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Our HP PC recieved a virus, after trying to remove it and evening trying SYSTEM restore (always failed) I decided to do a system recovery which I had done several times before in the PAST. Anyhow I did that and near the ending (what I assumed was) the system seemed to freeze on a black screen. So I held the power buttom and restarted the PC.

When it restarted I get the errors saying "Install was not complete. Please reinstall". If I CLICK ok it restarts and brings the error back up over and over again.

I tried to bring it up in safe mode but I get a password error and it restarts.


What should I do? I dont have any recovery cd's since it was all on the PC itself, can I have the computer restart system recovery when it starts up?

ThanksIf it doesn't startup, you may have to reformat (always the easy answer).

The only other thing I can think of (not telling you to just go and try it right now) is putting your xp cd into your cd drive, change your boot order in the BIOS so that that CD-Drive is read first, and try to restore original system files and see if that helps.

Its just a though, I'd only do it if some other people at this forum agreed with me.ok when you turned your computer off u stoped if from finishing which in turn probably caused some file not to be RESTORED... and when u have virus never try a system restore u might reinfect your self.. the best thing to do is do a complete reformat.. and THATS the best viruse removal tool you have.Contact HP regarding your specific model and the restore steps needed.

i can not CHANGE COMPUTER name ?

or where??On Windows XP: Control Panel-->System-->Computer name.

Which VERSION of Windows are you using?

I keep getting this error(the pic)
and im not sure if this is connected to when my computer dumps its physical MEMORY and restarts. and when it does it say something about a hardware config in the bios but i hit F1 to have it continue thanks for any help

im running winXP home pentium 3 550mh 128mb of ramwhat program are you trying to run when this happens?

is your computer free of viruese spyware adware etc??


what protections are on your computer?it happens randomly in any program

i am pretty much clear of spyware and viruss

i have avg free, ad-aware, and windows defenderHow long has this been happening?

What  preceeded this?

Other issues?

Do you have a real Windows CD to reinstall if needed? it has been happening since my computer was first on, i do have a real cd to reinstall and not much else besides the restart

hmm thinking back there was a time when my computer would just restart over and over when it GOT halfway thought the loading of windows QUOTE

it has been [highlight]happening since my computer was first on[/highlight], i do have a real cd to reinstall and not much else besides the restart

hmm thinking back there was a time when my computer would just restart over and over when it got halfway thought the loading of windows

how do i CHANGE the drive LETTER on my portable hard drive. It has always been E, but now for some reason it changed to F and  everything is a mess, i want it back to E, how do i do this?What is E now and what other letter are in use and by what?

Hi,

I am experimenting with my old machine, I had Win2K and windXP on this machine as dual boot.
The Win2K is on the primary partition and the WinXP is on the SECOND partition. Now I want to install Ubuntu on the same machine. I did a manual partition from the Ubuntu installer, I wanted to add  it on the Win2k partition but it won't allow me, however, on the WinXP partition it would allow me to do so by formatting it, now my machine is dual boot to Win2K and Ubuntu. The WinXP was erased. Is there anyway I can make a triple boot with Win2K, WinXP and Ubuntu on the same HD?

MacPCOh, just out of curiocity, is it possible to have quad or more boot on one machine?You can add a lot of partitions and boot from them, but it is better to plan ahead, rather than resizing existing partitions.

To do this 3 way, Load Win2K first, then XP, then Ubuntu, BUT partition the secondary drive into a section for XP when installing that and leave the rest unallocated. Ubuntu will take that as it's first preference.That's a good idea, I will try that. Thanks. GX1.  Let us know how it goes.Partition magic is a very handy tool for things like this....with options like "Install new operating system" lolPartition Magic is good for rearranging existing partitions, but you have the ability to do this with NO ADDITIONAL software with pre-planning. Hi, Just want to share the result of my experiment. I did a new installation. First I partitioned the HD when I INSTALLED Win2K. The HD is 80G, so I gave 50G to Win2K and partition 30G for WinXP. After installing the Win2K on the first partition, I installed WinXP on the second one. Then I use the Ubuntu boot disk CD, follow the INSTRUCTION, sub-divided the WinXP partition (30G) to 7G for the XP and 23G for Ubuntu. After Ubuntu was installed, somehow I can't boot from WinXP. The 7G partition seems to be still intact. When I start up, Ubuntu Grub asks if I want to boot from Ubuntu or other OS, I choose the one says WindowsNT/200/XP (loader), then the next screen it let me pick Win2K or WinXP. If I pick Win2K, Win2K WORKS just fine, but if I pick WinXP, Then I get this msg

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file.

