Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

Hello
I have received this message a few times today.
I recently installed Avira but havent used the pc much since.
I can use the pc in safe mode .
I have run ccleaner and rebooted. when the DESKTOP finally loads the BSOD occurs again.
If you can help I would be greatful.
PC RUNNING fine in safe mode with networking

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]You can perform a Windows XP repair installation which might fix this.

 Also if you have any unnecessary USB devices connected you can try to boot the system up without those connected. I have such a device a USB video capture box that I use for playing video game systems through my PC's display as well as recording game play content and on my one computer if I forget to disconnect the USB cable from this system, and shut down. The next time I go to boot my computer I get a BSOD with Windows XP Pro SP3. Until I unplug this USB video capture device the system will continue to  bootloop with BSOD kernel crash and memory dump over and over again. If I plug it in after Windows is already to desktop it mounts with no problems and functions flawlessly.

A repair of the Windows install is your best bet for a problem like this, especially since its behaving in safemode with network enabled etc. Just wanted to mention the USB device nightmare that I have in case you have a USB device that is causing a similar issue at boot with XP. The video capture device I have is for Vista/7/8 and it might be why XP crashes on it at boot. The software surprisingly installed to XP, but the manufacturer may have at the last moment pulled the XP hardware cert from it and thats why the drivers install but its not LISTED as supported in my situation.1) Ccleaner does nothing useful - at least not to address problems.

2) download BlueScreenView:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html
unzip downloaded file and double CLICK on BlueScreenView.exe to run the program.
when scanning is done, go to EDIT - Select All
Go to FILE - SAVE Selected Items, and save the report as BSOD.txt
Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, COPY all of the content, and paste it into your next reply

My PATH variable looks terrible. Gots things in it that I have little idea where they came from . Looks like HP did it when I installed the 6550 which no longer works on my network, so I am going to remove all that ##$ software that nags me to buy more ink. NO! I am beck to USING the old printer, that runs forever on cheap ink!

Meanwhile, is the a program or tool that will verify that my PATH is the way is should be?Geek: is the a program or tool that will verify that my PATH is the way is should be?

Doubt it, everyone's Path could be different.  Mine is:

c:\windows\;c:\windows\SYSTEM32;c:\;c:\bat;C:\Program Files\Support Tools\;c:\cmdutils\


Your Path has to be set as you want it.Thank you. I was hoping there was a thing that would clean up the path and remove duplicates or dead directories.

Anyhow, I just removed anything the said HP in it. The printer doesn't work anymore anyhow. So far the system works OK.

BTW,  I got a e-mail for people that bought HP printers recently. Something about a class action lawsuit. Can I sue them for messing with my PATH? Like mental anguish?Geek: Can I sue them for messing with my PATH? Like mental anguish?

Sure thing, probably cost you $100,000 to possibly win $50,000.  Ever heard of a class action by the little guys against a big guy which came out in favor of the littlies?

Keep us informed - might take ten or so years to get before a judge. Quote

a thing that would clean up the path and remove duplicates or dead directories

An application cannot be made to "monitor" for changes to environment variables, because they are inherited per-process and each application can have a different set. When you write an application for monitoring changes to a environment variable, you are really just monitoring wether that programs' copy of the variable changes.

For example- open two command prompts. Type Set path=C:\ in one of them. use the path command in the other. Note that the output is no different.

Could be just to get updates I suppose

What are the SECURITY implications of having a variety of client platforms, such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and VARIOUS server products in a single environment?
What are the attack surfaces and their effects on these platforms? Which METHODS address such ATTACKS? 
Is this your homework?
Sorry, we can't help with homework.

I just recently cleaned a friend's computer which had over 1500 infections but it was still running slowly. I tried SFC /scannow and it immediately asked for the WINDOWS XP Professional SP3 disk. The strange thing is that there is Windows XP Home Edition on the computer and also he has the original disk which is Home Edition. The OEM tag on the computer is also for Home Edition. When I insert the CD it tells em that it is not the correct disk. Is there any reason why I'm getting this message? He has all the original DISKS that came with the computer.Dave, did you do this?
Open any folder in Windows Explorer.  Find the help Tabb and click on 'about windows'. It wile show a logo with the name of the XP version and build date.


[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]This is a weird computer. There is no Windows Explorer or IE. I can get that same information by right-clicking My Computer, Properties and it states that Windows XP Home Edition.The Home Edition disc likely doesn't have the service packs...
I run into this all the time...the workarounds are labor intensive.
What exactly does it say on the Win CD ? ?The computer is a Dell and the disk is a Dell disk CALLED Reinstallation CD MS Windows XP Home Edition.On Dell's i have had success wiping the HDD 1ST then re-installing...
However if the disc is from a different Dell PC this may not work.
If it does not all you need is an XP disc of the same flavor and it'll accept a clean install that way...I'm sure that the disk is the original from Dell because he also gave me all the other disks that came with the computer. What I can't understand that when I do a SFC /scannow it asks for the Windows XP professional disk with SP3.It's because the CD likely doesn't have SP3 on it...which is why i asked what it said...
Your only choice is A) find a CD that is XP Home with SP3...unlikely...or B) Slipstream SP 3 into the current disc you have and build a new one...

See Here...Thanks, Patio. I'm going to try to create a new disk if only for the experience.Best of Luck Dave...
It's an annoyance in XP that only surfaced after SP3...even an original factory restore CD...or an MS CD would not work if the SP's came later...PITA...The only version I found of SP3 is a self-extracting one and I can't get it extract. Any idea where I can get a good version? Quote from: SuperDave on April 10, 2015, 04:12:02 PM

The only version I found of SP3 is a self-extracting one and I can't get it extract. Any idea where I can get a good version?

Hi there,

My MOTHER cannot see her laptop screen as after windows logo it goes black (you can hear windows xp sound when it goes on) so pc works. The problem is that I am abroad and she don't have no-one who could help her, only me. Most of the tasks I DONE remotely using 'TEAMVIEWER' as we know if the screen is black she cannot see the password, so I can't access it.

Is there any way how to activate remote control for teamviewer or any other way? also my dad has his own laptop so perhaps there is a way how to connect his laptop screen to my mothers pc ?

My mothers pc has windows xp and my dads pc - windows 8.1

I BELIEVE the drivers are faulty isn't ?
problem is that she or someone around don't have any TV or external screen at all.. I have heard that it might be a laptop inverter problem.. but how to check if that it's the issue?

she has Emachines E525 laptop.

Today I told her to try safe mode, but still it's same screen goes off after couple sec.You need to read the manual for the Emachines e525 laptop.
There should be a hokey that turns on the laptop screen.

dell optiplex gx280.  I did a reinstall of windows xp.  I got a 0x8E error, but I was able to get rid of that error by removing a RAM stick which I had found to be faulty.  Now windows XP is reinstalled, but for some reason I cant install the divers, well not all of them.  The main drivers that I downloaded were network, audio and video.  I habe installed the audio driver, but the bideo driver install and the network driver installs hang up on the installation screen and never finish the install.  Also i noticed that when I click on my computer I get the proper window that I should get but when I click on control panel, the computer just sits there, not frozen cause i can still move the mouse.

Why is this happening?  There is 1GB ram in the computer
It needs all the Dell drivers installed....use your Service TAG # for the proper ones...
If it's hanging on installing then try it in safemode....
Other than that it may be a failing HDD...

Where is this XP from BTW ? ?its a windows xp disk from a different xp machine I have which i no longer use as its not working.  I figured since XP support ended quite a while ago Id be okay using a disk from one machine on another, right? 

On my other computers, I normally installed only the network driver first and then that allowed the computer to connect to the internet and let me update the other drivers, seemed to work till now. 

Booting into safe mode, how will that help?  Also how do I find the Service tag number through the softwareThe Service Tag # is on the Dell case......and in the BIOS Quote from: Geek-9pm on April 11, 2015, 03:20:14 PM

...and in the BIOS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.M.A.R.T.
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology; often written as SMART) is a monitoring system included in computer hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs)[1] that detects and reports on various indicators of drive reliability, with the intent of enabling the anticipation of hardware failures.
When S.M.A.R.T. data INDICATES a possible imminent drive failure, software running on the host system may NOTIFY the user so stored data can be copied to another storage device, preventing data loss, and the failing drive can be replaced.

A field study at Google covering over 100,000 drives during a nine-month period found correlations between certain SMART information and actual failure rates. In the 60 days following the first uncorrectable error on a drive (SMART attribute 0xC6 or 198) detected as a result of an offline scan, the drive was, on average, 39 times more likely to fail than a similar drive for which no such error occurred. First errors in reallocations, offline reallocations (SMART attributes 0xC4 and 0x05 or 196 and 5) and probational counts (SMART attribute 0xC5 or 197) were also strongly correlated to higher probabilities of failure. Conversely, little correlation was found for increased temperature and no correlation for usage level. However, the research showed that a large proportion (56%) of the failed drives failed without recording any count in the "four strong S.M.A.R.T. warnings" identified as scan errors, reallocation count, offline reallocation and probational count. Further, 36% of drives failed without recording any S.M.A.R.T. error at all, except the temperature, meaning that S.M.A.R.T. data alone was of limited usefulness in anticipating failures.[3]

How to Disable Computer MANAGEMENT MMC Snap-in-Users/LocalGroupsproblem SOLVED, thanks anyway

System : Windows XP SP2. Toshiba external HDD, not sure what model it is, but its a 40 gb one.

