ERROR messages, when does the loop commence?

A few days ago I obtained a computer virus. I used all the popular tools to remove the problem, and to clean the registry. After doing this, I discovered that I could no longer BOOT from my hard drive boot disk. I have two identical Dell Dimension computers running WixXP PRO, so I created a bootable floppy disk and copied three files onto the floppy. The three files that I copied were Boot.ini, Ntldr, and NTdetect.com. When I inserted this floppy into my damaged computer, and booted from the floppy, everything CAME up fine, and I was able to access all of my data and programs.

I THOUGHT I would be able to copy these three files to my root directory (C:), and I would be up and running again.....did not work. I used my DELL WinXP to recreate the boot.ini back onto my HDD, and that did not work either. I noticed that the I386 directory was not on my HDD, so I created that directory, and copied the three files from my floppy into this new directory, that did not work either. I am at a loss as how to resolve this issue. I did try System Restore from several earleir dates, and all failed.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

Seeking help from all you computer guru's.

Having a problem getting past the age verification page on MillerHighLife.com.
I can get into the website by putting my age in (36) and then it loads the home page... I go to the extra link on the left side of page and brings up another age verification page, this is where the problem starts... the site boots me back to the home page. Will not let me into the "extras" have points to put in for a friend that doesn't have internet connection.

I have tried clearing my cookies, accepting all cookies, downloading Flash player 10.2, ran virus scans, have not added or loaded anything to the system, just too name a few.
Thing is that it use to work just fine... doesn't work now on desktop and laptop.
Need Help... really getting frustrated on finding the problem, and have no one else to turn too but you all. 
Thanks everybodyI suggest you contact their webmaster.I contacted Miller yesterday... they told me no reported problem and basically it was my problem.
She the lady from Miller that was helping me told me that her side was working just fine and she could get on the page without a hitch.
She ALSO said to delete cookies and allow cookies... still no go.Are you really 36? Have you tried a different browser?

Really I am 35 but birthday coming up 28th of March born in 75... really dont know what that has to do with anything but, yeah I have tried another browser... firefox on desktop and google chrome on laptop
I had the same thing. Maybe the Extras part of the website is busted? Maybe the lady at Miller didn't UNDERSTAND the problem.
Funny you say that.... just called Miller again, wouldnt you know I talked to the same lady as I did yesterday, Samantha.
She still says its my problem... and I DO think she understands the problem. She claims shes/Miller had no complaints for this matter and said if there was a problem with the site she would have heard about it, but I was the only COMPLAINT.
And yes... On your post before you edited it... I was putting the right format in for the DOB.
I have close to 30000 points and would like too spend them but cant.

So the problem is not on my side of things? My phone brings up the "extras" part of the site but its not moble friendly... once I get in there cant slide aroundHave you tried logging on with a different browser?Yes... see above post
firefox and google chrome Quote

I go to the extra link on the left side of page and brings up another age verification page, this is where the problem starts... the site boots me back to the home page.

She claims shes/Miller had no complaints for this matter and said if there was a problem with the site she would have heard about it, but I was the only complaint.

My second hand Canon ixus 30 camera (non plug and play) is not recognised after re-boot of my computer running Win XP.  I have installed the manufacturers software
I have WENT through the DEVICE MANAGER  Add New Hardware routine but my camera is not included in the list

ThanksThat camera is also know as the PowerShot SD200; http://www.digicamreview.co.uk/canon_digital_ixus_30_review.htm
Install the latest drivers & software:  http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_sd_series/powershot_sd200#DriversAndSoftware

Okay. I am running Windows ME edition on a Dell computer, and it seems as though it is clicking on its own. Its going slower than normal, if i use a messenger program it will switch between al the different windows so it makes it impossible ot talk to more than one person at once or have my buddy list open a long with a message box.

Also if i right click on something hte menu doesnt stay up and it dissapears quickly, same for the menus if i click on file or EDIT. It is also beeping  CONSTANTLY and making that noise when you click on something that doesnt work. It is not the mouse as I have changed mice and it is not the mouse port because the beeping doesn not stop when I have no mouse in the computer. It is also not the key board as the clicking continues when I take the keyboard out of the port.

