Help Reformatting/ Clean install of XP Pro?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Ginanatl, Aug 3, 2003.

  1. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    Hi All!
    I am having MAJOR problems with XP Pro (I upgraded from ME) & posted them at
    http://www.majorgeeks.net/vb/showthread.php?threadid=19625 where I got some great advice from fellow geeks. I bought an 80 Gig USB HD and decided to save my data there, then do a clean reinstall of Windows XP Pro.

    I did a search but cannot find a "HowTo" for this on Major Geeks. Does one exist, or is it a no- brainer? I would appreciate any step by step guide or help in doing this, as it will be my first time and I MUST get it right. Do I need to do anything before I reformat & reinstall XP Pro? (I get an error on start-up:
    "Invalid Boot.ini file
    Booting from C:\WINDOWS\")

    Also, I will not be installing ANY Symantec software after the clean install, but I like Norton Utilities because of the "Windows Doctor" feature. (I can run all the other Utility features from Windows or other apps I have.) Is there any comparable software that corrects Windows errors? (I know about chkdsk /f & I have defrag pro.) I use Spybot, but only for spyware; will it repair Windows errors?

    Thanks!
    Gina
    :)

    Computer info:
    *HP Pavilion (Support tells me #9871, manual says #XL754, one is probably the sku number, but I have no clue as to which!)
    *Windows XP Pro SP1 (Upgraded from Windows ME 01/03)
    *Intel Pentium 3 Processor 857 MHz
    *256 mb. RAM
    *Maxtor 34098H4
    *Mitsumi CR-4804TE CD-ROM/DVD
    *LG CD-ROM CRD-8483B
    *NTFS 38.1G Hard Drive
    *(Have no info about motherboard because this thing crashes when I try to pull up a program that would give me that info!)
    *ADSL connection
     
  2. SwatShark

    SwatShark Captain Cuffs

    I read over your other post too see if there was anything that might be relevant here. If you wish to format and install Windows XP, it is surprisingly simple.

    Put the Windows XP CD in the CDROM and reboot the machine. All that is needed after that is to follow the onscreen prompts and it will pretty much take care of itself. Be sure that you have everyone saved to you USB hard drive before you do this since the format will make all data unrecoverable. Windows will format the hard drive and install XP for you. Follow the prompts and you should be fine. Be sure to have your product key ready for the Windows XP CD. I'll see if I can find you a guide.
     
  3. SwatShark

    SwatShark Captain Cuffs

    There used to be a guide about formating and installing and I believe it was posted on this site. A search didn't turn up anything for me either and I looked through the Software (Read Only) forum and didn't see it there. Maybe one of the mods or admin have it tucked away on disc somewhere.
     
  4. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    This is one such guide that was posted here before: http://www.ontrack.com/hardwareinfo/fdisk.asp

    and here is another: http://fdisk.radified.com/

    I prefer the first.


    Gina, having read through your problems I notice that you are using an HP Pavilion series PC. One of the things with this is that it is expected to use customised drivers for its hardware components, this would be on the recovery disk.

    When you upgrade to WinXP these drivers may not be compatible with this operating system a review of the upgrade capability of your HP Pavilion at the HP web site can help you here: http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/softwa...osoft Windows XP&sw_lang=en&pagetype=software
    notice the WinXP driver updates. I note that there is a specific CD for the WinME to WinXP solution but there are no apparent details of what this contains.

    Here is some information on XL754 http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph06162 and it says there "NOTE: The only operating system supported on this HP Pavilion PC is MS Windows Millennium.". However, there is an equivalent XP upgrade page as for the above 9871 at http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/softwa...osoft Windows XP&sw_lang=en&pagetype=software
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2003
    1 person likes this.
  5. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    WHOA..........Back up everybody. I was under the impression Gina had an XP UPGRADE cd, not a XP FULL one. Can you boot, format, and install XP with an upgrade cd ???? Or do you have an XP full cd Gina?
    As far as using Nortons.......That would be a personal choice. And everybody has different opinions on Nortons. Personally, I use Nortons, and swear by it. Nortons is nearly impossible to remove all traces of it, once installed. It leaves tracks all over the place. Personally, I feel in order to protect every aspect of the pc, it needs to migrate everywhere in the pc. So you'd have to draw your own conclusion as to whether that's a good or bad thing. I use Nortons, but I use ALL Nortons. System Works, AntiVirus, Firewall. Someting in the back of my head tells me that it wouldn't be a good idea to like...........take out just the firewall, and run a different vendors firewall. The family's happy, as long as it's together. Just my personal opinion.
     
  6. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

  7. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    I'm SOOO confused!!

    Once again, THANKS for all of the responses!

    Maxwell, how do you come up with all these SO relevant web pages for me?? I try to find them but get so lost in the process of searching (each page leads to 6 different links) that I cannot find them!

    Brian C. is right. I DO have an upgrade CD. In my original thread: http://www.majorgeeks.net/vb/showthread.php?threadid=19625
    robo wrote:
    and this is why I thought I could do a clean install. However, this PC came with Windows ME preinstalled. I don't know if I have a valid CD key for the Windows ME, I only have my recovery discs. So in that case, what would be the best course of action? Can I reformat and do a clean boot with the upgrade CD? It gives the option for a regular install, but would that still be layering XP Pro on top of ME? (I can understand why you said you frowned upon this, Brian, because I have had SO MANY problems since the upgrade!) :confused:

    By the way, I didn't intend to slam Symantec... I used the entire line of products for 3 years and may use them again. I just want to TRY other programs this time (IF I can reformat & clean boot) and if I'm not satisfied I will go back to Symantec. (I DO love my ZoneAlarm, though.) So what do you all think?

