Solve : Two Win XP problems?

1.	Solve : Two Win XP problems?
Answer» Problem nr. 1 I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD. So now everytime I boot up I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is). Problem nr. 2 This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key. When I HIT it, nothing happens. Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search. It has also affected drop-down windows on my Netscape 8 browser and I cannot utilize MS MSN screen icons. I've run two anti-spyware programs as well as anti-virus to no effect. I have an Athlon 64 3500+ CPU with Win XP pro (sp 2); AV8 mb; 2 x 250GB MAXTOR drives; 2x Kingston dual channel 512K memory; nVidia 6800 graphics card; Sony CD/DVD write drive. Thanks for your help in advance.Quote Problem nr. 1 I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD. Quote Remove all entries related to your external HDD. Restart the computer Install relevant and up to date drivers. The drivers most likely come as executables. Meaning that Windows can not detect them and that you will have to open them like any other program. connect external HDD. (I assume it is USB?) Quote Problem nr. 1 I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD. So now everytime I boot up I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is). Problem nr. 2 This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key. When I hit it, nothing happens. Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search. It has also affected drop-down windows on my Netscape 8 browser and I cannot utilize MS MSN screen icons. I've run two anti-spyware programs as well as anti-virus to no effect. I have an Athlon 64 3500+ CPU with Win XP pro (sp 2); AV8 mb; 2 x 250GB Maxtor drives; 2x Kingston dual channel 512K memory; nVidia 6800 graphics card; Sony CD/DVD write drive. Thanks for your help in advance. This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key. KELLY'S KORNER #235 Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search. KELLY'S KORNER #148 Don't use Netscape sorry.Quote I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP Pro (SP2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD, as when I had the HD attached, the system did not recognize the drivers on the CD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. So now, everytime I boot up, I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is). And what is the other one ..... ? How old is this drive, or is it a recent purchase? If you can give more info on model and means of connection it could help. Western Digital External Drives, Support and Knowledge BaseProblem nr. 1: Well, I followed Raptor's advice and indeed the external drive was detected. Thank you. However the system STILL asks for drivers for new hardware when I boot up! I now have 2 icons on the taskbar - a WD Button Manager and one for Safely Remove Hardware. I will go to WD for further help, but if ANYONE knows anything about this, I would be appreciative. Problem nr. 2: I went to Kelly's Corner #235 as advised, and was thoroughly confused. I would be able to Ghost my C: drive to my identical D: drive and then fool around with the registry on the C drive through these programs, but which one?? As for not using Netscape, that's a non-starter. Netscape 8 blows away IE. Besides the problems are not just with Netscape, but with XP and MSN functions as well. One thing is very curious, however. Before having this problem, I'd get occasional shutdowns from Netscape 8 at various moments. But after having this problem, I don't get any shutdowns. Where do I begin with the maze in #235?Quote Where do I begin with the maze in #235? I'd try scrolling down to #235 and click. I'd then save the file. Then I'm sure I'd double click the saved file. Quote Problem nr. 1: Well, I followed Raptor's advice and indeed the external drive was detected. Thank you. However the system STILL asks for drivers for new hardware when I boot up! I now have 2 icons on the taskbar - a WD Button Manager and one for Safely Remove Hardware. I will go to WD for further help, but if anyone knows anything about this, I would be appreciative. Problem nr. 2: I went to Kelly's Corner #235 as advised, and was thoroughly confused. I would be able to Ghost my C: drive to my identical D: drive and then fool around with the registry on the C drive through these programs, but which one? As for not using Netscape, that's a non-starter. Netscape 8 blows away IE. Besides the problems are not just with Netscape, but with XP and MSN functions as well. One thing is very curious, however. Before having this problem, I'd get occasional shutdowns from Netscape 8 at various moments. But after having this problem, I don't get any shutdowns. Where do I begin with the maze in #235? Those two numbers are just for registry (.reg) files. Kudos to Raptor! All you have to do there is to copy and paste the files into Notepad, exactly as they are, and save them with a .reg file extension. When you double-click on them you will be asked if you want to merge them with your registry, so just answer Yes, and that's it. You need the both of them. If you don't use it already ERUNT makes registry backups automatically. I prefer using a drive image myself as it is more certain, so I backup my C: and D: drives to data DVDs and also keep running copies on the F: drive. If you need help I could always email the .reg files to you. If you take any one of your current .reg files, export it to a folder to work on and then right-click on it and choose Edit you'll see what they are like. I use Opera 8 with Voice and that blows away IE as well! Problem Fixed! I tried running Norton Win Doctor and that fixed problem nr. 2. Thank you to everyone who tried to help. Your efforts are very appreciated (Thanks Mac for the email)! I had Norton WinDoctor when using ME, as PART of Norton Utilities. Smart move. I wonder how the problem was caused in the first place?

Answer»

Problem nr. 1

I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD.

So now everytime I boot up I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is).

Problem nr. 2

This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key. When I HIT it, nothing happens. Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search. It has also affected drop-down windows on my Netscape 8 browser and I cannot utilize MS MSN screen icons.

I've run two anti-spyware programs as well as anti-virus to no effect.