I have run TWO different spyware programs numerous times including Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Xoftspy. Sometimes the computer is fine but then it starts doing it again if it gets turned on and started again.
NOrton antivirus wont even work. NIce piece of **** that I wasted my money on. Both spyware programs run completely and say they delete things but it doesnt work. I also have EZ firewall.

What is going on?Looks LIKE crudware of some sort. Have you tried running your anti-spyware/adware programs in Safe Mode?
aerocrystal......  "NOrton antivirus wont even work. NIce piece of **** that I wasted my money on."  
Many of todays trojans...will attach Norton and shut it down.....
It's not that theres anything wrong with Norton , but rather your pc may well be infected with some very smart and dangerous pests........

Here's what I would suggest......first reboot into safe mode and then try and enable Norton .....if sucessful run a full scan with it ....
Then run you Ad-Aware again still in safe mode .   If that fails to do anything , go back to normal mode and D/L  hijackthis.......... from http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html   get Version 1.99.1  then run a scan save it to your desktop and then post it here ......we may be able to home in on what the problem is .......


dl65  

disable system restore FEATURE........or scan in safe mode....if its windows messenger 6/7.........its full of spyware/scumware........check it out......trillian is a better option.......Yes trillion is admittadly cool, however if you are an EULA freak like myself you'll note that you cant use it by the terms in both YIM and MSN messanger (not sure about AIM) . Quote

however if you are an EULA freak like myself

Ok every time I start my computer (right now im on a ME) i get this message, "Your system has detected a configuration error. Please report this error to Customer Care using the phone number found in the Warranty and Support GUIDE that came with your PC. Unless corrected, this error will prevent your PC from operating properly. Turn off your PC by pressing and holding the Power button. After a few seconds your PC will automatically turn off. (Code Purple)Your system has detected a configuration error. Please report this error to Customer Care using the phone number found in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC. Unless corrected, this error will prevent your PC from operating properly. Turn off your PC by pressing and holding the Power button. After a few seconds your PC will automatically turn off. (Code Purple)Your system has detected a configuration error. Please report this error to Customer Care using the phone number found in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC. Unless corrected, this error will prevent your PC from operating properly. Turn off your PC by pressing and holding the Power button. After a few seconds your PC will automatically turn off. (Code Purple)Your system has detected a configuration error. Please report this error to Customer Care using the phone number found in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC. Unless corrected, this error will prevent your PC from operating properly. Turn off your PC by pressing and holding the Power button. After a few seconds your PC will automatically turn off. (Code Purple)" and their is no way AROUND it. It is an a350n model windows xp HOME edition. it happens every time i turn on the computerThis could be a problem with the registry. Can you use system restore to a time back before the problem? Of course you could always call Customer Care and see what they have to say.

Good luck.  Have you opened any emails lately......with extensions? run a trojan scan.//joke trojan??......try downloading spysweeper from webroot......what system is this ?it is not a virus. the computer is a a350n desktop with XP home edition as OS. the problem started when roxio go back was deleted and then the pc restarted with this error appearing. i have no clue what to do since ive heard different things. some guy on the warranty it has with circuit city said it was something that the motherboard needed to be tattoed or something... and then i heard that it needed the recovery discs and that will fix it. we ORDERED the discs already and hope it works with them and i cant call hp since it has no more warranty with them. hope you guys can help me or tell me if this might SOLVE the problem. if u need more info on teh pc tell me  If it is still under warranty you should return it. I have never heard the term tattoed...yeah i don't know anything about that but thats what i heard. i tried system restore and it doesnt work and the only thing i have left is the recovering discs which should come in today... and i can't return because the computer works its the software which is malfunctioning which they only replace hardware....so anyone have any ideas or info on this the recovery dics didnt work it said it did not support this model....

I am on a mac because my pc won't boot.

I hope someone can help.  I KNOW better than to let my hard disk get too full... but I did it!  A 66 gig HD with about 2 gigs free... and now it won't boot at all!  I get the blue screen for about 2 seconds that says unmountable boot volume.  Running Windows XP Home Edition on a Dell laptop... Inspiron 8200.  

Of course, there are several THOUSAND irreplaceable .jpg files on the thing...  I KNOW, "Stupid, stupid, stupid!"  Guilty!   Heartsick.