    Oh, BTW, I still cannot reinstall IE 6, so I cannot access half the programs on my PC that depend on IE 5.5 or higher.... I tried what you told me, Brian:
    but the settings were already set up to "Warn," and this was the FIRST time I didn't get a warning/prompt (I attached the screenshot on my other post.) Should I choose "Ignore," attempt to install IE 6, then change it back to "Warn?"

    Maxwell, I also tried all the articles and links you gave me in my previous thread, but every time I ran the cmd command I was denied access to at least one of the files listed in the command. I also tried the sfc /scannow referred to in the article, but it prompted for my Windows Installation files over & over again. (I inserted the XP Pro upgrade CD, which did not work. Were the authors referring to another CD?) I didn't post the screenshots b/c they had personal info about my identity and ANYONE can read these posts.

    Sorry for the L O N G posts, but I am so confused right now ; I feel like tossing this PC out the window!! :mad: PLEASE HELP...

    Thanks!

    Gina

    Computer info:
    *HP Pavilion (Support tells me #9871, manual says #XL754, one is probably the sku number, but I have no clue as to which!)
    *Windows XP Pro SP1 (Upgraded from Windows ME 01/03)
    *Intel Pentium 3 Processor 857 MHz
    *256 mb. RAM
    *Maxtor 34098H4
    *Mitsumi CR-4804TE CD-ROM
    *LG CD-ROM CRD-8483B
    *NTFS 38.1G Hard Drive
    *(Have no info about motherboard because this thing crashes when I try to pull up a program that would give me that info!)
    *ADSL connection
     
  8. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    robo & Halo, we must have posted at the same time!

    Ok-- robo & Halo. I was reviewing my post as you were sending yours. {{{THANKS!}}}

    Questions:
    Since I only have the restore CDs that came with my HP (3 discs total and NONE tell you which one the ME is located on) I have no idea where the Windows ME key is located. If I am asked to insert the qualifying product, which CD do I insert?

    My heart felt appreciation for everyone's patience. :) PLEASE keep the advice flowing...

    Thanks!

    Gina
     
  9. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    I still have warranty with Best Buy (Where I bought the PC.) Would they have the Windows ME CD key? The warranty only covers the original configuration, but the ME CD key IS a part of the original config, isn't it? Or can I find the Windows ME key number somewhere in the restore discs?
     
  10. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    One thing before you go on, have you tried selecting the ignore option and re-installing IE6?

    Also if your PC is prompting for your Windows ME files these are on your hard drive, allow the installation to pick these off rather from CD, floppy or Microsoft web site.

    You DO have a valid Windows ME key and you can find your windows key from the registry. On my machine it is: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion and in there is a ProductKey field. Sorry the picture wasn't clear, I've removed it.

    This should also be on an official Microsoft Windows ME handbook.

    The restore or recovery CDs that HP provide are their own proprietary bundling of Windows ME and pre-installed products, including the particular device drivers for the hardware on your PC. They are not Windows installation disks just a compressed version of what is the default configuration of files on your machine. There are ways of cracking into these and I will not recommend that you do so.

    As to finding the pages I have an HP Pavilion (top of the range model when first came out in 1998) and very familiar with navigating around HP. I have also been down the road of upgrading disks, memory, etc.,.. - bookmark the pages I found since you will need to upgrade the device drivers. Did you find out which if the 2 HP Pavilions yours is?

    PS I too have a full installation of Norton software SystemWorks 2003 and Internet Services 2003. Both these products include NAV, Firewall and parental control, etc.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2003
  11. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    Cool ROBO. I didn't know you could do that with the upgrade cd.
    Gina..................PRINT PRINT PRINT !!!! Print everthing all of us discussed. So you'll hopefully have info you need, when you do the reformat. Also...........Look the cabinet of your computer over top to bottom. If there's no certificate of authenticity with the key pasted to your owners manual, it should be on your computer somewhere. Usually it's a small sticker when it's on the tower. VERY easy not to notice it on there, unless you really look for it. If it's fallen off, you'll have to get it from the registry before you reformat.
    HEY EVERYBODY..............Just as a safety net for Gina........If the installation doesn't go ok, does anyone know if she can boot with her original restore disks, and just install the ME ?? I would think so, but just wanted to hear some other confirmations. I think if Gina knows she'll be able to make it "out of the box" again if she has to, she won't be so scared to do the reformat. If this is her only computer, she's probrably having the fear of losing contact with us geeks if things go wrong.
     
  12. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    Yes, Gina will be able to boot using her restore/recovery disks and it should give an option to restore the original state by overwriting all files or she can name a particular file that needs to be restored. It is not a Windows ME installation disk but a compressed copy of the original factory installation. But rather than relying on the Restore/Recovery CD she should also make a boot floppy.

    I've never seen a Windows product key on a sticker on the PC. HP Pavilion series PCs do not have this to my knowledge but they do have a Windows handbook. Mine has the certificate of authenticity on the front cover.
     
  13. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    P.S. Sorry about the HUGE pics people !!
    (I removed them after everyone viewed them, so as not to screw up the thread page).:)
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2003
  14. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    PLEASE stay tuned...