Okay i have no idea *censored* is going on. I just got my laptop back, clean install of windows. I attach my external hard disk so i can move my stuff back.......and i get this :



I used to have the external hard disk attached to the exact same USB port with no problems.....why the *censored* isw it giving me this power surge error now?

If i unplug it like it says, it will BLUE screen on me o.O. And it still doesnt work if i replug it.

If i start up windows with it unplugged, and then plug it into that USB port, it will instantly blue screen. The blue screen says something about plug and play detecting a faulty driver.

I have 3 unused USB ports on this laptop. One is currently being used by my mouse. One is giving me the ppower surge thing. And one is giving me some weird issues where i cant move any of the files from the external hard disk, the file transfer window pops up, then it freezes......after a very long time(10-15 mins) an error message says that it cant move the file to the destination because the path is too deep. Whatever the *censored* that means.

Switched my mouse and the external HDD around. Same thing, freeze during a file transfer and gives the "path is too deep" message.

I tried the external HDD with my 2nd laptop. I SEEM to be able to transfers file from the external HDD to that laptop's HDD...

Event log also keeps showing this : An error was detected on device \Device\Harddisk1\D during a paging operation.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

Summary :

1 USB port is giving power surge messages if i plug in the external HDD BEFORE windows is running, and instantly blue screens if i plug it in while windows is running

2 do not blue screen, but freezes during file transfers for a long time then gives the "path is too deep" message.

Are you using an 80 conductor IDE cable?

Have you ran the software from the hard
drive manufacturer to test your hard drive?Im not sure what a 80 IDE cable is or how to check. Im only having this problem after i got my laptop back from servicing......before this ive used it for several months with no issues, so this is rather of a surprise.

AFAIK there is no diagnostic tool from toshiba.....i did run a chkdsk on the external HDD but it says no problems found.I OVERLOOKED the laptop part..I must sit in the corner for 30 minutes
timeout.

There is a plug available with 2 USB plugs at one end and the one
that goes to the external drive at the other end to let you use dual
USB power support form two USB outlets.

I don't know if this is the exact one but,maybe you have a Radio Shack
 ETC..Where you can find the cable.See expanded ugly link below.

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?zipCode=31326&jspStoreDir=Staples&catalogId=10051&errorUrl=zipcode&cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-Shopping-_-Technology%3ECables%2C_Hubs%2C_Connectors_&ts=1166010867798&langId=-1&partNumber=IM1666941&storeId=10001&ddkey=StaplesZipCodeAddThe link askes me for a zipcode o.O.

The cable is this kind : There is a fat USB connector on one end that goes to the external hard disk. On the other end, there are 2 USB connectors, one has a long cable, one has a short cable. The short cable one does absolutely nothing if i connect it to the laptop......the laptop doesnt even recognize that i have the external HDD plugged in. Only the USB connector with the long cable works.

The external HDD i have is a TOSHIBA MK4032GAThe short cable does absolutely nothing.Is it for an external power source?

It appears you laptop isn't providing enough power to the external USB
device( drive ).

The link I provided....When you type in your zip CODE it shows the item,
that is all.

I was only pointing out that if your laptop had two USB outlets and you
had a dual source plug on the laptop end it may provide enough power.

The picture was only intended to lead you to an idea to dual power your
external hard drive.To my knowledge, no external power source is needed. Ive never needed one, and i cant see how coem my laptop suddenly isnt CAPABLE of providing power when it could previously o.O.I ran the seagate test.

SeaTools Online Complete Surface Scan
Started at 8:06:08 PM on 11/13/2006.

SCANNING drive: Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller - 24CD : TOSHIBA MK4032GA USB Device
Serial Number:      
Capacity:            40.01 GB
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42547204.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42547786.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42548368.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42548950.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42714478.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42715060.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42715642.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 42722552.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43673798.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43675052.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43675634.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43732676.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43733258.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43733840.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43734422.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43735004.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43735586.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43736840.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43737422.
 - An error was encountered reading sector 43738004.
Errors were found during the scan.

SeaTools has stopped scanning drive TOSHIBA MK4032GA USB Device because at least 20 sectors on the drive are unreadable.  As a precaution against data loss, it is strongly suggested that you back up any important data on the drive as soon as possible.

Crap. What do i do?Have you tried this external on a known working machine ? ?
If so does it do the same thing ? ?

If it does hook it up on a desktop machine as a slave and retrieve your data...I have a 2nd laptop but even if i hook it up there i wont be able to get it back to my main laptop.

Isnt there any way to fix bad sectors?

I know theres software out there that can do it, any ideas?You could try chkdsk /r...Yea, ran chkdsk......now i can move data off it, but its crazily slow o.O. Cant really complain though. Was hoping there was something better than chkdsk who could fix it properly. Quote

I know theres software out there that can do it, any ideas?

Was wondering if anyone knew of a list that shows what instruction sets / CPU features Windows XP 32-bit supports or doesnt support?

Back many years ago when I was still running Windows 2000 Pro about 11 years ago, I ran into an issue with Pentium 4 HT ( Hyperthreading CPU's ) running Win 2000 in which for some reason it only showed 1 core and no HT virtual core. The system otherwise ran completely fine, but seemed slower, but just wasnt able to take FULL advantage of the Pentium 4 3.0Ghz HT CPU's features similar to comments that people posted here with issues with 2000 Pro and HT Pentium 4's http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1002644/windows-2000-and-the-hyperthreading-nightmare.

Looking at google, I havent found a list yet, but I would have expected to find maybe a matrix that shows Windows OS's and + and - for instruction sets that are supported and not supported by OS etc. 

I was thinking about testing out Windows XP Pro SP3 on my new Sempron 3850 Kabini 1.3Ghz quadcore  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113366  to see how it runs, but this CPU being very new running an old OS, I am thinking that Windows XP might only use some but not all instruction sets maybe. 





Instruction Sets are not necessary CPU features. For example, Hyperthreading is not part of any instruction set, but is rather a CPU feature which allows a single core with two execution units to be perceived to the system as if it was two cores.

All Versions of Windows 2000 would interpret a CPU with Hyperthreading as two logical cores. The issues surrounding Windows 2000 and hyper-threading are because Windows 2000 didn't know that it was actually a Virtual core, and as a result treated it just like a logical CPU core. This caused PERFORMANCE degradation, in GENERAL, because the two "Cores" were really just separate execution units which shared a lot of cache and prefetch information.

The problem you saw (where only one CPU was visible) was because the HAL was still the single-processor HAL. You can change that as documented here. I believe Windows XP might have similar requirements.

This hyperthreading issue was fixed with Service pack 5 of Windows 2000 and both the Home and Pro Versions of Windows XP understand virtual cores and will schedule processes and threads differently based on whether they are virtual or logical CPUs and what logical Cores a virtual core is tied to in order to improve performance. Generally, Operating Systems only add "support" for CPU Features when it actually affects how the OS or the Kernel should function. For example, Hyper-threading is "supported" in the sense that the Kernel now needs to consider differences between Hyper-threaded "virtual" cores and actual CPU cores when it comes to scheduling thread affinity or face a significant performance penalty.

Support for Instruction Sets such as SSE/SSE2/MMC etc. tends to fall on INDIVIDUAL programs. MMX instructions, for example, aren't very useful for a OS Kernel to support, since they are designed for Multimedia features. Any program running on a MMX-capable CPU can use MMX instructions as long as the CPU is operating in a 32-bit mode or a 32-bit compatible mode. Certain instruction sets require different Operating modes.

By that token, an Operating System's "Support" for instruction sets is really just determined by what CPU mode it operates in. In the case of Windows XP (excepting the special x64 version) that means 32-bit protected mode. This means that software running on the OS can use any 32-bit instruction set supported by the CPU, but even if the software supported it, it would not be able to execute any 64-bit instructions.

For example, in the case of the Sempron, it is a 64-bit CPU. Since you would be running XP, Every single 64-bit instruction set is "off-limits" because it requires 64-bit Long mode. According to the specsheet it supports MMX, MMX Extensions (Multimedia Extensions Extensions... heh...) SSE,SSE2,SSE3,SSE4/4.1/4.2/4.3,AES,AVX,BMI1,F16C,AMD64,EVP,AMD-V and likely a few others. many of those likely require 64-bit Long Mode in order to function, and some may have functionality that is only present in 64-bit modes. Any of that functionality will be locked out to you and any software you run if you are running a 32-bit OS.Thanks for all the info BC

As well as Regarding this, I just realized with info you shared as to why I ran into problem I did..
Quote

The problem you saw (where only one CPU was visible) was because the HAL was still the single-processor HAL. You can change that as documented here. I believe Windows XP might have similar requirements.

This hyperthreading issue was fixed with Service pack 5 of Windows 2000 and both the Home and Pro Versions of Windows XP understand virtual cores and will schedule processes and threads differently based on whether they are virtual or logical CPUs and what logical Cores a virtual core is tied to in order to improve performance.