What is wrong here? Can you help me?

MacPCUse Partition Manager.. and you can open the harddrive and just copy and paste the file that it is missing.. from the folder.. WOW Win2k and WIXp and Ubintu that is awsome.. i should try that.. thanks for the .. topic.. but yeah try my suggestion

I am using an old SAGE database program on Win2k.  The data transfer is traditionally sent via floppy disk.  I have since eliminated this, using networked drives with the A: or B: drive letters.  I am attempting to make this operation able to work without the network present, but without floppy disks.  I am trying to use a logical partition in place of the floppy drive.  The partition is in FAT format, because the program still thinks it's writing to a floppy drive.  The drive must be completely empty before it will write the data to it.  That is why the recycle bin must not be present.   The A: or B: are not really an issue, since the program now allows any drive letter to be the destination.
 
The problem is, on Win2k, a recycle bin is automatically set for each partition.  This can be manually be set to not set aside any SPACE for it and delete the "recycled" file from the drive and all works well.  The problem is, this change does not stay through a reboot.  As SOON as the computer is rebooted or shut on/off, it loses those settings and it must be done again.  This is not acceptable since the users of these computers are not proficient nor have security rights to do so.  
 
Is there a way to make these changes stay?  Or possibly to eliminate the recycle option entirely from a specific drive?You can only temporarily delete the recycle bin.  This is by design.  I know of no way to permanently remove it without being unable to delete files.

How about a batch file that will run at STARTUP and remove the recycle bin before any other programs are LOADED. Quote

You can only temporarily delete the recycle bin.  This is by design.  I know of no way to permanently remove it without being unable to delete files.

Launch the program from a batch file with command that will delete the recycle bin before the program starts. You can make your shortcut point to the batch file instead of the program itself. This won't depend on 2K running anything from autoexec.

Hi,
I just put together a computer. This is the first one I ever did.
The CPU comes with a heatsink. Ths heatsink (with a fan) has a piece of tape of some sort on the bottom where it directly come in contact with top of the CPU. Should I take this tape off before I mount it to the CPU?
Sorry for the stupid question, I just want to be sfae then sorry.
MacPC

i use windows xp sp1 with outlook EXPRESS 6. my problem is when i download new mails from HOTMAIL inbox each mail is DOWNLOADED TWICE which takes extra time. why this happens?It is possible you have Outlook configured to download each e-mail as plain text and as text with styles.

About a year ago, my computer had this malfunction.  Everytime we turned it on, it would turn on, but nothing would appear.  Sometimes, just randomly, the computer would work just fine.  It just took about 50 manual reboots.  Then one week, my luck or whatsoever it was vanished, and it wouldn't start anymore.

We had it fixed and both Operating Systems (Windows 2000 and Windows ME) worked ok.  Everything was just reformatted I guess.  All the files and other things were there, just as it had been before.  There was only one problem -  the screen area could only stay at 640 by 480 pixels and there was only 16 bit color.  Windows 200 worked fine however with 1024 by 768 pixels and a lot of colors i guess.  I saw this and said, "oh, they must have lost the driver for the graphics card while reformatting.  So on Windows 2000, I installed the nVidia Driver and then I rebooted, went on Windows ME, found the file from Windows 2000 and downloaded onto Windows ME.  That's where things went bad from what I recollect.  The driver somehow didn't work - but we got all the specs right and downloaded the right driver too.  Windows Me didn't work the same since.  