How much worse could it get?  It does.  On an out of town trip about 2 months ago, I had a camera and all of my most important computer CD's like Windows XP, Office, etc.   STOLEN.    I have been putting off contacting everyone and haven't gotten replacement CD's.  So, I can't use my XP CD.  I have the original Dell CD that is titled:  Operating System, Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.  But when I try to boot from it... it goes to a blank screen with a blinking cursor that never moves from there!  

I have read about getting to the DOS prompt and doing chkdsk/p and fixboot.  But i can't get to a DOS prompt.  Gotten into setup and that doesn't help.  DID run diagnostics.  got an error:
DST Short Status Test = Fail
Error Code 1000-0142
Msg: Unit 4: Drive Self Test Failed
Status Byte = 73

I also have an external drive... hasn't been used for a couple of years.  has been run on another Dell laptop, but not this one.  Would that help??? Not sure it would work to boot from.

Can anyone help me??  I will be forever grateful and will never again... famous last words, but true!.... never again have a hard drive that is not regularly backed up.    I've been up all night trying EVERYTHING!  Will sleep not a couple of hours and be back to check the forum before i have to leave for a lunch date.  

Thanks!      Angie
See this article. 

Yes, I know that routine... that's why I wrote that I have the info to do that.  However, I wanted to know if there was anything I could do without the XP CD.  I did check your site first for answers.

I can NOT boot from my Dell Reinstallation CD.  It seems i will have to borrow another XP CD or wait for a replacement CD from MS.

I also can't get to the recovery panel without the XP CD.  Is there any other way ... without the CD???

I have the cable to connect my laptop to another PC... peer-to-peer.   Don't remember the process to go through to do that, but I could find it online, I'm sure.  However, doesn't my laptop have to be able to BOOT to use that method?  Is there ANY WAY ON THE PLANET TO RECOVER the thousands of .jpg files on the drive unless i solve the boot problem?

Thanks again...  I'm 54 years old, ADHD and sleep deprived.  Sound typical for a computer nut, huh?  The point is my little brain is in overload.  Trying not to clutter up your board with stupid questions... but I'm sure these qualify.

Regards,
Angie

Contact the manufacturer (Technical support division, preferably) of your Laptop and RELAY to them the error code you have received.

If you have a Desktop, you should look into obtaining 2.5" to 3.5" conversion kits so that you can mount the Laptop Hard Disk Drive as a slave and retrieve data. However, first contact technical support.
Thank you soooo very much.  Yes, I will do that... it's a Dell Inspiron 8200.

You don't know how much I appreciate this forum... and your response.  i've read a LOT of yours here.  I will do both ... in that order.  I'm going to assume that since you didn't mention it, that it will do no good to try to connect it via cable to another PC.

Off to meet our out-of-town lunch guests; will still check back here when I return in case anyone comes up with some magic dust for me.

Hats off to you, Raptor...
Angie
:-/ Quote

that it will do no good to try to connect it via cable to another PC

1. Replace the 40-wire cable with an 80-wire UDMA cable.
2. In the BIOS settings for your computer, load the 'Fail-Safe' default settings, and then reactivate the most frequently used options such as USB Support.

Try using bootable CD from sysinternals ERD Commander. Winternals also makes these bootable CD that will allow to examine the entire disk and still copy data to a CD burner etc. You basicly will have a stripped down version Windows XP on a CD.

Booting of your Standard XP cd, you could select the console tools. Try rebuilding your BOOT records, reset your active boot partition etc. You could also schedule chkdsk to run on next boot etc.

WELL, SINCE I HAVE NO XP CD, I can't get into the BIOS settings... and it sounds like to change cables, I'd have to go through Dell.  

Hi
I have just recently installed service pack 2 on my XP Home addition, I have been running service pack 1 for along time because i heard there was problems with the 2 pack. Anyways because of security i took the plunge and installed pack 2, This wasnt from a clean xp install, as i have to much on my computer that i dont want to lose. But since i have installed this, I am constantly getting diffrent messages pop up saying this exe or this program needs to access the internet or UPGRADE do you want allow this program to access the internet, it says this may be because you have recently upgraded. Its been like 2 weeks now and i am still getting the odd message pop up, is this right that this should be happening, Somtimes i dont understand what it is TRYING to upgrade, so i say no dont allow, But Should i allow these programs or what ever it is that it is constantly asking to upgrade,  now IM totally lost as to know what to do. Quote

I have been running service pack 1 for along time because i heard there was problems with the 2 pack

am constantly getting diffrent messages pop up saying this exe or this program needs to access the internet or upgrade do you want allow this program to access the internet, it says this may be because you have recently upgraded

Yes Windows firewall is enabled and i also use another one wich is enabled, but im not sure if to allow these pop ups access to the internet. How do i know if its safe to allow it, could it be an intruder.