Hello,
Initial issue:
The computer have no signal in monitor after i swap the ram and replace it it would be ok now..
Now:
whenever i open the computer it shows Duplicate name exists on the network and i have to press ok that is not a big issue.. now the desktop icons disappear and when i use explorer.exe still no output..
my friends told it is virus issue.
Note: i use internet on my pc. and there is no anti virus because it is company pc..
Do i NEED to reformat the pc?
Thanks..
computer techIs there another computer on the network running at the same time with the same name? Do you have any virtual machines running that are using same name?

This generally doesnt happen unless there is some other DEVICE on the same domain with the same name.If it is a company PC I suggest you check with your company system ADMIN.From our FORUM Guidelines :

Quote

If this is a machine at your place of Business, we need to be informed beforehand.  This is also not negotiable and we will not be responsible should you fail to do so.

How to Disable Internet ACCESS On Remote Desktop For Specific Users
For EXAMPLE my RDP have 5 users, i want ONLY ME have acces to INTERNET , any solution? What XP version ? ?i THINK is the same for all, i MEAN for a RDP server 2003 or 2008 or w7 or server 2012 etcNo...it's not the same...the WINDOWS version matters so check what you have...xp and server 20081 more time ...which XP version are you running...last chance.xp pro

Windows XP Pro better then Windows XP SP2 or SP3?
here my computer data:

System Manufactured:P4V80
System Model: P4VM8000
Default system BIOS
Processor: Intel Celeron CPU 2.53 Ghz
Memory: 512 Rami

Very poor system but I want to know anyway wich XP is better for my system?
Will be amazing to be able to Remote my sistem from distance, i understand XP can't do that only Pro can do it
thanksYou could do it with XP Home if you install a software such as RealVNC on it.

XP SP2 if you want best performance, SP3 fully patched if you want best security and bug fixes.

You could find a CPU upgrade and go to 1GB RAM on ebay pretty cheaply, such as i bought a Pentium 4 3.0Ghz HT for $12 and GOT a 1024MB  ( 1GB ) DDR400Mhz RAM stick for $6.windows home i think is not so eficient as XP , if i use Real VNC mmm it is used to allow remote acces For what it is worth. 
Early versions of Windows XP could not do the better security now used by most wireless routers. This means you must connect your PC with Ethernet.
The updates to XP are available for free. So it is easier to just upgrade rather than WORKAROUND the limitations you may find.
Also, some programs REQUIRE some kind of .NET stuff, so if you do not upgrade you have fewer high performance programs available.

Well, there are many programs that will not run on XP anyway. For some new stuff you have to use Windows 8 or better.

So, if you stick with XXP, you will fade into the sunset.What are you actually trying to achieve here?

For what it's worth, opening up RDP or VNC over the internet is not a good idea, there are regularly security vulnerabilities found in these protocols and there are constantly bots scanning the internet for machines that have open RDP and VNC servers to attempt to break into them.  This is made even worse by the fact you are running XP so will not get any updates to patch future security holes.  At the very least you should have the RDP or VNC server running behind some sort of firewall and access it over something such as a VPN or via SSH port forwarding.I agree with Camerongray with "TUNNELING" with VPN etc to protect from security problems which could arise with a wide open RDP with XP Pro or VNC connection with XP Home.

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles-tutorials/firewalls_and_VPN/Configure-VPN-Connection-Windows-XP.html

My loading has slowed so much (5 mins today). I have done the usual.  Ccleaner / Defrag/ used 3 different scanners all in safe mode and reduced the startups to minimum of 6. My computer is
 HP Presario SR186 5    XP32bit SP2. I disabled the windows firewall as it 's  last update was 2010.
Before I assume it is a bug that has got in,always possible, am I overloaded.?

I pay for Malwarebytes and run free.. Avast...,Spyshelter....Adblockplus and Private Firewall.
What can I uninstall.?  I am not all that keen on Private Firewall because it is a job getting it to allow something. Can I dump that one and try  Tiny Firewall (a much lighter one) or forget it altogether.
Thank you for any helpOk found your hardware .... looks like a Pentium D 3Ghz with 1GB RAM... unless you upgraded to 2GB.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/Compaq-Presario-SR1800-Desktop-PC-series/1841793/model/3197020/document/c00708248/

How much RAM do you have?
Are you still running the Pentium D 3Ghz CPU or did you upgrade to a FASTER CPU?

Have you performed a clean install yet or have you been just picking away at an old install trying to make it more efficient?

I see that your at SP2 and not SP3, if this is use for online purchases, banking, etc I would update it to SP3 with all security patches. There is a slight performance hit when being fully patched. I ran a benchmark once going from SP0 to SP1a then SP2 and then SP3 and the best for performance and driver and software benefits is SP2, however on a Pentium D I dont think the performance hit from fully patched to SP3 would be that bad. I had a Pentium III 600Mhz laptop with 384MB RAM that i went through the updates with and the problem was that SP3 REQUIRED more system RAM mainly and so at 384MB RAM it only had like 16MB free whereas with SP2 i had almost 100MB free memory. Also the CPU was weighted down with SP3 on the Pentium III 600Mhz and so it was laggy, so I ended up bringing it back to SP2 and leaving it at SP2 for best performance & software support that required .Net and SP2 etc.

If this system is not used for anything critical you could keep running it on SP2, however if your using it as your main computer with banking and purchases online etc, i'd suggest SP3 patched fully. * You dont have to WORRY about optional driver updates, just the critical security updates.

The firewall that is built into Windows is usually plenty, especially when installed behind a router that has a hardware firewall of its own. I wouldnt go with a stronger firewall unless you have your system on the DMZ exposed to the internet such as port forwarding etc.

I would limit the system to only running 1 Antivirus, and use a tool like Malwarebytes to check the system say weekly etc to make sure all is well.

A clean install should be all you need. You could go further after clean install and remove some services that may not be needed, but the Pentium D 3Ghz should be plenty. Lastly having 2GB RAM instead of just 1GB could also help your performance of your system as for their would be less need for the system to page to HDD virtual memory info to disk.
And I have also seen systems run better when even a lower end better video card is used that is better than the integrated video that came with the system, especially for games or applications that default to Software Rendering when a weak GPU is detected which weighs down the CPU having to perform the duties of a GPU.Hallo Dave thanks a lot for your long reply. I did a very long answer took me more than a half hour.
I clicked post and I lost the lot as I wasnt recognised as a member despite the fact I was reading your letter. I have now got to go out so I cant get on until the morning but will give you the basics.
Signal via aTPLink WR1043ND
HP Afterope CPU 1
Ran DDR2 1024 MB available virtual 1.30 GB
HD 35 free out of49 GB and 110 free out of 117GB
The computer will not accept SP3.

I hope this goes, I will look in tomorrow Quote

The computer will not accept SP3.

This sends up a red flag...

Background
I had an unformatted unitialised 500GB HD, and I decided that it needed formatting to NTFS. It's bare disk but it is convenient for me to connect through an external adapter (known good).  So I enter DiskManagement, an initialize the disk without any problem.  Then I start formatting using the format wizard.  I accept all the defaults except I enter a new disk LABEL. The format process STARTS and I leave it because it will take some time (I know because I have done it before)
Additional information: I ran WinDLG and looked only at the top level screen, everything looked normal, notably that SMART passed (large green tick)

Problem
I left it for a few hours and it said 'Formatting (38%)', so I left it overnight...in the morning it said 'Formatting (39%)'  .  This is not right and it is too slow (now it has reached 41%). It will take a couple of months to format at this rate.  So I want to interrupt the format, and try a SURFACE scan using HDTune.  How can I do this without causing (further ?) damage to the disk ?  I've tried ejecting the disk but it says, unsurprisingly, that it's busy. All applications are 'running' and the CPU and memory usage is low (<600MB)

System I am using
HP Pavilion a405.uk - m/b MSI MS-6577 v3.1 - Celeron 2.53GHz - 2 x 512MB RAM - 80GB HDD - Windows XP/SP3 Home (32 bit)

The is apparently not a browser issue. It is an issue with USING current version of Silverlight with Windows XP. Microsoft does not support XP and he requirements for Silverlight excludes  XP.
Of course, this is not a problem with Windows 7, 8 and 10.
Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/what-is-silverlight/

But you can get fair results with adobe flash in some browsers.

Chrome is OK when I watch a movie on my old XP laptop.
But with Silverlight I get an error message on Amazon prime.

How about you?

Ran into this issue a while back with my older XP system and trying to watch Netflix which required Silverlight. Silverlight 5 works with XP SP3. So if you can get Silverlight 5 you might be ok until the service checks the version and complains that it no longer supports 5 etc. http://superuser.com/questions/656414/is-silverlight-5-compatible-with-windows-xp-sp2Thanks. I fol;led the link and then was led  to another sight. One must pick  some new version of Silverlight, but not too new.

EDIT: Good. It now works OIK on Amazon prime.  The version that works  for me is:
Silverlight_5.1.20125.0.exe
From:
http://www.oldapps.com/silverlight.php?old_silverlight=11966?download
Nice that somebody is helping the XP crowd. 
Quote

Nice that somebody is helping the XP crowd.