To make matters even worse, I guess, there was this update or some software that popped up on Windows ME - It was a Windows software update or pop-up or something because we have no internet on Windows ME.  (By the way, I'm on my iBook right now writing all of this.)  Anyways, so I just installed it and it really didn't do anything to what I can see.  So I did my work and stuff and I shut down.  The next day I tried going on ME and now it just completely didnt work.  I got to the screen where it is loading and has the big Windows Millenium Logo.  But that's where everything stops.  So I reboot, try going back on ME and it takes me to the load-up screen where i can choose:

Normal Start
TXT or some kind of start like that
Safe Mode
or STep-by-step SETUP

normal start doesnt work, the TXT startup or whatever i dont know what it does.  And I don't know how to configure the step by step setup.  So I am forced to go through Safe Mode.  

The only real reason I go on ME is because thats where we have all our games and primarily the Sims for me.  I have all my 8 neighborhoods with all the explansion packs and have been building houses since 2000.  I don't really like playing the role-playing part of the game.

Anyway, Safe Mode really won't let me do anything and when I try to go for SYSTEM Recovery it just won't work.  I tried a System Recovery from a date 3 years ago in Sept. 30, 2003.  That didn't even work.

So as you can, the OS is messed up PRETTY badly somehow, but I dont know how...

Any Help IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

so I guess maybe another eeformatting? or a different type of system recovery?  I don't know.  Everyone here has definitely more KNOWLEDGE about computers than me.Sounds to me like you need to choose which operating system you want to USE, either ME or 2000 8-) simply because your system is really jacked-up and nothing short of a reformat and install would work.

I can see that your games mean a lot to you.  Can you run them on 2000?  If so, I'd save all your games stuff to cd or external hard drive, wipe and reinstall.  Personally I'd pick Windows 2000 over ME.  I think ME was a child of somebody at M$ and they foisted it on the world just to get it out of the house  

Alan <><  

What Microsoft CD's do you have to work with?i have the Win ME Installation disk...  I guess I would just have to save all my game data and stuff onto a cd and reinstall?  or cd's i guess because there is a lot of stuff there.  

would it work if i put all the data on a cd then installed all the sims stuff and upload all the game info stuff i have?  onto my mac?  or would the different computer formatting and stuff totally screw up my creations as a 10 year old?You can save your data files but ALL programs would have to be reinstalled. They just will not function otherwise.

If the machine is functional enough to do the backup you should start now. I don't believe you can fix this short of a reinstall.ok thanks

Hey all, to begin, i'm very good computers, but this problem has got me stumped.

Computer Specs
-2GB RAM
-AMD 3500+
-SP1

Problem
My computer will lock up, (explorer). When this happens I cannot access the Windows Task Manager, can't go to start>control panel, and cannot start>shut down

Certain programs will lock as well, AIM, WMP.

I've done numerous spyware scans and a MCAFEE scan.

One thing I've noticed is; when scanned with Lavasoft adaware, it detects "0 possible new malware" as a threat name, then my computer brings up the NT authority\SYSTEM errors, better known as the blaster worm.

In addition to that, I've booted into safe mode and scanned, and then the computer just REBOOTS.

Any help would be great appreciated, thanks!!

Possibly hardware?  RAM or POWER supply?  Can/do you have a spare of either to swap out and see if the problem goes away?

Alan <>You say it reboots in safe mode ? ....after how long ?
Do you have a floppy drive by any chance ?
I note you have SP1 ....does that mean you have XP as the operating system ?
Why dont you have SP2 installed or are you USING a copy of XP ?

dl65  Usually this behavior doesn't happen out of no where, something must have happened.

How about a system restore?Problem is fixed, after installing a security issue on Windows Update.

Thanks though guys

On Win XP Pro, I can position my DESKTOP icons in different places and they STAY in place until I log off one user and switch to another.  When I go back to my desktop all the icons that I have moved will be placed back on the left hand side of the SCREEN.  I do not have auto ARRANGE on.  What could be doing this..

ok recently i have just gotten dsl for my new computer, but i have an old computer also which has alot of errors and is pretty slow, but i was wondring if i hooked my old computer to the dsl also if it would harm my new computer or give it virus or make it run slow? anyone could help it would be appreciated.
For the old computer to "talk" to the new computer you would need EITHER a) a cross-over cable, which I'm pretty sure you don't have...or b) a router, which it sounds like you don't have either.

In either case, enjoy your new computer  and let the kids have the old one to mess up.  