Please could someone please help me with my problem.

I have a Toshiba Equium A100-147 and using Window XP MEDIA Centre Addition, Version 2002.
When switching on my laptop it goes straight to the safe mode selection screen, I have tried to start it using all modes and nothing WORKS, once a mode is selected a blue screen flashes for half a second, then goes to Windows XP loading, then to Toshiba loading page and then goes straight back to the mode selection screen. Is there anyway to fix this or is it a case that I have to wipe my computer with the recovery disc, which I hope is not the case as I have a lot of personal photos and important documents on there which will OBVIOUSLY be lost. I have not downloaded anything for the past COUPLE of days and it was working fine this MORNING.  Any help in this matter would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Kayleigh
At the mode selection screen choose disable automatic restarts on system failure. This will allow you to see the blue screen error message. Post back with the entire message.

We have installed a fax modem to our computer at work. We have typically have no trouble receiving or sending faxes. However, occasionally we will not receive a fax that the person says went through. When we switch the line back to the standard fax machine, it comes through fine. My boss wants to just keep it on the fax machine to avoid the problem. However, I feel like that would be taking a step in the wrong direction because the fax modem is so convenient. Does anyone have any suggestions or explanations?Has anyone checked with the "sender" of one or more of the faxes that do NOT come through to see what kind of a message they are getting at the conclusion of their "send"? If they are getting an indication that it was sent/received OK then you cannot continue to use the fax modem as obviously that would have adverse business consequences. If they are getting some sort of a "FAILURE" message that is a frustration for them but if should prompt further action on their part. This can be (from my own experience ) a problem involving the SENDERS ISP which can be corrected by them.  However ALSO from my own experience the fix may not last and will have to be repeated (by them).This suggestion is obviously based on the assumption that the fauly faxes are being generated via a computer based method or alternatively via a dial in long distance phone system. As an example of the latter where the sender subscribes to a system where they must dial into a phone company before accessing a call to a specific phone/fax number. Many long distance phone plans involve this type of connection.truenorthSupposedly they are saying that it says it went through on the other end. Sometimes we get one page & sometimes we don't get any. I had read somewhere that sometimes the OLDER fax machines could transmit the fax fast enough for the computer modems so it disconnects the fax. I am wondering if that is the case because it seems like the ones that come from businesses come through fine, but the ones that come from individuals are the ones that we have problems with. Do you think if I put a splitter on the fax line to where both the fax machine & the modem are plugged in that it would be "smart enough" to send it there if it won't come over on the computer line? Otherwise we may just have to have 2 incoming fax numbers. I just hate to do that because all of our business cards & letterhead have our fax number. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for the prior input. Yes the aspect of the problem being from a private sender (probably on an older device is exactly what can be at the root of the issue --or a routing issue with their communications provider). I doubt that installing a "splitter" will solve it as i don't think the problem is at your end. It will likely be at their end. I would reccommend a 2 line system except how are  you going to determine which number to advise them to use? Unless you know who is consistently having the problem ( a regular correspondent) as opposed to an unknown sender. You might want to have a chat with your ISP (for the computer based faxes) and see if you can set up a test of a send from a known sender that has the issue and have them monitor the transmission and have the sender's provider do the same. I have solved the issue (often temporarily ) by doing exactly that procedure. truenorthThey could be lying....just sayin.Always a possibility i suppose. But i have had exactly this same problem myself (i access my sending of faxes via a remote phone connection from an older multi function machine) and through INTERACTION with the recipient and my providers we determined that routing via the providers was at the basis of the problem. I received the indication of fax sent OK at end of transmission but it was NOT received. Sometimes the fix (done by my provider )stuck and sometimes it did only for a while and needed to be done again. truenorth

Well it does and it doesn't. But it won't go into setup. Was working on parent's computer trying to REFORMAT and start fresh. Done it many times. They had System Commander software installed which I'm not familiar with. It kept popping up and wouldn't allow me to go into bios. So I used a WD floppy and wiped drive.