    To the kind, generous souls who are trying to help me through this:

    I haven't read all the posts... tried to print them, but my PC is beginning to behave strangely again. (I tried to scan a document & now my computer is trying to uninstall my printer/scanner/copier! ARGH!! :mad: ) So I can't print anything at the present time, but I have a favor to ask each of you: PLEASE subscribe to this thread! It might take all week, but I will get this done, and I know I will need more assistance. I am totally overwhelmed and in awe of your camaraderie and willingness to help me! I am truly grateful for all of this support and will do my best when someone needs MY help... So refreshing to see intelligent people wanting to help you these days! :) (I live in a large city where I do not see this very often, and I wish I could find a "misty eyed" smiley b/c all of this much needed encouragement and support by my new computer geek friends has by far surpassed what people in my own community are willing to do for each other and it is actually making tear up!)

    Ok, enough of the mushy stuff... First I must install this USB HD, after I fix the printer, then back- up. In order to do this effectively, I need to make my present PC configuration as stable as possible.

    BTW, I did an online Trend Housecall scan for viruses-- the PC is still clean. Does anyone know of an online spyware & trojan scan? Could this be effecting the PC's performance? I have Adaware, Spybot, and SpyBlaster, but perhaps some spyware I picked up could have damaged my spyware detection software? I apologize in advance if this has already been answered, but as I mentioned earlier, I haven't been able to read all the posts. My PC is EXTREMELY slow right now (I never knew that so many programs and services depended on IE!) and there is even a delay when I attempt to type a post! The words show up a few minutes AFTER I type them...

    Also, I found my Windows Millenium product key!! (Hoo-ah!) I actually had a temporary job troubleshooting, testing, and doing quality control with HP computers back in '98, and we NEVER put the Certificate of Authenticity on the processor back then! It's there, though! A 25 character key, like: A1QK6-TWKGC-V74X3-72GIN-9MLEE, right? (This isn't my key, it just closely resembles it.)

    Anyway, PLEASE subscribe to this thread b/c you are my life- line right now...

    Much heartfelt thanks,

    Gina

    PS: Another strange thing-- I had web browser extensions for IE 6 which dissapeared when my IE problems began. NOW, the extensions are back! Eerie, huh? I even sat my homepage to Google through TweakNow Power Pack & Spybot (I think...:confused: ) The version number is still missing, however, & it is still VERY slow, plus I cannot run Management Console or other IE 5.5 or greater dependant services. I WILL try to choose the ignore option & reinstall, Maxwell. Before I back up, I would like my system to be as stable as possible.
     
  15. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    2 more questions B4 I forget!

    Hi All,

    Does anyone know HOW I can find out what model my HP Pavilion is? The phone support tech at Best Buy (where I purchased my PC) told me that it was a HP Pavilion #9871, but
    my documentation, including a service order receipt given to me when I took the PC in for a memory upgrade, indicates #XL754. Is there a key in regedit that would display this info? Since I will be reformatting, will I NEED the update files or CD supplied by HP for this process??

    Since my upgrade, I have been getting the following error upon startup:
    "Invalid Boot.ini file
    Booting from C:\Windows\"

    When I could run SiSandra information & benchmarking software without encountering a BSOD (a couple of months ago) it indicated that my bios needed to be updated. I went to the HP software site (Maxwell, I think it was one of the pages you posted) & obtained a bios update file, but couldn't get it to work. (According to HP, I should have ran this update BEFORE upgrading to XP Pro.) Do I still need to do this if I'm reformatting?

    Again, I apologize for all the long posts and questions...

    My heartfelt thanks,

    Gina
    :)
     
  16. Raider

    Raider Private First Class

    Thought this might help along the way.

    Preparing to Install XP

    Before you go off and try to be a hero, be sure you have the necessary equipment to complete the installation. This means before you format a hard drive or even turn your PC on, locate the following:
    • Windows XP CD – Be sure it’s free of scratches and debris. If it’s scratched badly, it might only make it through half the installation, giving you a big dumb box of metal and a severe headache.

    If you stare long enough, you might see a 3D image of a sailboat.


    Preparing to Install XP (cont.)


    • Valid Windows CD-key – Installing Windows is easy, but impossible without a valid CD-key. Be sure your key is legible and that it’s not in use, or Windows might not activate properly. The key can usually be found on the backside of the CD sleeve or the license agreement.

    What, you thought I’d share my key? You’re too trusting.

    • Backup – If you are planning to reinstall Windows XP over another version of Windows or you have information on your hard drive you want to keep, be sure to back it up to another drive.
    • 3rd party SCSI or IDE controller drivers – If your PC has a SCSI adapter or even an ATA133+ controller, be sure to have the newest drivers on a floppy disk or CD. When Windows prompts you (as you’ll read later), hit F6 and install these drivers. It will make the installation process much quicker and will help you avoid strange errors part-way through the install.
    • Internet software – If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) requires special software to get connected that you know is not included with Windows XP, be sure to have it now. This could include connection software, drivers for modems or other devices, etc. Windows without the Internet is like a Ferrari without wheels. It might look pretty, but it isn’t going to get you to Starbucks.


    Let’s Get Started, Shall We?

    Warning: The first rule while installing Windows is: do not press keys without reading what you’re doing. The second rule of installing Windows is: do not press keys without reading what you’re doing. Seriously, read what you’re doing and do not rush through the install, or your PC could be as useful as a turnip (it would still taste better, though).