When I arrange the WORKSHEET columns to be only as wide as they need to be, the print PREVIEW (and the actual print out) has extra space after (to the RIGHT of) the last ENTRY in the cell. So a cell that looks like : |xxx|, when printed, looks like : |xxx |. Can that be fixed ?  The work-around I have FOUND, is to make the original columns too narrow, so that rightmost contents are hidden from view - that is really a quite undesirable method, though it achieves a 'correct' printout.

Hello all,
I don't can find "Programs and FEATURES" in Control Panel in WINDOWS XP Professional SP3 32bit
How i can find it?
Thank you for help me
PhenoIn XP it's on the drop down Start Menu...
Thanks for the advice.
You can be sure is nowhere to me.
If it was somewhere, I do not post here.
Can you be more explicit?From the Menu bar clik Start....it'll be listed.no
but thank youIn XP it's called ADD/REMOVE          

It's also on the Start Menu...i don't need "ADD/REMOVE"
I say:
-I don't can find "Programs and features" in Control Panel in Windows XP Professional SP3 32bit
"Programs and features"It's not there....
Lets try this another way....what exactly are you trying to do ? ?I post an snapshot


[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]Please explain in detail what you are trying to do ...It's not hard - XP does not have a Programs and Features option,that was introduced with Vista.  You are following a video for the wrong version of Windows.  The control panel ENTRY in XP for modifying programs is called "Add/Remove Programs"APPARENTLY it's a .NET framework issue...but at this pace it'll take awhile.I will try to repeat again the idea
I do not want to Add / Remove pregrams
I've always had access to the "Programs and Features" in Windows XP.
My Intrebbarea is simple.
Why you can not find this feature in Control Panel, where it has always been?
Quote from: patio on AUGUST 26, 2015, 09:57:42 AM

Please explain in detail what you are trying to do ...

Hi everyone.

The other day our PC refused to boot, PRESENTING a blue screen with 'Stop c0000218 registry file failure'.

I followed this guide - http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_repair_a_stop.htm - had to do the 'harder method' as the first 2 had no effect. This seemed to fix the issue as the computer now boots successfully, however all our user profiles and personal files have disappeared! All programs seem to be intact, although Office applications won't OPEN, instead just giving an error message (broken shortcuts?)

When I did system restore, the only restore point was from back in 2010, which surprised me - perhaps I shouldn't have restored from this point? There is no option to undo the restore for some reason. After I'd restored, Windows requested the validation key before allowing me to log in, which it accepted (wasn't expecting it to request this either).

I can see that all our files are still present on the computer (through Linux live disc), but they seem 'hidden' in Windows, along with our user profiles.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  I wonder if you had only the one system restore point from 2010 because of doing the procedure in that link, and it cleared your more recent ones.  When I looked in the FOLDER it mentioned (C:\WINDOWS\repair) on my system, it had the registry hives dated the last time I did a full backup (with NT Backup), which was nearly 11 months ago.  Did you do a backup in 2010, or did you initially install Windows then?

My guess from looking at that procedure described is that it seems to either create a system restore point from registry hives in the above-mentioned directory, or from the Win install CD.  It's kind of a convoluted method, because there's a far simpler way to directly copy the registry hive files to the Windows registry (via a live Linux disc, as you mentioned).  I wonder if you wouldn't have been a lot better off having used a lot more recent restore point BEFORE having tried that procedure.  (Presumably they would've still been present then.)

If you would happen to have any backup of your files, that would be the easiest way to restore them to usability.

But if not, since your registry has been reset pretty much back to the start anyway, I'd suggest TRYING to repair your installation of Windows XP by performing an in-place upgrade.  You can repair a damaged Windows installation if you run Windows Setup from the Windows XP CD-ROM.  It's a shot in the dark, but it's possible it could do something for updating the registry to make your files visible again.  If not, it's not likely to make anything worse than already is the case with that old system restore.
Actually, a lot better suggestion to recover your files (than my last) is to try Recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva/download.In fact, what you were doing already of viewing your missing files with a live Linux CD, is also how you can restore them.  I saw some invisible-to-Windows files with a live CD recently too, and I noticed ACCESSING them caused them to reappear to Win.  Particularly, if you copy the missing files/folders to some recovery folder you designate, then your Windows installation should subsequently be able to see them again there.Many thanks for your advice Superhuman - I will have another go at recovering files using the methods you suggested.

Hello,
I am one of those people that still have Win XP & I know that in order to do some applications and programs that I am going to have to upgrade to the newest browser.  I am using IE 8 & I can't upgrade to IE 10 until I get rid of XP & get something more updated.  When I purchased this latest pc, XP was already installed in it.  Prior to that, the only time I installed something was from Win 98 to Win ME. 
According to Microsoft, it looks like Win 8 or 8.1 might be good choices.  I used the Windows 8 Upgrade *censored*'t to see what it would pull up in regard to my computer.  It said: 1) Install an app to play dvds. 2)Secure Boot isn't compatible with my pc. (don't know what Secure Boot is!) 3)  your screen resolution is not compatible with snap 4) Microsoft Word 2000 is not compatible with Win 8.
5) Nero Burning Rom is not compatible with Win 8. 6)Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 will need to be reinstalled (I'm not sure what that is) 7) PowerDVD 6 go to website for help. Realtek HD Audio Sound Effect Manager, go to website for help. 9) Update IE 8. 10) Windows Messenger 5.1, go to website for help ( never used that thing anyhow) 11
) HP Laserjet P1505, no comment
Can any of you comment on Window 8 or 8.1 & tell me your thoughts, pros/cons?  Does Win 8 or 8.1 look like good choices?  I guess Win 8.1 might be better than Win 8.  I'm just guessing.  If any of you have installed this software, how difficult is it.  I pulled up the instructions from MS on how to do this so that I would get some idea of what I would be up against.  If any of you have any advice or input, I'd be interested in hearing from you.  Thank You in advance.   
CyberPower (custom built)
Hard drive  250G
RAM 1,024.00
WinXP home
2.66 hertz
pentium 4

IE explorer8
Avail memory 449.27 mb
total virtual memory 2 gb
total physical memory 1,024 mbIMHO,  You don't have to.
I use both Windows XP and Windows 8.1 and my objective is ti meet my own needs first and not those of Microsoft.
So far I have only one third-party application that requires Windows 8.1 and does not run on Windows XP.  Otherwise, everything else I have works fine on XP.
My old Dell Optiplex can not run  64 bit Windows 8.1 and I have to use the 32 bit VERSION. Not a problem, nothing  I use needs A lot of memory anyway.

My point is this. You do not have to change if you don't really need it. Lots of freeware programs work very well on Windows XP.

Unfortunately that machine is far too old to be worth upgrading.  At the very minimum it would need more RAM and even then the CPU is going to be too slow for it to run well.  Not to mention that the cost of a Windows 8 upgrade is going to fall well above how much the machine is actually worth.

At this point I'd be looking to replace the machine with something new (if you can afford it) or possibly a used machine with Windows 7 or 8.  You could easily get a much more powerful used Windows 7 machine for not less than it would cost to upgrade the OS on your current machine.  Also bear in mind that a Windows 7 machine should still get that free upgrade to Windows 10 from Microsoft when it comes out.

For example - A professionally refurbished machine running Windows 7 can be easily FOUND for under $100 (stick to the professional companies so you don't END up buying one with a pirated OS).  To upgrade your current machine to Windows 8 would also cost $100 just for the software however the new machine would be much more powerful and run the OS much better than your current one ever could.camerongray,
Point well made. 
Yes, very good used machines with windows 7 for just a little more than  the cost of a new Windows 8 license. And free upgrade to Windows 10 very soon.

Other option is installing Linux OS to that Pentium 4 for free, however you would be cutting ties with 99% of the Windows based applications and while Wine works ok in some situations to run software for Windows under Linux, it fails in other areas.

I have a Pentium 4 2.4Ghz with 1GB RAM running Linux Mint 17.1 KDE and it runs it fine on a 40GB IDE HDD. Paired with an ok video card such as a GeForce 6200 AGP 8x with 256MB VRam, I am able to play videos on youtube with no problems, and the OS is very secure. For microsoft office needs I use Libra Office which is free and it can open and edit and save files in microsoft formats for others with MS Office to be able to open etc.

If you DIDNT want to spend any money but wanted to have both Windows XP and Linux so that you could run XP for older applications or newer applications that support XP and Pentium 4 CPU, you could also always go with the Dual Boot Installation path. To do this though its best to perform a clean install of Windows XP and leave a portion of the Hard Drive such as 20GB Free when making the initial partition for XP. Then install XP first, and then install Linux OS of choice such as Mint 17.1 second and chose the dual boot installation option. This will install a boot manager so that at boot you would have a choice of Windows XP or Linux OS The Linux install would create partitions in the 20GB space. You could continue to then use this older computer securely when on the Linux OS, and for legacy support with software and games on XP for mostly offline use.