Alan <><  is a router the thing that comes with the cable internet? the thing that has 4 ports to connect 4 computers and tells that its connected to the computer and the phone line?YES, it's that "thing"  8-)

Alan <><  

Yep, that sounds like a router.  And yes, it is possible for that computer to transmit viruses to another computer if they are both connected to the same router.  You should ideally sort out your virus problem and ensure you don't get reinfected.  See the software FAQ (link in my signature) for a list of some free internet security software (amongst other things).i have another question, i dont want to make my old computer any worse with downloading stuff is there anyway that i can buy something that wont cost alot to protect the computer so that i can download stuff like music?See my previous post, and get downloading the free internet security software!   Quote

is a router the thing that comes with the cable internet? the thing that has 4 ports to connect 4 computers and tells that its connected to the computer and the phone line?

i have an old computer also which has alot of errors and is pretty slow

hi i  got hte problem of my Desktop background missing its just a blank screen with the icons showing so i restrated my computer and teh same THING happened i went to the desktop PROPERTIES to change the background WEN i clicked APPLY the slecetd background didnt show  i then tried it again and noticed it jumped from the selected bacground to teh None tab does any one know how i can stop thisNot SURE i understand your question...the google translator was no help as well.

patio.    8-)And as always, is this a legal XP with SP2 and all updates?

I'm working with XP.  And I've noticed lately that when I edit a file, the thumbnail image does not change.  I can move the file, rename it, re-edit it... but the original thumbnail pic seems to follow it everywhere.

I know this isn't always the case because I've got several folders that contain thumbnails with modified images.  I just don't REMEMBER what I did different before.

Anybody know how to control the thumbnail images and make sure they change with the image?

Thanks.If you close the Explorer window showing your images and then open it again, do the thumbnails get refreshed/updated?

By the WAY, you're using a 46,395 byte, 433x434 pixel image to DISPLAY a 65x65 pixel avatar.  How about taking this resized (3,321 bytes and actually 65x65 pixels) VERSION of your image and using it for your avatar?  



Please put it on your own image hosting server.  To save it to your hard drive, just right click on it and Save Picture As .... Quote

If you close the Explorer window showing your images and then open it again, do the thumbnails get refreshed/updated?

The OS is runninig from the CD. The files you want are on the hard drive. Navigate there with the File Manager (Konqueror) that is supplied.Konqueror is the WEB browser, I'm looking for the filemanager you're talking about, do you MEAN the fileswap thing? Also, what would I type into the file manager to access files on the harddrive.

P.S. THANKS for all the help, I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time on this problem but if I ever can, I'll make it up to you.Konq is also the file manager. You can navigate to your hard drive or find in the menu File Manager and that will boot up Konq with easier navigation already started.I went to Go/Storage Media, and all I got were my 2 cd drives, and the floppy drives, didn't have the hard drive. I guess that means the harddrive's DEAD, or is there some other way to access it?If it is cabled CORRECTLY and securely (or that you have not physically touched it) it means that it is dead.

Did you try the freezer trick?Nope that was next on my list. Anyway, thanks for the help. I mainly wanted to recover files from it so my two options are the freezer trick or send it in to get fixed for $500 and I won't be doing that. I'll post a progress report and such after I decide what to do, ultimately it will probably come down to buying a new Hard Drive.

:-? i would like how you go about teaching children under 12 to use the computer? I hope there is someone out there that can assist me.Only old people need teaching, kids are born with it.
I would recommend you install a 'learn to type program' though and make them use it otherwise they will be hunting & pecking for the rest of their lives.That's true but some children just don't understand. I am talking about puting together a lesson plan starting right from the very basic. I want open a computer center one day, so i doing a lot of research. Thanks for the feedback.
Quote

Only old people need teaching, kids are born with it.
I would recommend you install a 'learn to type program' though and make them use it otherwise they will be hunting & pecking for the rest of their lives.

No acronyms please! LOL

I only get 23,800,000 results!

i want to hide or unhide PROCESS that are running in the process in task manager any ideas of how to do it. thanks.or can you recommend a program that does it but i would prefer to be able to do it without the aid of a program.Why do you want to hide running processes ? ?i have a keylogger on someones computer so i need to hide it. Quote

i have a keylogger on someones computer so i need to hide it.