I have an Athlon 64 3500+ CPU with Win XP pro (sp 2); AV8 mb; 2 x 250GB MAXTOR drives; 2x Kingston dual channel 512K memory; nVidia 6800 graphics card; Sony CD/DVD write drive.

Thanks for your help in advance.Quote

Problem nr. 1

I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD.

Quote

Remove all entries related to your external HDD.
Restart the computer
Install relevant and up to date drivers. The drivers most likely come as executables. Meaning that Windows can not detect them and that you will have to open them like any other program.
connect external HDD. (I assume it is USB?)

Quote

Problem nr. 1

I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP pro (sp2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD. But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present. As when I had the HD attached, the system does not recognize the drivers on the CD.

So now everytime I boot up I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is).

Problem nr. 2

This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key. When I hit it, nothing happens. Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search. It has also affected drop-down windows on my Netscape 8 browser and I cannot utilize MS MSN screen icons.

I've run two anti-spyware programs as well as anti-virus to no effect.

I have an Athlon 64 3500+ CPU with Win XP pro (sp 2); AV8 mb; 2 x 250GB Maxtor drives; 2x Kingston dual channel 512K memory; nVidia 6800 graphics card; Sony CD/DVD write drive.

Thanks for your help in advance.

This one is more serious. I've lost the ability to access Windows Help & Support option on the Start key.

KELLY'S KORNER #235

Also, hitting Search only brings up a window with the dog, but no options for actually doing a search.

KELLY'S KORNER #148

Don't use Netscape sorry.Quote

I've been unsuccessfully trying to get Windows XP Pro (SP2) to recognize and load the drivers for a WD external HD, as when I had the HD attached, the system did not recognize the drivers on the CD.

But when I disconnect the HD I get alerts that new hardware is present.

So now, everytime I boot up, I get New Hardware alerts, even when nothing is attached. There seem to be two, one id's the hardware as WPD (whatever that is).

And what is the other one ..... ?

How old is this drive, or is it a recent purchase?

If you can give more info on model and means of connection it could help.

Western Digital External Drives, Support and Knowledge BaseProblem nr. 1:
Well, I followed Raptor's advice and indeed the external drive was detected. Thank you.

However the system STILL asks for drivers for new hardware when I boot up! I now have 2 icons on the taskbar - a WD Button Manager and one for Safely Remove Hardware.

I will go to WD for further help, but if ANYONE knows anything about this, I would be appreciative.

Problem nr. 2:

I went to Kelly's Corner #235 as advised, and was thoroughly confused. I would be able to Ghost my C: drive to my identical D: drive and then fool around with the registry on the C drive through these programs, but which one??

As for not using Netscape, that's a non-starter. Netscape 8 blows away IE. Besides the problems are not just with Netscape, but with XP and MSN functions as well.

One thing is very curious, however. Before having this problem, I'd get occasional shutdowns from Netscape 8 at various moments. But after having this problem, I don't get any shutdowns.

Where do I begin with the maze in #235?Quote

Where do I begin with the maze in #235?

I'd try scrolling down to #235 and click.
I'd then save the file.
Then I'm sure I'd double click the saved file. Quote

Problem nr. 1:
Well, I followed Raptor's advice and indeed the external drive was detected. Thank you.

However the system STILL asks for drivers for new hardware when I boot up! I now have 2 icons on the taskbar - a WD Button Manager and one for Safely Remove Hardware.

I will go to WD for further help, but if anyone knows anything about this, I would be appreciative.

Problem nr. 2:

I went to Kelly's Corner #235 as advised, and was thoroughly confused. I would be able to Ghost my C: drive to my identical D: drive and then fool around with the registry on the C drive through these programs, but which one?

As for not using Netscape, that's a non-starter. Netscape 8 blows away IE. Besides the problems are not just with Netscape, but with XP and MSN functions as well.

One thing is very curious, however. Before having this problem, I'd get occasional shutdowns from Netscape 8 at various moments. But after having this problem, I don't get any shutdowns.

Where do I begin with the maze in #235?

Those two numbers are just for registry (.reg) files.

Kudos to Raptor!

All you have to do there is to copy and paste the files into Notepad, exactly as they are, and save them with a .reg file extension. When you double-click on them you will be asked if you want to merge them with your registry, so just answer Yes, and that's it.

You need the both of them.

If you don't use it already ERUNT makes registry backups automatically. I prefer using a drive image myself as it is more certain, so I backup my C: and D: drives to data DVDs and also keep running copies on the F: drive.

If you need help I could always email the .reg files to you.

If you take any one of your current .reg files, export it to a folder to work on and then right-click on it and choose Edit you'll see what they are like.

I use Opera 8 with Voice and that blows away IE as well!

Problem Fixed!

I tried running Norton Win Doctor and that fixed problem nr. 2.

Thank you to everyone who tried to help. Your efforts are very appreciated (Thanks Mac for the email)!

I had Norton WinDoctor when using ME, as PART of Norton Utilities.

Smart move.

I wonder how the problem was caused in the first place?

Solve : Two Win XP problems?

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