Just as others stated here a refurb system that is more powerful than what you have can be acquired very inexpensively. I just wanted to through this info out there about Linux in case you dont want to spend any money but still want to use this system instead.

Others who have a certain level of dedication to older hardware have also upgraded to Vista from XP instead of buying 7 or 8/8.1. I was able to get a unopened oem Vista Disc with COA for $35 off ebay, and your system would be covered until 4/11/2017 for security patches etc from Microsoft. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

Lastly while putting any money into this system is by many a waste, I have been known myself to buy cheap upgrades for systems like this on ebay in which you could get a better CPU for it for less than $20. If your motherboard supported the HT Pentium 4, you might be able to stuff one of those in there for less than $20 and get better performance. However the performance gain is by far not anything like a new computer, and a $100 refurb with Windows 7 and a Core 2 Duo CPU for example would be way more powerful than a Pentium 4 HT CPU. I have bought these HT CPU's though to max out old systems cheaply, while the HT CPU might have cost someone a mint back in the day, they are in low demand and the price tag of $9.99 for my last one with free shipping for a Pentium 4 HT 3.00Ghz socket 478 for desktop not mobile CPU reflects that. The HT (Prescott) CPU has like 125 million transistors and a virtual core that acts like a dual-core to Windows even though not a true dual-core, but better than a similar aged single core. Your 2.66Ghz Pentium 4 (Northwood) has 55 million transistors and only a single core without HT. Performance wise with Windows XP the 3.0Ghz HT will handle multimedia better and load applications faster than the 2.66Ghz as for the HT CPU has SSE3 instruction support while the 2.66Ghz is without SSE3 and only has up to SSE2 instruction support as well. If deciding to go this route for a cheap upgrade just make sure the CPU is not a mobile CPU and is a desktop version is socket 478 and be sure to get socket 478 or socket 775. I am thinking your system is probably socket 478 with the 2.66Ghz.Thanks to all 4 of you that responded!  I'm probably going to get rid of XP and replace it with Win 8.1.  I purchased this used laptop with intentions of trying out Linux later on.  If I go ahead and replace what I have with MS Win 8.1, it will probably be the last MS browser I will purchase if the Linux works out well with the laptop.  I wished I had the money to go ahead and purchase a new machine;however, it would be cheaper to  go ahead as I outlined above.  I can upgrade the pc a little more by having more memory installed later on. The GUY that occasionally takes care of my pc can probably advise me as to what I can upgrade.  Thanks for your thoughts on this matter.

Lisa What spec is this laptop?  Or is that what you listed in your initial post?My  laptop is a Dell Latitude d610.  It probably has a lot of miles on it. When I bought it Win XP pro was on it.  My thought was to try out Linux on this laptop & later on see if I like it.Just one more thing...
The US Navy is still using Windows XP
Read this:
Beyond the Grave: Windows XP
Quote

Microsoft canned support for Windows XP and Office and Exchange 2003 in April 2014 - unless you are the U.S. Navy, which is paying $9.1m a year until 2017 to obtain security patches for these obsoleted products

Install Knoppix 6.0 to a USB Flash Drive using the CD
In the following Knoppix 6.0 (Micro Knoppix) Linux USB installation tutorial, we show you how to Install Knoppix 6.0 Adriane on a USB flash drive using the built in "Flash-Knoppix" installer on the Live CD. Knoppix 6.0 Adriane (Audio Desktop Reference Implementation And Networking Environment) v1.1 was released 01/28/2009 by Klaus Knopper and has been completely rebuilt from scratch to be based on the Debian Lenny Kernel.

I have suddenly lost the TouchPad / TrackPad functions on my Windows XP 3 Laptop, which is an Acer Aspire 5001 WLMI.

The Mouse works OK, but the TouchPad does not move the cursor or produce a click.  I have tried the TroubleShooter, which while it identifies the Pad --- Synaptics PS/2 Port --- treats it as another Mouse.  In fact unlike the Mouse there is little relating to the Pad, no editing of settings, etc. despite it being an integral part of the PC (which the Mouse is not). I have looked at updating the Driver but Windows reports there is no later / better Driver available.

I miss the TouchPad and hope someone can give me guidance on how I might get it back.

clayto2Many laptops have a switch or function key combo to turn it on/off...My XP Laptop does not have that key, whereas my W8.1 Tablet does --- as I have found since your reply pointed it out. THANKS for that.

The XP is still without use of the Pad. Devices (if I remember correctly) lists the Touchpad but reports that it is working correctly, though in fact it is not working at all!

clayto2Travel to the manuf. site and DLoad and re-install the touchpad drivers and re-boot... Quote from: Clayto2 on July 19, 2015, 09:19:28 AM

I have suddenly lost the TouchPad / TrackPad functions on my Windows XP 3 Laptop, which is an Acer Aspire 5001 WLMI.

The Mouse works OK, but the TouchPad does not move the cursor or produce a click.  I have tried the TroubleShooter, which while it identifies the Pad --- Synaptics PS/2 Port --- treats it as another Mouse.  In fact unlike the Mouse there is little relating to the Pad, no editing of settings, etc. despite it being an integral part of the PC (which the Mouse is not). I have looked at updating the Driver but Windows reports there is no later / better Driver available.

The XP is still without use of the Pad. Devices (if I remember correctly) lists the Touchpad but reports that it is working correctly, though in fact it is not working at all!

That is typical, anything that is malfunctioning I have only seen it continue to report that the device is working correctly.  So much for XP auto assessment.

Yes. Really it is showing the status of the Driver software, and not the device, so it is often misleading. If you boot a PC without a keyboard a keyboard will still show up in device manager, for example, and claim it is "working properly".

Hi all,

My Latop is running XP SP3. I am not using any Wireless Router.
Sometimes when I was doing my school HOMEWORK using my Laptop, I would disconnect the Laptop from Internet service so that I could focus on the homework.  But when I FINISHED the howmework and I wanted to go to the Internet again, I found that I needed to reboot my Laptop even THOUGH I had already turn on the MODEM.

I have googled for some ideas why I need to reboot my Laptop, and some web pages told me that Windows is doing these steps for me during reboot:
ipconfig /release
ipcpnfig /renew

So, and then, I try to see if they are telling the truth by typing the commands in CMD.
But these commands do not work for me, and I need to reboot my Latop before I can go to the Internet again after disconnection.

Could some experts help me solve this problem?

Thank you.

KittyJust exactly are you disconnecting?Yes, how you're disconnecting would be good to know, also what system you're using (fill out the computer specs in your profile-- Profile menu -> Forum Profile).

You're using dial-up then?  Usually modems will already automatically disconnect from your ISP after just a half hour or so of idle time, unless you have some kind of ping set up.

Are you using an external modem?  I've used external ones before that don't respond to commands correctly the first time after power on.  I just had to try to connect a second time and it worked fine always.

For Win XP, if I want to disconnect from the internet, I use the Network Connections in the Control Panel (Start menu -> Control Panel).  Then I right click on which connection it is, and select Connect/Disconnect for dial-up, or Enable/Disable for broadband.  I don't usully experience problems RECONNECTING when already offline (unless it's a WIFI signal or router issue).  But if there's a problem with a live connection, using Repair will many times reestablish a viable network connection.

Removed anti-virus. I then loaded SP3 after installing the original XP disk that came with computer,  After installing rebooted computer never got to login screen. Like a flash, a blue screen comes up but blinks away before I can see the error message and then reboots. After going into safe mode and removing SP3, computer boot normal, down to SP2.  I download again from the Microsoft Website and used same problem occurs. Have set for automatic download. I do love my XP. Have I missed something? Please can anyone help.

Original Disk has SP2 on it came with Computer.
Compaq Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002.
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+
986 MHz, 1.93 GB RAM
1TB Internal Hard Drive

[email PROTECTED]Maybe you are in this mess that I was in a ways back with a HP workstation that had a AMD CPU and didnt like SP3, since Compaq and HP merged:

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2478484/smartphones/fixing-the-xp-sp3-reboot-blues.htmlWhen you first (re)boot, immediately use F8 to go to your Advanced Startup menu, and select the option to not automatically restart with system FAILURES.  Then at least you should be able to see your BSoD messages.  Also, you may be able to see past ones by using the Event Viewer, in Control Panel -> Administrative Tools.Download BlueScreenView to your desktop.
BlueScreenView
unzip downloaded file and double click on BlueScreenView.exe to run the program.
when scanning is done, go to EDIT - Select All
Go to FILE - SAVE Selected Items, and save the report as BSOD.txt
Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, copy all of the content, and paste it into your next reply.
The link given above by DaveLembke is very relevant. Intel and AMD CPUs need a slightly different something in the core part of the OS.
Look at this:
Quote

The core problem though isn't that XP SP3 has a problem with AMD processors. It's that some vendors, and HP is the one that usually gets mentioned, used the same XP image on both their Intel and AMD systems. Usually that's not a problem. It's sloppy WORKMANSHIP at the factory, but not a show-stopper. Well, until now anyway.

Well, actually it only seems like reboot *censored*. You can stop the madness by hitting the F8 key when you first see the black Windows XP screen. Then, on the character-based menu, select "Disable automatic restart on system failure." Chances are I didn't have to tell you that if you've been seeing the reboot cycle for a while. Then select Safe Mode...