    If you could be so kind, please turn on your PC at this point and hit "Delete" on your keyboard, or the other key indicated by your BIOS information screen to enter the setup utility. In this utility, look for "Boot Sequence" or "Boot Options". You may have to search around a bit to find it. If you accidentally make a change, exit without saving. Otherwise, locate the boot sequence and promote your CD-ROM drive to the primary boot device. This is just the easiest way to boot from the drive. Once you’ve done this, pop the CD-ROM drive open and insert your Windows XP Installation CD. Choose "Exit Saving Changes" or whatever option allows you to save the current settings and exit. Your PC will reboot, and you’re on your way.

    An Epic Begins, Installing Windows

    Once your PC has rebooted, follow the instructions on-screen to boot from the CD. It may require you to hit some key on the keyboard. It might be automatic. Either way, within a couple seconds if you’ve done this, you should see a familiar blue screen as the installation starts. Right away, it will say at the bottom of the screen something along the lines of "If you have a 3rd party SCSI driver, hit F6". If you do, as mentioned above, hit F6 now. You will not have another chance to do this, and if you miss it, you may want to reboot your PC and try booting from the CD again. You will be prompted to install these drivers later.

    If you have already installed XP on this PC and there are remains of it on one of your hard drives, it will ask you if you’d like to repair an installation. This is most likely not your plan, so hit Esc on your keyboard to continue and do a fresh install.

    Choosing Your Partition

    Once you’ve done this, you should reach the partition setup screen.

    Read carefully before proceeding.


    If you know which drive for certain you want to install Windows XP on, choose the drive and hit C for "create partition". You will have to hit D to "delete partition" if there are any problems with the old partition. This is recommended if you plan on doing a clean install as it could avoid problems during the install. Once you’ve deleted the partition, you will have to recreate it by hitting C.

    If you create a partition, it’s best in most cases to use the whole drive for the partition. This might avoid confusion later with drive names.

    If you don’t want to create a new one or you are ready to install, choose the desired partition and hit the Enter key. If it prompts you to choose either FAT or NTFS, you would probably be best suited with NTFS.

    Setup Continued, w00t!


    Following this step, you should have the option to either do a normal or quick format. If it works, try a quick format. This should save you some time. At this point, you can take a short break. Windows will work through the next few sections automatically. One of the steps is Scandisk, where Windows will scan the hard drive for errors. It may prompt you for action if an error is found, however if the disk was just formatted, it should not have any problems.

    Windows will now install a few more components and reboot the PC. If your PC automatically booted from the CD before, you will need to again enter the BIOS setup utility to change the boot sequence. If your PC required you to press a key, then do not press a key this time. Let the hard drive boot up. If you have an error like "non-system disk", "no boot disk found" or "press a key to reboot", then enter your BIOS setup utility as before and be sure your hard drive is set to be your primary boot device. If all goes well, you should see a Windows XP splash screen and the installation process would continue.

    Nearly 20 years of Windows and this is our greeting. I am overwhelmed.


    Assuming you encounter no errors, you should reach a blue installation screen with some Microsoft propaganda on the right. This is what you’ll see for the next 20 minutes or so as the installation continues.




    More Options


    After some automatic copying, the setup program should ask you about regional and language options. These only apply if you’re outside the United States, do not use a standard keyboard, or do not speak English. If this does not relate to you, click Next to continue.

    Here you have the option to enter a name and organization. This will be used for many Windows programs, but is not very important. You can enter your first name and leave organization blank for now.

    At the next screen, you will be prompted to enter that oh-so-important CD-key, which is located on the back of the sleeve or it should be packed with the license agreement. Enter it carefully (if you make a typo it will not work, but you can return and correct it). The letters will automatically be capitalized. After you’ve entered this, it will ask for a name for your PC. Again, this is not very important and if you want, you can just click next. We generally use the same name we used for Windows, or if we’re on a network we’ll follow it with a number. Once this has completed, you can set the administrator password. If you do not want to do this now, you can do it later. Finally, you’ll set the time, date, and time zone.

    Choose Your Own Networking Adventure


    Most users prefer typical network settings, but for the tweakers out there, "custom" is definitely the option you want. You’ll most likely want to remove QoS (choose "Uninstall"), because few programs take advantage of it, and you might want to install IPX if you play older network games. To do this, choose Install, Protocol, Add, NW Link IPX/SPX then click OK. If you have share files or printers over a LAN, you’ll want File and Printer sharing. Click next when you’re done here.

    Now, choose a name for your workgroup or enter the known network workgroup to which this PC will belong. If you know the Domain you’ll be part of (if you don’t know what this means, skip it) enter it. Otherwise, choose Next. At this point you should have another short break, and when this is completed, your PC will reboot again.

    Welcome to Windows

    Windows XP will attempt to setup your desktop resolution automatically once it has rebooted. If it scrambles the screen or has an error, hit "Esc" on your keyboard immediately.

    When you startup Windows XP, plug in your cable modem etc. and you should have Internet access automatically when available. Internet is needed for the next few steps, which can be repeated later if it’s not available now. You’ll be prompted to activate and register Windows. Activation is required to use Windows, but registration is not. Activation is very quick and easy, but if you need to skip it, Windows will notify you later.

    The desktop should now come up you’ll quickly realize that Windows is fully functional. You can do what you want here, but we suggest you do a few more things before continuing.

    Kind of reminds me of Fruity Pebbles…mmm, that was a great cereal.