Checked cd to start FIRST, popped in cd and although computer said BOOTABLE cd in drive, it game me Missing Operating System error. Well thats a new one, never saw that before. No matter what I did I cannot seem to get the thing to see XP cd and go into setup. There are two drives present, one a WD ATA and the other a Maxtor Sata. The Maxtor is the larger and the one I'd like to use as primary. I have the WD set as slave.


Any ideas?Either you are not booting to the cd or the cd is not a bootable, original, retail OS cd.

Hey GUYS I have a question about these processes. I will copy and paste my hijack log. Also my when I'm on the internet my computer locks up i'm using internet explorer 7 a few times i've had to do a hard shutdown cause I could not get out of it. ThanksLogfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 9:11:00 AM, on 4/10/2011
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.17095)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\OAcat.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oasrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Nero\Update\NASvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast5\avastUI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\OAhlp.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oaui.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\update\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HiJackThis.exe
I deleted your log - it does not belong here. Meanwhile, you said you have a question but I don't see one. What is your question?sorry anyways my cpu is at almost a constant 100% i'm just wondering what it could be since I've checked everything out in fact it's running at 100 right now as I type this. I know that it should not be running at 100% right now at all. I'm running ie 7 without any add ons Download Process Explorer: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
Unzip ProcessExplorer.zip, and double click on procexp.exe to run the program.
Click on View > Select Colunms.
In addition to already pre-selected options, make sure, the Command Line is selected, and press OK.
Go File>Save As, and save the report as Procexp.txt.
Attach the file to your next reply.here ya go Broni. I like this it's pretty cool it's better than windows task manager

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by ADMIN]Two main CPU hogs, in your case are:
- System - 37.50%
- jqs.exe - 43.75%

We can quickly eliminate the second one, but the 1st one means some problems, possibly hardware, or some infection.

Let's fix the 2ND culprit first....

To DISABLE the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter.

Restart computer.
Post fresh PE log.Hi Broni sorry I didn't get back to you quicker  but I did what you told me to do and here's a new log for you.

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]It looks perfectly fine now.
System Idle Process (CPU NOT used) is listed at 98.44%
How is computer doing?it's doing really good now I also found another culprit real player and I uninstalled that and so far so good I also found out that windows defender KEPT scanning itself or something and I disabled that also. so now everything is working fine thanks:)Good going

I have a used gateway, with windows XP, 50 gig, 254 MB RAM. other than itunes there is not SOFTWARE on the computer.
When I turn it on, it runs slow, I see the HDD active with nothing running.  anything I try to RUN takes about 3 min to start.
XP home edition 2002, svs pack 3, 1.40GHz

I also get virtual memory minimum to low, is that correctable by software or hardware?

Would it help to restore to factory defaults? If so, how do I do that and keep the drivers for the DVD R/W, and any important files.
I bought this used and do not have any original software.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

GaryAdd more RAM, 256MB is just just not ENOUGH ANYMORE.

I WRONGLY adding Non-ECC RAM to a motherboard that does not
support it. The system will no longer REBOOT. After removing
the wrong RAM the BOIS does see the OLD RAM, but it will not
boot now. What does show up is the blue screen, but only for
an instant then will go to the SAFE mode screen. It makes no
difference what is selected the computer just attempts to
reboot again.
If I replace the HDD with an older one that was used in this
computer, it boot up fine.
It seems that the wrong RAM corrupted something on the HDD?
How can I fix this?

Regards,
Tom
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

My Sony VAIO, running on Windows XP, is running very, very slowly, with lots of trouble with internet browsing.  I noticed in Windows Task Manager a process called "System" that is using a lot of memory.  See attached screenshot.  Is this normal?


[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]That is rather high. Personally I think AVG Antivirus may be the culprit... Try disabling it for a short while and if the System memory use goes down try uninstalling it and installing Kapersky instead.

Well, if you want to check to see if AVG is the culprit (not sure why it WOULD be, but okay), there's no need to buy Kaspersky (though it is my favorite). You can try AVAST or AVIRA instead - both are free and, in my OPINION, better than AVG.I did see a lot of reports about high System memory usage being caused by AVG. You are right about Kapersky. I got a free license once in a promotion. Windows Security Essentials is free if you can pass WGA.