At worst ending a critical process will just mean you will need to restart your computer (I think)... just give your brother his own account - you can even limit his access to such things - and password protect your own.

While on my computer it might freeze and when I hit ctrl/alt/delete I get this blue screen and it says (an exception has occured at 0028:C00o2B96 in VXD VMM(01) + 00001B96
This was called from 0028:C005976E in VxD VTDAPI (01) + 000000BA
It may be POSSIBLE to continue normally.

What does this mean and how do I fix it?Hello Roget & welcome to the forum.

Please, when posting a query, [highlight]always[/highlight] give details of your computer software/hardware ESPECIALLY the OS you are using.  Advice given may not be relevant to all OS's.

Here is a MS kb article dealing with FATAL errors.

Good luck

Is there any WAY that I can retrieve files that were deleted from my computer?   It has Windows XP.  I tried a SYSTEM restore with no luck.  My wife will KILL me!!  Look in the Recycle Bin.hi there.
if there is NOTHING in recycle bin there is still hope.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/4854/how_to_recover_accidentally_deleted.html
it should help.
good luck and post back about results please.While deleted files are not actually deleted, what about OVERWRITING a file?

in win xp when shutting down it ran for hours and didn't shut down. i TURNED COMPUTER off and now when i try to boot it up it shows safe mmode, LAST good config, ETC as OPTIONS, i've tried all to no avail any suggestions?Do you have a real Windows disk to do a repair?

Hi there, I RECENTLY changed some SETTINGS on my laptop ( a compaq presario M2000) running windows XP. The reason for this was that when I hole my mouse pointer over LINKS, the little pop-up boxes were empty.  My changes fixed this, but now I am unable to see some images. I can see ICONS and but cannot see pictures on Myspace and other websites. I can see the image in the upper left corner of this screen, for instance. all that shows of the images that i cannot see are small boxes which are cracked.  Anyone know what may be wrong?

I changed the color of the text boxes under settings-> control PANEL-> display-> appearance -> advanced.

Thanks

Is it possible to recover/restore files deleted from the recycle bin?

Any help is appreciated....

Doubtful, but try here:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free+data+recoveryI'll GIVE a few of them a try...Thanks Quote

Is it possible to recover/restore files deleted from the recycle bin???

I NEED the Windows 3.1 User.exe file on disk No. 2 for the installation of Windows 3.1 (upgrade from 3.0)

Anyone have it?
I cant continue the installation of Windows WITHOUT it.

If someone could email it to me, or upload it here in a ZIP file, it would be great.I can e-mail it to you SEND me a PM.

I just e-mailed it.You GET it?Thanks, Street1! I just got it, I will TRY it out now.

Thanks again!

OS: Win XP Pro, with WMP 10, and running dual monitors on a nVidia GeForce4 Ti4200 video card with two CRT monitors, one connected to the VGA port on the card and one connected to the DVI port via a DVI-to-VGA adapter.  

When I visit a WEBSITE and play video via embedded WMP, the monitor opposite the one displaying the website will display the same video on full screen.  I believe this BEHAVIOR started recently.  I do not want to full screen display on the second monitor; I do not know why the system is doing this; I can not find settings in WMP that affect this.  

My son has recently used my computer but I do not know if something he did might have caused this behavior.   Quote

I can not find settings in WMP that affect this.

Since I installed Windows 3.1, my D:\ Drive is no longer showing up.

I did a fresh Windows install, and did not upgrade my Windows 3.0 installation.

I am using DOS 6.22, which I also upgraded/degraded after a makeshift configuration.
I was using some DOS for Windows 98 files, and the main part of it was all DOS 4.1 files.

Its a 90MHz processor, with 22MB RAM.

Drive D:\ is not showing up in DOS or Windows 3.1.

Any information can be provided, but I will be stuck in the back of a truck for some time tomorrow, so I can try many troubleshooting things.

I am making a backup of my computer right now, so messing with my computer is fine right now.

I am not sure how big the hard drive is, especially since its not detecting my partition.  