    Let the Tweaking Begin

    If you do not like the default Windows XP theme, you can easily change it. Right click the desktop and choose "Properties". You can change the theme here from XP’s colorful theme to something more conservative, such as the Windows Classic theme.

    I guess clouds and rainbows are not for everyone.


    Windows Update

    Assuming you have Internet access, you should update all the drivers and patches on your system before installing your favorite word processor, ICQ, Space Bunnies Must Die, etc. To make this fast and easy, open Internet Explorer (Start button, then Internet Explorer). Once it’s open, choose Tools, then Windows Update.



    Click "Scan for Updates". Once this has completed, choose "Review and Install Updates". Critical updates and service packs will be installed automatically. These will usually fix problems with Windows or its built-in features. Then click "Windows XP" on the left side. Scroll down and read through the options. Some of these are good, but you want some like you want the bubonic plague. Choose "Add" on the good ones, and skip over the others. Especially avoid the .Net updates.

    Choose "Driver Updates" on the left, and confirm all updates for your drivers. Most likely, you’ll want to update your video card drivers from the manufacturer’s site, as they are probably more up-to-date and include utilities. Once you’re done with this, click "Review and Install Updates", then "Install Now". It will take a while to install and download updates. Once it has completed, the PC will probably reboot. At this point, try running Windows Update again to see if there are other updates that patch previous updates.

    Conclusion

    You’ve successfully installed Windows. You are now one-step above every person in society that has not installed Windows, and when you’re at a cocktail party and someone says, "Hey, who here has installed Windows?" you can raise your glass without feeling a bit of shame.

    Go install your favorite programs, games, restore your backups, and enjoy your new PC.
     
  17. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    Gina...........System is tring to uninstall your printer??? VIRUS !!
    I'm betting you have some kind of worm, and it's spreading. At this point, your top priority is to try to get the USB drive in, and back up your files to it. At this point, for simplicity sake, I would get the files onto the USB drive, then use your restore disks, and install ME. You won't have to mess around with drivers and stuff, it will all be on your restore disks. Then throw in any software you need to get online with, and get the computer virus scanned. THEN, you can come back here, and print all the info, THEN start your XP clean install. I really see no other sensible way to get thru this. You can't work with an unstable system. Then.......DO NOT...........and I repeat DO NOT attempt to put your backed up files back on the computer, until you have installed and fully updated an Anti-Virus program on the computer. You will then scan the backed up files on the external drive, with the Anti-Virus program BEFORE you even think of moving them back onto the computer, because your backed up files may be infected !!!!!!
    Anyone else agree with me on this?
     
  18. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    Re: 2 more questions B4 I forget!

    Agree with Brian C - other on-line scans Symantec at http://security.symantec.com/default.asp?productid=symhome&langid=ie&venid=sym.

    Good post Raider and I notice it is here also: http://www.majorgeeks.net/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19699 and I'll post Scouses' reply, which says if you want pictures for WinXP installation look here: http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/OS/InstallXPPro/installxppro1.htm

    No there isn't registry key, at least not on my HP Pavilion. The model of my HP is branded on the front of the PC tower. I suspect that your "documentation, including a service order receipt given to" you is more likely to be correct. One thing you can do is look at the machine specifications for both machines at HP's web site and compare them to yours.

    Also, do you remember registering your Pavilion with HP when you first got it and booted for the first time. No? Well all this information (including model number) is contained in the latest file within the directory C:\HP\Register. Note, it also contains your home address, phone number etc. or whatever you entered when you registered.

    Basically your boot.ini file has errors in it pointing to the wrong location to boot windows from. For correction, read this article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330184

    I cannot see a BIOS update for XL754 nor 9871 from the page I posted before - double check that you have a valid BIOS update before you go on.

    However, when I did a BIOS upgrade for my HP Pavilion I did the following:

    To create a BIOS for your HP. First create a bootable floppy: Put a blank floppy in your floppy drive (take it out again to check the write protect tag is off and put it back in again :) ). Open My Computer and right click your floppy drive and select format. A dialog will pop-up in which you select copy system files - you may want to do this after you have a clean system else your new system will be infected. Once you've done that, download the BIOS upgrade from HP (MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR MACHINE!!!!) and execute that. This should copy more files to your floppy. Note there will be a BIOS update readme file on your floppy which you must read before proceeding. WARNING: Once you have flashed your BIOS there is no going back unless HP send you a BIOS reset.

    Shutdown the machine and re-boot from the floppy. Use the technique that Raider showed you to ensure that your machine boots from your floppy rather than from your CD or hard drive. This runs a BIOS update program which will flash your BIOS with instructions. Finally you reboot with the new BIOS (fingers crossed).
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2003
  19. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    Update plus more questions...

    Thank you, Raider, for the laughs and for reminding me to check the CD for scratches and debris! I found a split in mine, from having to boot from CD and perform chkdsk /p so often. I called Microsoft for a replacement CD after naively thinking I could burn an ISO file and make a back- up to install with, but of course Nero couldn’t copy onto CD-- too many “unrecoverable read errors.” Microsoft was out of the replacement part I needed (one could speculate that making thin, flimsy CDs makes mucho dinero for M$) so it will be a month before I receive my replacement CD in the mail... The replacement was about $30, better than forking out the $180 for another upgrade CD. BTW, Maxwell, thanks for the info! My HP is a XL754.