My machine, which is about 7 years old: XP Home, SP3; Pentium 4, 2.60 GHz; 1 GB RAM; I think it's a 100GB HD. 

When new, a friend encouraged me to partition the drive so my HD could search faster.  I did.  We put in, "drives, C, D, (Apps), E, (Images), F, (Games), and G, (Swap).  C drive's capacity is 7.80 GB.

Over the years I've tried to always put new programs into a drive other then C.  I've done pretty well there.

However, there have been a great many MSoft updates, etc., and for the past few weeks I occasional get a pop-up that says I'm running out of disk space.  I've moved all I can off of C drive now...even including Adobe Reader, (which I can't seem to download onto anything but C drive). 

This morning when I TURNED this machine on I checked and I have 217MB of space available on C drive.

I've searched this forum first to try to understand partitions, but find it confusing.  I understand I can completely reload Windows XP and begin again but find that a bit scary.

Questions:  how much space can years of MS updates, etc., soak up in my 7.80GB C drive?  Because I just have pretty basic stuff in my C drive.  (Scanner, printer, odds and ends).

Could some large program be in my C drive that I cannot find/identify? 

I'd like to scrutinize my C drive to see if I've dumbly missed something using up memory before I try a re-load.

I'm not sure where to go with this?  Ideas?

Thank you,
DennisI don't believe the cumulative effect of MS updates is a substantial factor here.  And, anyway, they are needed, so let's move on to other factors.

How did you do the partitioning that you described?  Do you have partitioning software installed? 

Not making C larger when you did the partitioning was a mistake but that's water over the *censored* now.   Do you still have any apps installed on C that you could uninstall and reinstall on D? 

Is my My Documents folder on C?  How large is it?  If it's still on C, it could be moved to a different partition.  But, I believe you are truly in need of EXPANSION of C.  If you have no partitioning program installed, here's a good freeware option: http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htmThank you.  My Documents is, indeed, on C, but only consumes 237MB.  When I partitioned the drive on this machine, it was when it was new and I merely followed my friend's instructions.  (I'd ask him, but he was killed in a vehicle accident a little while afterward)  I am certain I have no partitioning software or program here. 

How do I move My Doc's to another partition?

The best thing I heard you say is that the MS updates, etc., should not be the main problem.  I, myself, cannot see why MS would consume the majority of my 7.80GB C drive.   I wonder if I can, "copy," the add/remove text that shows what I have in C and paste it here on the forum?  On the other hand, I don't trust that entire text really shows in itself where the programs are located.

On to the, "partition-tool," free-ware you suggested, is that something I should download right now, (to a drive different than, "C,") ??  And CAN I enlarge C drive without reloading XP?

Yes, not making C drive larger was a huge mistake, but we both were TRYING our best at the time with the only knowledge we had at the time. 

While I'm not a computer guru, I do have safeguards installed, seldom download anything just for kicks, I do de-frags, cleanups, etc.  I try to do my homework and am very careful about my computer as far as my knowledge is capable of.

Dennis

Sorry to hear about your friend...

Post a screenshot of Disk Management and we'll have a looksee...I partition about the same way (my C-Drive is OS & Apps, D-Drive is Data, E is Downloads, F is Swap):  8GB for WinXP is about right, so you would want at least a 10GB partition.  Look under the C:\Windows directory.  All the entries with "$" are update backups which can delete.  System Restore will take up a lot of space too.  Turn it off & it will be deleted & reformed when you turn it back on.  In order to tell Windows your Docs are located in a different place, use TweakUI, free from Microsoft.

Partition Tool will do just fine for you.Commando:
I turned off system restore, restarted computer, then un-checked sysresote to reactivate it.  I gained me about 100MB
You said look under C:\windows directory.  Uncertain, I clicked start, explore and looked at what was under C drive and the little boxes with + or -.  I see my AVG has a $ sign, which might be surplus as I thought I had loaded that into D drive.  But I see NO other $ signs.  So you are saying I can delect anything with the $ sign because it is redundant?  Maybe I'll try deleting AVG and see if I loose it or what happens. 

Patio:  How do I take a screen shot of Disk Management???  I found DM, but don't know what to do with it.  It does list all drives as, "healthy."  C drive is 3% free space; Drive F is 93% free out of a total of 46.87 in F.