I have recently bought the DLINK 2750U DSL Router and plugged in USB drive 8gb Behind it and i am able to access the usb drive via my android phone through app called ES Explorer even in my MACBOOK AIR it is easily accessible. with Link
\\192.168.1.1\usb1_1 easy.
But i have tried everything in WINDOW XP acer LAPTOP but of no Help.
Please help in accessing the usb drive in WIN XP.
Please helpI have even tried reinstalling network lan wifi drivers.
also tried mapping drives through FTP but i GUESS on DLINK 2750U the sharing of USB drive through SMB (Samba i guess) so it is accessible to McOS and Android. But Bloody WIN XP is not.
Any pointers guys.
Is the file system FAT for the 8GB or other?

Does this device claim to have support for Windows XP with the NAS feature?And which ver. of XP and is Service Pack 3 installed ? ?

Reason i ask is USB native support was initially weak for XP...Hi,
patio

Service pack 2 only.
Do i need to install service pack 3 for this.
It is no where WRITTEN for product that NAS feature is supported for WIN XP.
But my point is if i am able to access the same on the Mc OS and Android then why can't on XP.
and my XP is Service pack 2,

davelembke
USB File System is FAT .Both the Macbook Air and Android came out waay after XP was released...
If in total desperation and the Mac is always connected. You might be able to SET up a share through the Mac for the Windows XP system to connect through to get to the NAS. But this is an ugly way of getting access to that 8GB. http://www.mac-connect.com/mac_from_win.php

Tring to INSTALL java on windows xp . When it starts down-loading an gets to publishing PRODUCTS , error 1101 SHOWS up what can i do to correct this problem.                                Is there an older VERSION of Java on that machine ? ?
If so it NEEDS to be removed first...

patio.

Hi Im new here, BIT of an IT AMATEUR.

Im doing a IT course at college, and currently on a NETWORKING chapter.

Does anyknoe know where I can find useful infomation/pratice tests on Networking. Mainly:

Peer to peer
Client/Server
LAN
WAN

Thanks in advance.www.google.com and then PUT in the subject and press enter. Lots of good sites.Thanks for the HELP.

HELP i started xp as usual logged in ,opened on my desktop and nothing ,could not go anywhere..did a reboot same again  only at least i got my start button  i went to restore and RESTORED to an earlier date.windows said nothing had been changed since previous date..........decided to do a repair using my xp cd got as far as 33 minutes and stopped  will not continue  will not cancel nothing please HELP...HELP...HELP Open your system in the Safe Mode (pressin F8 continiously at startup) and check for VIRUSES, trojens etc.

Probably they cause.i cannot GET in safe mode because my computer is frozen at 33 minutes into set up which i started to do a repair using my windows xp cd   i cannot cancel set up , cannot get safe mode, i am stuck on 33 minutes into set up  HELP HELP might just buy a new oneAre you using boot disk  and you cannot install Windows?
Disconnect all peripherals and see if the computer will start with nothing attatched to it. Then, if the repair is still stuck reconnect the essentials and see if you can boot to the recovery console and RUN - chkdsk /r - to repair the file system.   i cannot do anything my computer is set on installing i cannot cancel   i cannot go to safe mode.   i have unplugged everything  EVERY TIME I BOOT UP IT TELLS ME TO INSTALL DISC TO COMPLETE INSTALLATION  IT THEN STICKS ON 33 MINUTES   sorry for shouting but i have written all this before  can anyone help me   or shall i just buy a new computer       Quote

I cannot do anything. My computer is set on installing and I cannot cancel. I cannot go to safe mode.

I have unplugged everything but every time I boot up it tells me to insert the installation CD to complete the installation then it sticks on 33 minutes.

I have recently been trying to clean up my harddrive a bit, and I have noticed some strange things during this process. First, I have entirely too much space missing. I have searched my entire pc and I can't figure out what is taking it up. Any pointers here would be helpful.  Seond, I seem to have two copies of the game Diablo 2. I can't understand why, I ran the install prog the regular way. Third, if the guest account is activated, is everything copied? I have seen some files repeated on guest, and others are not. Like my emulators for example, are not on the guest account. Unless of course they are, but just dont have shortcuts. There is a shortcut for Diablo2 on there though. I don't get it. I will check prog files on guest and see if everything else is there. My questions are: Can I erase files on guest without erasing them from admin? Should I have 2 copies of Diablo? And what could be causing me to have so little space left on my disk if I didn't use the space?                                                                                  Firstly any program you install on your main account will be AVAILABLE to ther users, unless explicitly chosen not to during the installation process.

You cant delete applications from the guest account as it's a limited user and doesnt have this ABILITY...for security reasons.

In terms of missing space, try going into My Computer, Tools, Folder Options and then View...go down the list and place a tick in Show Hidden Files>

Now browse your entire C: drive, especially the TEMP folder and Documents and Settings - you will probably find temp files that have not been removed OR some hidden files that should have been deleted.
I found 2GB of files in my sisters personal folder - they were hidden files and so not subject to the disc cleanup utility!!

If you have 2 versions of the same game, check in Add/Remove Programs - if it lists 2 delete one, if it only lists one then you may just have a second shortcut and not a second installed version. Right click each icon and check for the Source folder, they may be the same.

Just MAKE sure that any files you delete you are certain you don't need!!!!Check the TEMP folders (do a search for the word temp).  Many programs save copies of files to the temp folders that remain there even if you delete the original files.  For example, the software for our digital camera SAVES copies of deleted photos in the temp folder of the user account that was logged on when the photos were downloaded from the camera to the hard drive.  It should be safe to delete any files in the temp folders that are more than a few weeks old (but do not delete them all).  Sort them by date before you delete them.

Doc

Does anybody know the default password to get into
the recovery console on a Dell?...
When the machine boots up the blue screen tells me it cannot access the registry so I want to do a registry restore.
Am I on the RIGHT track
There is no default Dell password. The password is either in the BIOS (F2) or in Windows itself.Are you Garybv92 or Shady...? ?

patio.Garybv - please post the exact message you get when trying to open the recovery console.

Can you not do a system restore???1...I set the bios to boot from CD
2...The machine goes through the boot process
3...I choose Repair instead of setup or quit
4...I am then asked which windows installation I would like to log onto...I ANSWER 1
5...Then windows asks for the Administrator Password
  H.P. machines Just use Administrator for their default password ...on my home made machine I just hit enter
...I was  just wondering if anyone knew wat Dell uses
for the default password to get into the recovery console...
         Thanks for any help...

Aha.  I don't think this has anything to do with Dell or HP, this seems to be a glitch (one of many) in XP.  My brief experience with the Recovery Console showed that no matter what you enter, even if you just hit Enter, the message will appear TIME & time again.

Goto this site and about half-way down the page you will find a registry EDIT fix to stop XP asking for an admin password to get into the recovery console.

This worked for me but registry restore from the recovery console - could be a completely different matter!

This site has a list of the Recovery Console commands

Good luck

Or just hit Enter...Well, em, er, perhaps, mebbe, but when I came across the admin password problem trying to start the Recovery Console just hitting Enter didn't achieve anything except to bring up the "Enter Admin Password" message again & again & again ad nauseum.  Did hitting on just Enter WORK for you???   I finally used partition magic....resized the drive...created a new partition and formatted it.
I then installed XP on the new partition along with some
diagnostic utillities. I can now access the old xp installation and wll start repairs and retrieve data for backup.....Nice job, just as well you had PM.

hi all.
listen, there is a 3.0gb intel ,512ram 60hd with 9700ati 128 card.the PROBLEM is that when playing a game ,no matter what of specification , 1 min later the screen SCRAMBLES and MAKES a continuisly bip noise .the windows are not freezed, its runs normally
this happens 1 at 5 times.
i think if i install latest vga drivers i fix it.
any ideas? Quote

I have a 3.0GHz Intel (P4?) , 512 MB of RAM, a 60 GB hard drive, with a 9700ATI 128 MB card.

The problem is that when playing a game, no matter what specification, one minute later the screen scrambles and makes a continuous bip noise.

The windows are not frozen, it still runs normally. This happens 1 in 5 times.

I think that if I install the latest VGA drivers it will fix it.

Any ideas?

Hi,  my computer won't run any setup.exe files which is very annoying. Anyone got any ideas how to fix this?Make of machine?
Operating system?
How long the PROBLEM has been there for?
Error messages if any?

Try Start> Run> type in - services.msc
click the Standard tab at the bottom and scroll down to make sure the WINDOWS installer is active.
Double click and start the SERVICE if it'snot.Randy:

Also, make sure you are LOGGED on with an Administrator account.  Limited Users are not allowed to INSTALL programs in Windows XP.

Doc

I am POSTING this question for my mom. She went to go start her computer today and she now has a BLACK screen  upon start up that says "Can't find operating system" She tried her recovery disc and nothing happens. Just the BLACK screen with the above saying. They have an HP computer. Any advice or solution would be very much appreciated. THANKS in advance.The possible problems are endless!