    Anyway, on to the questions:

    1) The USB HD I purchased (Maxtor 80Gig 5000LE 7200 RPM) came with software-- Dantz Retrospect Express, Maxtor Personal Storage drivers, Windows updates, and a PDF manual. When I attempt to install it, I get several BSOD errors, one “faulty driver” 0x000000C4 and a IO System verification error in vsdatant.sys (WDM Driver error 224.) Heck, I get faulty driver errors when I try to install ANYTHING! My system recognizes this HD and will let me save files to it (so far) so do I HAVE to install the software?? (My primary HD is a Maxtor also.)

    2) Brian C. and Maxwell..... I know my PC shows all the signs of having a virus, but according to: http://housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/start_corp.asp (Trend Micro’s free online virus scan) my computer is virus- free. I’ve never been able to use Symantec’s online virus scan because my Active X controls are not compliant. (Even when I had all the Symantec products on my PC I was unable to perform their online scan...) I have attempted to change my Direct X controls several times, but given the current condition of my Microsoft IE, I doubt I could fix them now. I tried to search for an online virus scan with Google, but each link led me to a site that downloaded their software onto my machine! Does anyone know of any other reliable online virus scan?

    3) I read in one of the forums that a screen capture could be done by pressing the “PrtScn” button. This does not work for me-- I must use HyperSnap. If there IS a way to take a screen capture WITHOUT an application, please let me know. It may free up some speed in my processor-- especially now it is VERY slow. If anyone has tips to speed up a processor (other than Black Viper’s Services.msc and TweakNow, which I already have) PLEASE let me know.

    4) I read about a program in MG Downloads section called “HDCopy 2.104.”
    http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1288
    I am thinking that this might be an option for me-- to partition part of the new HD to hold ALL the data from the old one, then use my restore disks until I receive the XP Pro replacement CD. Any advice???

    BTW, Maxwell, I haven’t tried to use the “ignore” option to install IE 6 yet, but I will soon and will let you know if it works. This PC is running SO SLOWLY (plus I get a BSOD once or twice per day) that my main concern is backing up now.
    Thanks to everyone!

    Gina


    Computer info:
    *HP Pavilion XL754
    *Windows XP Pro SP1 (Upgraded from Windows ME 01/03)
    *Intel Pentium 3 Processor 857 MHz
    *256 mb. RAM
    *Maxtor 34098H4
    *Mitsumi CR-4804TE CD-ROM/DVD
    *LG CD-ROM CRD-8483B
    *NTFS 38.1G Hard Drive plus external USB 80Gig HD
    *(Have no info about motherboard because this thing crashes when I try to pull up a program that would give me that info!)
    *ADSL connection
     
  20. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    Ok, when I tried to reinstall IE 6...

    Maxwell,
    When I tried to reinstall IE 6 with the "Ignore" option, this is what I got. (See below:)

    I am now in the process of backing up, using my restore disks, then waiting on M$ to send a replacement disk for XP Pro. My processor is SO {{{S L O W}}} that if anyone has a faster way to back up, I would really appreciate a post. I have been backing up manually for days, and my brain has turned to mush! :(

    Help, anyone??

    Thanks,
    Gina
     

    Attached Files:

  21. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    Re: Update plus more answers...

    Glad to be of help. By the way Hp's web site doesn't indicate any BIOS updates as you indicate in an earlier post. Wonder what you obtained?
    Looks like you've got the answer to this in another thread. Do you know what the file organisation (NTFS or FAT32) is on both your disks? If not, look at the properties (right-click disk icon and select properties) of each disk.
    You could try one of the Virus Scan tools here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?id=29 Have you tried the McAfee on-line scan at: http://us.mcafee.com/default.asp It may work but the problems you are having with Internet Explorer and Norton virus scan may prevent that.
    On my system Alt-PrtScn works rather than just PrtScn. Try this to see if it helps.
    Don't understand why you would want to partition your new disk since you could re-format and restore back to your original disk. Were you thinking that your original disk is fried and the you would use your new disk to install the OS?
    OK, so you've tried it and it said there was a later version of Internet Explorer. Concentrate on backing up and hopefully this problem will go away once you've re-formatted and recovered everything.
    For information the specification of your PC is: http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph06162&prodId=hppavilion25705 Looks like you've upgraded the memory, modem - oh, and your file system is NTFS!
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2003
  22. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    Greetings Fellow Geeks,


    Maxwell: Thanks for trying to help me through this... I know my problems are complicated and sometimes I believe I will get more responses if I begin a new thread. ( I am DESPERATE, and fear I am "wearing out my welcome.") :( A problem with beginning a new thread is that the new people who answer my posts do not know all the details. Is there a limit to how many posts can be put on one thread?? Is there a limit to message length?

    I began having problems with my DSL connection (through Bellsouth) when I moved into a new home a few months ago and all the techs began shifting me around to HP & Microsoft. Since the phone technician at Best Buy (where I purchased my PC and have warranty) told me I needed a BIOS upgrade for the 9871 (the model he told me I had) in order to get the new DSL modem to connect, I went to a Kinko’s (a chain store with “pay to use” PCs) and searched the HP site for a BIOS upgrade for a 9871. I found this page (hope it works): here and downloaded the alca_303.exe file to upgrade my BIOS. I followed the instructions, and of course a red screen flashed telling me I had the wrong version, but I thought it was MY error... It’s a long story, but I fooled around with the DSL modem settings and finally got back online. (The Bellsouth tech they sent out could not get my PC online, but I DID-- guess I'm not a TOTAL failure...) :rolleyes:

    Yeah, couldn't handle a dial- up connection speed and I did a RAM upgrade when I installed XP Pro. Another phone tech told me I should change my file system to NTSF.