I am encouraged by the comments from all of you, I just need to learn more and how to implement a course of action.

Dennis

Quote from: DennisT on APRIL 10, 2011, 02:10:08 PM

...I turned off system restore, restarted computer, then un-checked sysresote to reactivate it.  I gained me about 100MB
You said look under C:\windows directory.  Uncertain, I clicked start, explore and looked at what was under C drive and the little boxes with + or -.  I see my AVG has a $ sign, which might be surplus as I thought I had loaded that into D drive.  But I see NO other $ signs.  So you are saying I can delect anything with the $ sign because it is redundant?  Maybe I'll try deleting AVG and see if I loose it or what happens. 
...

How do I move My Doc's to another partition?

I expect to download your, "Partition Tool," wherever I find it, ...

... and see what that looks like.  Perhaps it's self-explanatory. 

l keep getting the ERROR message

The ordinal could not be LOCATED in the dynamic link library PX.dll.

I can someone please HELP me?
I need these programs in order to burn CD's
Ciara......Which burning software are you USING ..........perhaps you should remove it and then reinstall it .   Are you using MASTER cd creator by any chance ?

dl65

I am trying to set up a Dell All-In-One Printer/Fax/Scanner.  To install and configure the fax console, the instructions say to click the Fax Services box in the Add/Remove windows components area.  When I get to this point, I am instructed to insert the Windows XP PROFESSIONAL CD-Rom.  However windows came pre-loaded on my computer and I do not have the CD-Rom.  What do I do next?do you have any disks for the fax/scanner...........load that first.........then plug in the .........................fax/scanner......

you will be needed this next i guess>>http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q306657


and theris the dell robot manager>>http://support.ap.dell.com/apjsite/KB/index.aspx       after sales service grab the cash and RUN!patricia boyle.....Hopefully this is a new ( or still under waranty )  I would be calling Dell ........... It's up to then to support their STUFF.........  You should have a phone number for their "TECH" support ......Call them and DEMAND SERVICE .......then be patient ........regardless of how long they have you on hold ........ When you get hold of them ....ask them which disk .......Your XP Pro is on .......
BTW .... Isn't your all in one ......supposed to function as a stand alone fax machine ............ that means it doesn't require the pc even be connected to it ........you just plug in the telephone line and then push dial and enter the number and it should dial ....connect and send......if you wish to setup the printer and or the scanner it must be connected to the pc ...........

What is the model number of the all in one ?

dl65  



If you are lucky, the Dell tech will come to this forum to ask for an answer. Saves time and money.  Chances RATHER large that this will happen.

Hello and thank you for looking at my thread today.

The recent passing of my father left me in charge of the arrangements.

I have been going through HUNDREDS of photo's to make a life STORY video, using Windows Movie Maker.

My question is: Can I set the default , when opening files that are PICTURES, to thumbnails instead of the  $#%% list all the time?

It gets really TEDIOUS when I have to continually change the setting to thumbs everytime I want to import a new photo. If you have not done this already, open   the C: drive and click on  the top menu Tools-Folder Options-View  scroll down and ensure that 'Remember each folder's view settings is checked, apply and come out.

That should be all you need to do once you have  optioned for thumbnails,  but if not, there is this page from Microsoft which may help

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812003Thanks pawz for your reply.

I will give that a shot and hopefully the NEXT time I have a project like that to do it wont take so long.

Ethernet port on my XP comp still says that its not connected to the ME comp. im connected to the internet on the xp comp and trying to share to the ME comp. but cant seem to figure it out. What should i do NEXT?which is the main net user< connected via the adsl/modem router //or DIRECT CONNECTION... do you have a nic card in the winme ??..winxp.......go to the network wizard setup>>>The Comp with xp is the main net user. i know to run a network wizard on that and create a DISK. But the thing is that i have the wrong ethernet cable.im using a rj-45 but need a crossover. thanks for your help.

I am working on a laptop using Windows XP.  It STARTED in Skype because people can't hear me.  I would go to the volume button and uncheck Mute but when I went back to skype, it doesn't work and when I go back to Volume Mute is muted again.

I went to the Control Panel/Sound & Audio Devices/Audio sound recording and clicked Volume. The recording Control pops up and mic volume is checked and can't be unchecked.  I click on advance.  Advance controls for mic Volume - everything is grayed out.