One of the first steps you can take is to use the recovery CD that CAME with the PC originally.  If you have the original setup instructions, you can follow that or you can go here to get it:  http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html
You will need to know the model of your computer.  It should be written on the case or maybe your folks know.  It is important that you follow the recovery procedures as they are listed.  If you follow the recovery procedure and it doesn't work, let us know which step failed.

If you need help with any of this, let us know.

DellHave you installed a new hardrive?If the computer has a floppy drive, first find another XP computer, FULL format a floppy with the XP computer first of all (do not make a bootable floppy) and copy the (hidden) ntldr, ntdetect.com , and boot.ini files to the diskette.

If the computer has a standard boot.ini file it should look like one of these examples...

[boot loader]
timeout=10
default=multi(0)DISK(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="MICROSOFT Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

OR...

[boot loader]
timeout=10
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect

If you have installed the Recovery Console on your boot drive there will be an additional line...

C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons

Put the floppy with the three files in the A: drive and start the computer. If the drive has not failed completely it should find the drive for you. (Maybe... )

My roomy, "Bozo" went into our PC, and in display settings tab (customize), maxed out the sizing ruler. Windows are now so oversized that its impossibe to reach resize ruler area to change things back to normal, that is to say areas to click and undo things cannot be reached with curser...tried various SUGGESTIONS...F8; restart points;etc., and nothing works...what to do Boss??? Will BRIAN Apps"sizer fix this glitch?Try booting into safe mode and setting the slider down.You'll NEED to boot using F8 and then choose 'Enable VGA Mode'. Then you can get to the display properties.

running in safe mode does not load the graphics drivers so you are unable to change the resolution settings that way.I respectfully disagree, it did work for him, because XP remmebers the settings you want under safe mode for the real VIDEO driver.. This is a unique NEW feature for XP under safe mode.

Can anyone help? When typing on my LAPTOP in any program (WORD/outlook/notepad/ or on-line report to company - not word) when typing the letter 's' instead of an 's' appearing i get fs#; a few lines down. When I type a 'w' the cursor jumps to the top and ][i  appears at the start of the document and a PULL down menu appears! This doesn't seem to HAPPEN all the time but it is annoying.
I have up to date Macafee virus - nothing detected. adware - nothing there either, run AVG and reg FIX but nothing seems to help. Any ideas? I tried loading word2003 but went back to an earlier restore point to see of that helped - it didn't.

thanks
piersTry another keyboard (external USB, etc.) and see if the problem persists.  If not, you have a bad keyboard.

Dellwill do!
Thanks

Hello:
 Can't think of anything I did; but a couple of weeks ago these messages started showing up each time I WOULD boot...
   "The configuration Wizard was not able to fine the path directory and cannot proceed, Please reinstall the Server Extensions."    AND  "UNABLE to access configuration for Microsoft Personal Web server"
 I don't have a web site and can't FIND anything in the "Start up File" that seem to fit this situation. ...
Could SOMEONE Please advise.
Jim

Hello:
Anyone got any idea why I don't get ANYTHING SHOWING in my Device Manager window? - Windows XP Home Edition,Version 2002 (SERVICE Pack 2)

Thanks for any help.

DaveSeems to be a common problem with as many different fixes.  Last I heard it was a permissions and registry problem.  Try this for even more confusing help:  http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/1100922941

Let us know if any of the above works.

DellDell please don't ANSWER these double posts.

You have recently replied this kind of thread.

He/She didn't take a look to see the same heading thread on the same page. Do you suppose he/she will check the site you suggested???

Dell:
Thanks, but still no joy.
I can't get the tick to stay in the box that says, "Replace permission entries on all CHILD objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects"

Where to go from here?

thanks

I have just reinstalled my files after formatting but my   " My Favorites" files are in  "My DOCUMENTS."  How do I transfer these to the "Favorites" area and out of "My Documents?"?  File and SETTINGS Transfer Wizard...
If you are using 2 pc's USE the option above. If it's on the same pc just open IE and use File&GT; Import and import the bookmark file you SAVED.

My wife's HP with windows XP is not showing anything in the device manager.  It doesn't even show the computer name.

I am also having TROUBLE getting my wireless connection to work.

Maybe two separate issues.They may be related.  This seems to be a big problem for WINXP.  See below:

"PLZ PLZ RESCUE ME. My computer has a Windows XP OS and the Device Manager is empty. The modem is there on com port 3 but the only com port available is com port1. So I am unable to load the modem driver and re-install the modem so I can get connection to the internet..."

It seems a possible permissions/security ISSUE with a registry fix.

This issue and lots of possible solutions are here: http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/1051715405
Read the whole thread or you might miss parts of the fix.

Good luck!
DellThat may cause WIndows update you recently installed.
Uninstall  it, if you have problem after and restart.
                            And
1. Go to "Start", "Run", and enter "regedt32"
2. Maximize the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" window.
3. Scroll down to "SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum"
4. With "Enum" selected click the "Security", "Permissions" menu.

Note: At this point you will probably notice there are no permissions on this key.

5. Click "Add".
6. Add the group "Everyone" and the user "SYSTEM".
7. Select "Everyone" and check "Read" ONLY!
8. Select "SYSTEM" and check "Full CONTROL".
9. Click the "Advanced" button at the bottom of the window.
10. On the Advanced window check "Reset permissions on all child objects..."
11. Click "OK"
12. On the warning window click "Yes"
13. Close REGEDT32

They say so   I tried all that and nothing works.

When I boot up in SAFE mode with network, I can see the devices in device manager, I can see my network and connect to it and can go to the internet.

But not when I boot up normally.

Thoughts?Got the same problem, in safe mode with network i can see all devices...normal boot none ...
format will be my last solution

grts
JBeen trying to figure this one out all day long for a friend of mine.  I tried everything I could find on the Internet, from the PnP to the Security Settings to removing some Windows Updates.  Nothing worked at all.  The best and easiest thing I found was to reinstall Windows.It frequently is......Try creating a NEW administrator account. Login with this new account and see if the proeblems still persists.
If not, then the profile is corrupted for the problem user.From the Mothership...

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=309663

patio.

Hi i posted on here about a week ago about my computer problem but cannot find the thread, so i will start a new one. My problem is that when i go to install a game (football manager 2006) it says:

"Error 1606. Could not access network location %USERPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\"

I have downloaded the latest windows installer (msi) and have now downloaded sp2. I have all the latest virus defintions etc ad have run all the spyware programs i have. I am running a hp pavilion with 2.8Ghz and 512 DDR Ram. ThanksContact the manufacturer of Football Manager 2006.

Technical support will have an answer.Will do, will post back when they reply. Thanks for quick reply!No problem.

It is most likely a known issue with a specific work around.

Hi,
The tech support people at Football Manager have basically said that the problem is not linked at all to their game as it comes up before the game is installed, which i can understand as i get this error message when trying to install other software, not just games.
Maybe it is something to do with registry? that is all i can guess from looking on google.
Regards
Have you tried USING a registry cleaner?

Scanners
Easy Cleaners
-- Freeware registry scanner
Crap Cleaner
-- Freeware registry scanner/history cleaner

Manual registry editing only
Registrar Lite
-- Excellent replacement for Windows Regedit

Caution is advised when using these programs!
Create backups of all important FILES before proceeding.

Before proceeding, read the following article. It may or may not apply to your situation:

Error: "Error 1606. Could not access network location <file name and location>" when attempting to install or uninstall Norton AntiVirusIs the C:\Documents and Settings\YourUserName\Start Menu\Programs\Startup directory on your computer?Hi i have downloaded two of them programs and i'm still stuck with the problem Btw, yes i have that folder on my c: drive. Sorry for the delayAnyone have any ideas?
Check the properties of your startup directory for any restrictions.
Try disabling all antivirus/antispyware programs before installing the game.Hi mate,

I already tried switching off antivirus and spyware but to no avail. As for my startup directory, it was empty! Not SURE why, as quite a few programs run when i boot up.
Im just wondering if there is any WAY of saving/holding onto my mp3's, videos, documents and important programs while making the computer like it was when i first got it, because i am sure the problem lies deep within the registry, or some other location, which i dont really want to go messing around in.

Regardsanyone?  :-/You can copy your data's to CDRW, if you have that capacity, or network to a friend's computer that has a burner and back the data up from there.

Programs will have to be installed again once Windows is reinstalled. No way around that. Quote

Check the properties of your startup directory for any restrictions.

error initiating windows SOCKETS that comes up when i try to RUN emule
NEed help pleaseOh anyway my E-mule VERSION is 0.46c

Hey there!

I keep having a problem, my main windows PROFILE keeps getting removed. As in removed I mean it cannot load it, each time I shut down computer, and try logging in again, it displays a message that it could not load the profile, and LOGS in with a totally new profile with that GRASS backroud and default settings. I don't know WHATS wrong, but can anyone help me stop this problem? Thanks!