    1) My primary disk is NTFS. The USB HD is FAT32. (Which means I can partition, right?)

    2) I did try the McAfee but could try again, after a reboot. Do you think that would help?

    3) Thanks for the tip!

    4) Ok, this is the complicated part... and why I am calling myself a RETARD. When I did the setup for XP, I may have chosen the option that allowed faster indexing, which I assume is encryption. Also, since I layered XP on top of ME, I still have lost email files from my best friend (who died last year) on my machine. (When I installed XP, I already had IE 6, so I assumed the browser- hence my Outlook Express- would not be affected or changed in any way.) After installation, I realized I had lost all of the saved and unopened emails piled up in Outlook Express. :eek: I know I can search for them, but I haven’t had the time (the death of my God-daughter plus my own illnesses, but I know you all don't need to hear my personal problems) and my PC has been uncooperative, as you know. Indeed, it is taking DAYS to back up any files at all because of the sluggishness of my machine. Please forgive any stupidity on my part ( I obviously DID inhale...) and I wouldn’t know how to go about DOING this, but I am wondering if the following might be possible:

    I could partition, say, 40 Gigs of space on my external drive and back it up using one of the programs featured on the download page of Major Geeks. This way, I could just forget about backing up individual files and go into the external drive AFTER I use my HP restore disks. (I could reinstall NAV or another antivirus software, and scan each drive separately, right?) This would be quicker, if it’s possible. Also, this would save my settings as a reminder to use when I receive my XP replacement disk.
    Please, I really need input. I’ve never done anything like this before and am afraid to proceed without help. You can also email me through my profile, and I won't spam anyone.

    Thank you!

    Gina-
    "Geek- in- Training??"
     
  23. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Forgive me, I am so totally lost in this thread, LOL. I deal with A LOT of XP setup issues and the aftermath at work, so I may be able to help.

    If you would like to email me at home, @ silver256@gci-net.com with a list of specific problems and what you wish to accomplish I can help you on a more direct basis. I will take a look at it as soon as I get home. I promise I don't bite....much. :D

    EDIT: Missed the smiley in my post.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 8, 2003
  24. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    Gina,

    I have just replied to your e-mail address in your profile. Looks as though you will be getting help from Adrynalyne as well. :)
     
  25. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    OMG. I'm getting totally lost, with all Gina's problems. I'll bet she ever gets thru this, she'll be backing up files from now on.
    One brick at a time, you'll get thru it.
     
  26. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    I never got an email :|
     
  27. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    So Y' all DIDN'T forget me!!

    Thanks, fellow geeks,

    Maxwell: Got your email & replied.

    Adrynalyne: Sorry... I have been trying to think of a way to put into words everything that has happened to me (well..... to my computer) in the past 2 weeks. I will have to send you a .pdf e- book and you should get it in the next few days! (Seriously, I am NOT kidding! Writing to Maxwell took 3 hours-- my system is S L O W!)

    Six out of ten times I try to open a program, or sometimes even a browser, I get a BSOD, a faulty driver on my kernel stack message! I copy the error number down and cannot get my system up to the task of browsing through all the webpages M$ redirects me to!

    robo & Brian C: Thanks for the encouragement... Damned straight-- I've learned my lesson regarding backing up!

    S0mE0nEsMiNd: Thanks for the laugh... (Of course I meant the OUTSIDE-- the "tower," right?) My warranty is thru Best Buy, and the only advice they have is to run my restore disks. (Most warranty help desk techs are there to tell you to run system restore, msconfig, or reboot your computer... Remember the DSL tech who came to my house & couldn't get me online?) I never renewed my HP warranty.

    The only thing I want to do now is make a partition on my new 76.3 GB USB HD. (I have Powerquest's Partition Magic 8.0v on .zip sent to me by an online buddy.) I want to mirror my internal HD (38.1 GB) onto the partition, use my restore disks, & worry about reformatting when M$ gets around to mailing the replacement disk. Is this do-able?? (My internal HD is NTFS, external USB is FAT32.) Should I get a program for mirrorring my internal HD from http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?id=3&sort=25 to supplement Partition Magic? Can anyone recommend a good one? (It must be compatible with XP and ME.) C' mon.... Just a little more help-- I'm almost there!

    Thanks... I wish my husband were as patient with me as y' all are! :rolleyes: It's not like I'm on Yahoo personals! LOL!

    4:45AM-- Gotta go to bed.

    Gina
    :)
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2003
  28. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    S0mE0nEsMiNd,
    By the way,
    The HP was my Learner's Permit. Now I'll be getting a laptop in a few months.... do I have any other choice but "name brand?"

    Thanks,
    Gina
    :)
     
  29. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest


    Take your time :)
     
  30. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    Now now Gina, we must not blame HP or the computer for what happened !! Remember, it's not the computer itself, that is causing your problems, but alterations to the O/S. My HP works great. Now, if you had hardware failure of some sort, then you could cast stones at the manufacturer. In reality, if you had all your stuff backed up, the computer could be all like new again, by running the restore disks. Once you get your files retrieved, the pressure and frustration will be eased. Just keep chiping away at trying to get your stuff on the external drive. Once that's done, it's all cake after that. Hang in there.:)
     
  31. Ginanatl

    Ginanatl Specialist

    Ouch! Didn't intend to slam HP-- LOL!