I am going to europe in 2 weeks and need to be able to use skype when I get there.  Help!Reinstall sound driver and let's try update sound product driver of your laptop in case fix any error sound.
I do not know how to re-install it?I pulled the disk that came with my laptop (Toshiba) and selected RealTime.  I re-installed it but everytime I go to Skype it mutes the mic.  When I go to the Control Panel the same problems are happening.I found this on the web. It may not help but worth a try.

They also say that skype mutes the windows mic because you would hear an ehco.



SKYPE-->Tools-->Options-->Sound Devices-->(untick) Enable Automating Sound Device Adjustment Settings-->Save
(You need to quit SKYPE first before you continue below):
After downloading and installing you may try toggling AGC via the config.xml file found in:
To find Config .xml copy and paste:
%AppData%SkypeSkype logon name in the address bar of Windows Explorer or IE and it will display all files, REGARDLESS of whether they’re hidden or not
Find one entry in the and one in

1
And

1
* To turn off AGC, set both values to 0. If the entries are missing in the file, add them). Save and close the file once done. Make sure you don't have Skype running while making any changes to config.xml (important!). When AGC is turned off you can also make changes to the microphone volume value (decreasing it may improve sound quality for the RECEIVER e.g. reduce noise and increasing it will make you more audible). AGC by itself is a feature that controls volume automatically based on conditions and is activated by default because in most conditions it provides the best sound quality.
Now you need to check your Shared.xml file
copy and paste: %AppData%Skype in the address bar of Windows Explorer and it will display all files, regardless of whether they’re hidden or not.
In You need to insert 0 (see below)

0 <----------ADD this line and set to zero
MicVolume>255

255 is max volume and 0 = low. Range is 0 (off) to 255 (maxim)
255 COULD be much too high, so please reduce if necessary
If the volume is too high, the sound will be distorted and clipped
set for best audio quality, use echo123
Attention: MS sound recorder will NOT do this job
Save
Restart Skype

i'm no EXPERT, but where are you TRYING to save the music from?
Can I have the ISSUE  

[glb]FLAME[/glb]he must have removed it, it was there before Bullseye

I just come back from our anniversary trip with my wife. However, I discover that I lost my small bag, which contained a SD card and a usb external flash drive of the recorded video. I think I've left the bag in the bus.

In the trip, I DIRECTLY "CUT and PASTE" our video files from the SD Card to the USB exteral flash drive WITHOUT SAVING the files into my portable computer (Window XP) (because of not enough space over internal harddisc).

Now, I have the following question.

1. Was it possible that during the process of "Cut and Paste" from SD card to USB exteranl flash drive, there were some video files left behind in my portable computer, so I can recover them now?

2. By means of the USB exteral flash drive, we watched the video through Quicktime in the hotel. Was it possible that Quicktime has cached the video files somewhere in the computer so I can recover them now?

Grateful for your help

1.  Cut & Paste -- No; Copy & Paste -- Yes
2.  No, unless viewed through browser which does cache files.

I am using Windows XP. When I want to make my computer restart or standby it will not do so. it will HANG at blue screen TELLING computer is going to restart/stand by. Please help.Now I also cannot start Windows. It gets stuck up Windows XP screen. SOMETIMES when it starts it will hang up.What is new or different since the last time EVERYTHING worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, VIRUS, error, etc)?

Hey guys I want to install win xp home on a p3 600megahertz computer with 128mb of ram all I want to do with it is use it as a nas storage so I can access it on the network if I need too. Thanks I think I can but I'm just wondering what your opinon would be never mind sorry I installed xp home and it seems to work really well I also installed avast antivirus too and it didn't slow it down hardly at all that's the only thing i'm going to install on it for right now. Windows XP works good on older machines...
until you start installing a LOT of STUFF you don't need.I agree but really the only thing I'm using it for is to backup important files I'm also shocked that it would work on it with only 128mb of ram The MINIMUM hardware requirements for Windows XP Professional include:
    * Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
    * At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
    * At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
    * CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
    * Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
    * Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
    * SOUND card
    * Speakers or HEADPHONES
------------------------------------------------
Above taken from Microsoft.
What is missing from the above is the personal needs of the system installer person.
A recommend list is:
1.)  One medium Pizza with extra cheese.
2.)  Two large bottles of Coca Cola.
Of course, you needs may vary.