A while back I received a virus Cleaned out virus but in the mean time it also removed part of my system32. Specifically, when the computer reboots I get the message  cannot find or load  C:WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe    My   is how can I get this back without having to REDO entire comp. Please and Thank youI think the infected file is being called from the registry. Do you have system restore possibilities?I did have system restore but for some reason it comes up as being turned off by group policy. Contact domain administrator. I have not been able to find it. It is not listed in my system on control panel
I run XP home edition and believe it was a worm or trojan that originally did this and it is only when I first start up but is seems as certain pragrams can not install properly or then uninstall
Have a read here (but don't buy anything)

http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/csrss.exe.htmlI read thru and does not look good for me. This occurs only after initial boot up. Both logons receive this message. This leads me to believe I might have to wipe the comp clean.    i don't want to, like everyone else I have too much to try and back up

Where can I go to find out how to get my system restore back and could it be hidden as on of the admin accounts is password protected.Your computer can't find or run the C:WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe file it's probably not there.
Have you looked for it there?
Because it's not listed as being in the correct directory it's probably a leftover startup call from a virus infection.
Run a Hijackthis log & see what is trying to start it, then get rid of the entry.
Just don't get confused with the real csrss.exe in the system32 directory.okay here my Hijackthis. log not even sure what i am looking for
thanks for all your help so far there was lots more stuff but would not let me post

oops found it but can I delete it

F3 - REG:win.ini: load=C:\WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe
F3 - REG:win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan SAVED at 9:50:47 PM, on 21/11/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\S3tray2.exe
C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IMApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\Program Files\TELUS\TELUS Security service\Freedom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rsvp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IncMail.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Owner\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis[1].zip\HijackThis.exe

QUOTE

This leads me to believe I might have to wipe the comp clean.    i don't want to, like everyone else I have too much to try and back up

F3 - REG:win.ini: load=C:\WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe
F3 - REG:win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\system32\eepjvoay\csrss.exe

Hi,

Is there a way of restoring a file to the previous state before a recent change took place on XP?

For example, i made a .doc file and saved it as test.doc. Then, on the following day, i made some changes to the test.doc and was supposed to save it as test-v1.doc. Instead, by accident, CLICK on save button. So is there a way of retrieving test.doc just like in UNIX where there is a snapshot.

Thank you in advance.System Restore. Just press F1 to LEARN about it.No, Windows does not have Snap-shot ABILITY like unix. But it has volume-shadow COPY. Not that you can use it directly.

I believe that even XP system restore wont help you unless you made a personal snap-shot yourself.

The automated snapshots are for System settings, drivers etc. Not a users personal files.

In other words, you could be stumped for a solution.
Undelete with NTFS undelete tools **might** work.

I have a Gateway at my work and when I turn the computer on I can't get Windows XP to open in normal or safe mode.  The BLUE screen comes up and says, "OPENING Windows", but it never opens.  Would someone happen to know what's going on and if I can possibly fix it myself.  Thanks.Try disconnecting all peripherals and see if it will start up fully without having to load too many drivers.

If you have an XP CD and can BOOT to the Recovery Console (or if you have that CHOICE in the boot menu) then, once the Recovery Console has loaded, type - CHKDSK /r - at the prompt.

I recently Made a new computer using a ASUS P5LD2-VM motherboard. When i went to install the Ethernet driver an error message comes up SAYING the SNMP service is not installed, PLEASE instlal then start set up. I THOUGHT Windows XP comes with that but maybe im wrong. What can i do to either work around that problem or GET SNMP onto my computer?
THanks a lotAny SIMPLE ideas also. Anything at this point can help!!!Google is your friend  

"When it is installed, the SNMP Service will appear in the list of system services (Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services). If the SNMP Service is not installed, you can install it from Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs>Add/Remove Windows Components:"

My computer screen has started to have waves/ripples ALMOST like a STATIC on a tv, but it's only does it every few mins. When the speakers are on it makes a buzzing shound too. I checked the cables and they are in good, could it be because I feed my neice and dropped applesauce on the KEY board, because it starting doing this the day after. :/elixabeth,

it could be the applesauce, but not likely.

I'll GUESS that you've GOT your speakers or wires too close to your monitor.  Try moving them away a little.

You've also got your niece's high chair too close to the computer, lol.

DellVery common disturbance is cell phones in the direct area. When they receive an update or change in the satelite network, then your screen goes funny and noises come from the speakers.

i hve a comp with windows ME on.when i start it up i get a black SCREEN wich says ''windows has a XMS-cacheproblem registry is unavailble use scanreg to fix registry.it wont startup in safemode or nothing.thx for any replyMore info on your system and someone will be along shortly to assist...

patio. OK here it goes... its a COMPAQ presario desktop pc i bouhgt for a CHEAP price for my kid but it wont startup.
it has a pentium2 GPU and windows ME.thats al i know about it.when i startup it goes to black screen and you get 4 options for startup.none of the 4 option work it says then that the windows registry is missing an it has an ''XMS-cacheproblem''use scanreg to fix registry.i hav scanreg on floppy but he wont axxept any floppy or cd.i dont have any recoverydisk or OS cd. ???ame i RIPPED of with this comp ???THX alothttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q194731

patio.  

For a long time now, whenever there is text or pictures on my computer screen there is a horizontal black darkened line that GOES across the entire screen. I thought that it was my moniter, but i just put in a new one and the lines are still there. I have windows me and a compaq presario. if anyone has an idea if there is SOMETHING wrong with the graphics card or display settings or whatever, it WOULD be great if you had some advice. thanksThe easiest thing you could try would be to DLoad the latest drivers for that graphics card...
Since the condition existed on 2 different monitors we can rule that out.
Make sure after you have gotten the latest drivers that you remove the device in Control Panel Hardware etc. and reboot.
This is the cleanest way to do so. Vid drivers can be very quirky.

patio.  thanks ill try thatunfortunately it didnt work so its probably the card right?baloneybandit21,

Yup, it could be your card.

Some things you can try:

- change the resolution of your display (for Win ME): Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display...use the Settings tab and set your resolution higher or lower (using the SLIDER)...click OK and follow any other instructions.

Did the black bar change or go away.  If yes, suspect your card.  If it is unchanged, it could be something else like your cables or connectors.  
Are you using a video extension cable or any other added video equipment on your machine?

Are you using an Active Desktop?  If so, try disabling it.

Have you RUN a recent full virus scan?  Recommend this, if you haven't.

Dellthanks for the advice but none of those things have worked so it looks like its probably the video card

I need to re-install my WINDOWS Me, becuase my OS might be corrupt.  I can't enable System Restore, continue to get freeze ups.  So how do I do it?  I am in the process of savings files on my external hard drive.  Will installing Windows Me in hard drive get rid of old files or will I have to do a clean install?  Thankscan't u just do an fdisk and format the drive...then do a clean install?  I could be wrong.. but that's what i'd do.bradleywold...........Have a read ....... http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winme_install.asp

Read it carefully .....it tells you how to do it ....
Do not just install over whats there now wipe it all .......

dl65  Thank you for your help.  I did read and follow the direction on reformating the hard drive before installing Windows ME.  It installed ok, but now I am stuck in Safe Mode.  How can I get back into normal mode?Did you install anything after the OS or was the installation stuck in safemode? Even when you regular restart you are still stuck in safemode?I did the installation in Safe Mode.  I did not install anything else after that.  I did clean out my hard drive before I installed ME.You cant install In safemode. If it was safe mode it wouldn't reconise the CD drive.. Do you see safe mode on the screen or the colors are just BAD? If it is just bad then you just need to install video drivers.

Sometimes there isn't a compatible video dirver. Try right clicking and fo to properties to see if you can change the colors.It gives me no option except that it goes into safe mode by default.  I did another clean format of the C drive, and I am attempting to install Windows ME again to see what happens.  This is very time consuming.Can you give us a description of what you see and when you see it on the monitor when you restart?

something like the following, but may be different for your system

- a black/blank screen when I push the POWER button
- a setup screen for a few seconds
- a WIN ME logo for a few seconds
- a startup options Panel for a few seconds
- more Win Me logos and blue screen for a few seconds
- my desktop all out of normal shapes and sizes

give us a good description of any text you see during startup

tell us what your safe mode DISPLAY looks like

Dell

I had an IBM THINKPAD given to me.  I was going through deleting things from the previous user, and must have deleted something.  It connects to the INTERNET through my local dial up company, but won't officially connect.  It comes up webpage can't be found, or something like that.  Like it's offline.  Any HELP will be so APPRECIATED.  Thanks, Shelley

I am buying a used Dell Latitude D610 NOTEBOOK with very little use.  It has Windows XP Home Edition on it.  It is registered to the previous owner and I am wondering if I need to purchase another copy of XP to put back on it and register it my self.   If I don't,  is there any consequence to it?  I will be installing other software I own and registering that stuff in my name.  It runs perfect now, but I am willing to do this to be legal and all.  ALSO, will XP recognize or go find all of the drivers for the touch pad, dvd-rom, wireless network card...etc.  ThanksProbably the best advice i can give you WOULD be to call one of MS's 800 #'s and ask them the specifics...
I'm sure it's a legal transaction but they would be best SERVED to let you know how to proceed before you spend any money you might not have to.

Good Luck and let us know.

patio.  Another thing you might want to do...if the computer is still under warranty...is to contact Dell to TRANSFER ownership.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/change_order/en/tag_transfer


Regards...