    Hi All,
    Sorry, I didn't intend to slam HP, Brian C; I've been able to do quite a bit with what I have, with a few upgrades and some hard work. I was responding to S0mE0nEsMiNd:
    From what I've heard and seen, you can build a truly bitchin' PC just ordering parts (motherboards, modems, HDs, etc) from independant websites, for just a few hundred dollars, MUCH cheaper than retail. I know where to go to get these parts-- I just need to hire a builder. (Could you see me trying to build a "monster machine?" I don't think so...):D

    As far as a Laptop, I AM leaning towards Dell, but Brian C., how's your Sony?? Does anyone know anyone know about Mac? I've heard that "Once you go Mac, you never go back."

    Ok... I have confessed my sins & am now seeking redemption--LOL! This is what I need advice on: Since I have so many huge files (video, software, well over a GB) and email from my now deceased best friend & God- daughter (which I cannot find) on my PC & my system is so slow right now (EVERYTHING in Windows depends on IE!) I cannot backup in the normal fashion. THIS is why I want to backup my entire HD, but need to be sure it is possible... :confused: This is PRICELESS stuff that I could search for LATER when my system is more stable, or plug the USB HD into a new Laptop & find it.

    NOW... I don't mean to be rude, but could we please get to the meat of this matter? Or should I post another thread for this? If y' all will help me, I will have the knowledge to help others then, right??:D

    At the risk of repeating myself, could someone give me advice as to my plan? I posted:
    Thanks, & I hope I didn't offend anyone. :(

    Peace,
    Gina
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2003
  32. Maxwell

    Maxwell Folgers

    Hi Gina, I have just responded to your e-mail that hopefully answers the question you have quoted.
     
  33. Brian C

    Brian C Private Peanut Gallery

    Hi Gina. My Sony is a desktop. I actually prefer my HP over it though. Nothing to do with speed or operation. Just the HP is more user friendly. The peloaded programs are simpler. I didn't have to spend any time figuring out how to do stuff like burn a CD. I guess it's a personal choice though. One thing for sure..........Most everybody agrees that Dell has unmatched tech support and customer service.
     
  34. Major Attitude

    Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member

    Building a computer isnt really hard, technically the hardest part is bolting on the motherboard and wires that power it on, LED, etc. but youll find most people in computer shops building PCs often refer to a manual to be sure they are wiring it up. That was the hardest thing for me, at least the last thing I learned. No disrespect to S0mE0nEsMiNd, but I must disagree, though I have not read this whole thread and maybe you have some PC experience... Building a PC is VERY difficult if you are not familiar with the hardware and wiring a little bit. I would read a book on building your own PC and save your old machine to experiment with by swapping hard drives, video cards and such so that you can get some hands on. I would never just try and build one without some hardware experience and if your not really sure, buy a book and read up on it a bit. To many of us, building a PC is super easy, but we forget how hard it was when we didnt know anything about them :)

    Jim and I both recently bought machines from ABSPC at http://www.abspc.com Good company, quality, brand name parts, just cant say enough, though I never used their support to be honest. There are companies out there like that building affordable, quality machines at a decent price, but theres so many, its confusing, explaining why Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP and the others do so well. Its easier to go to a store, buy it and go home.
     
  35. Major Attitude

    Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member

    Re: Ouch! Didn't intend to slam HP-- LOL!

    Well, theres a lot of ways to mirror data, I like tools that clone a drive and compress it and save to another drive or CD. Personally, I use Acronis True Image available in our backup section. A lot of people swear by Nortons Ghost, available at any computer type of store. Both will need to be purchased. They make copies of your drive that you can put on another drive making it bootable just how it was. I think thats what you want. Tools like Nortons Ghost and Acronis True Image will see both FAT and NTFS drives, very important.

    There are a couple fo free ones, HD_Clone and Lexun Backup solution, but I cant say I have the experience with them to suggest you try it.


    P.S I think I quoted a quote. Sorry if I did.


     
  36. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    I must agree with you MA..... Acronis True Image is a great program that produces all the necessary materials to backup/clone your HD eg. boot disk to restore image of OS

    It can also backup certain parts of your data and compact it for storage on 2nd HD or CDs

    I now use it to backup my 3rd HD which holds all my downloaded updates,Drivers and important work files and pictures... I back these onto a Spare 20g HD I just plug in when I need to backup.


    The only downside for me is that most ( AFAIK ) image/ghosting programs dont support RAID and or RAID and Dynamic Disks.. which coincedently is what my OS and main programs run off :(
     
  37. Major Attitude

    Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member

    Acronis is working on that. Jim had talked to them about it not reading SATA, so maybe they will figure it out.
     

MajorGeeks.Com Menu

Downloads All In One Tweaks \ Android \ Anti-Malware \ Anti-Virus \ Appearance \ Backup \ Browsers \ CD\DVD\Blu-Ray \ Covert Ops \ Drive Utilities \ Drivers \ Graphics \ Internet Tools \ Multimedia \ Networking \ Office Tools \ PC Games \ System Tools \ Mac/Apple/Ipad Downloads

Other News: Top Downloads \ News (Tech) \ Off Base (Other Websites News) \ Way Off Base (Offbeat Stories and Pics)

Social: Facebook \ YouTube \ Twitter \ Tumblr \ Pintrest \ RSS Feeds