My Windows 3.0 configuration is so MESSED up right now that I cannot even get any of my application groups loaded. But the Windows 3.1 works fine.

BTW: Where is that free upgrade to Windows 3.11?
The D drive is what - a logical partition on the hard drive or  a CD drive or what? I am not clear on the specifics of what you are working with. Any BIOS information? Quote

The D drive is what - a logical partition on the hard drive or  a CD drive or what? I am not clear on the specifics of what you are working with. Any BIOS information?

You stated it wasn''t being seen in DOS...if FDisk sees 2 partitions then DOS should see it.

How big is this hard drive?

I have made a boot disk using Windows XP Professional. I want to use to reformat my hard drive drive so I can run Windows XP and Linux (dual boot).  I have done this before using a 98 boot disk. Unfortunately, I no longer have  the Windows 98 boot disk and I am not familar with how XP does it. When I booted up using the XP boot disk and typed in fdisk, I received "This command iss not recognized". Any advice? Thank you.  XP can do it all for you.
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/This web site didn't help. Thanks anyway. I am looking for EXACT hands on instruction. I don't want to search the web for answers.You have to be kidding, the link I gave you offers a comprehensive guide to install XP.
You need to read the page and click on the next link for your circumstances and the following guide will show you every step including a screenshot that a child could easily follow.And you need to take a little responsibility for solving your own problem - like reading and understanding what you are doing.  And you need to take a little responsibility for solving your own problem - like reading and understanding what you are doing.  

The GEEK Squad will install Windows for about $100 if you need more handholding than that.First of all, I am responsible. Secondly, the geek squad can kiss my *censored*[email protected]GO TO *censored*Interesting...

patio.   8-)Mmm... looks like someone didn't take his Ritalin this morning.Nice new sig, Rob...tastefully done.

patio.   8-)Thanks!  I suppose if one is going to admit to being professionally schizophrenic, one should do it with style... 

 

 Some things never change.If you haven't been to your BIOS settings.......

I better not say!!

Thanks everyone I feel right at home after seeing this guy
imitate "Dragon 306".He had a hard drive that just kept GETTING fragmented
while sitting in storage in his closet&GT;Everytime he took it out to sell it the dog gone thing would be fragmented again.Of course back in them days he called himself Josh C. Hope the below site or this message don't get me in too much
trouble with your moderator.Below post is a full blown...LOL

http://www.computing.net/hardware/wwwboard/forum/40280.htmlWhat a great story to remember!  


I am really glad this person is an ex-member. People who have no initiative are a bore.  

I got a weird PROBLEM everything used to work fine some time ago but now when i try to receive files from the other computer in the network gives me some ETA like 1 hour for a 100mb file either PC freezees when I'm trying to give some file to the PC everything is working normal i really don't KNOW what's the problem i hope someone knows the salvation ..

Thank youTry Resetting the IP Adresses of all of the computers and if you have a rotuer reset the router too..
P.S. I would try Pinging the computers.. HAVE A READ on most COMMON network problems and how to resolve them http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/trouble.htmMore info definitely needed.  What OS are the computers running?  How are they networked?  Have you changed any network settings before this problem started?  How you transferred files that large in the PAST?  How LONG did it take?  What does ETA mean?

G'day everybody from Western Australia,
I'm running Windows XP. I am trying to locate where the RECEIVED and sent E-mails are STORED. I have searched using the Search tool and manually LOOKED through EVERY FILE and folder on the tree. Somebody please enlighten me.
Cheers, JakeWhat software do you use for email?

Hello, I turned my computer on and I get a message that says g system missing, hit any key to restart.  I did and got the same message.  I restarted and tried f8 and went rite back to that message.  I tried a boot disk and nothing.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.Is that the complete error message, if not please post the entire message..

Some details of what pc we're dealing with would also be helpful..

ThanksThat is the entire message, and the pc is custom built, but if you would like specs I would be willing to give them.That is the bare minimum to get a MEANINGFUL reply.  

See below.Here are my specs:  Intel P4 3.0 ghz
                              xfx gefroce 6800 gs
                              Corsair 2x 512mb pc4200 ddr2
I built it about 6 months ago.

I was PLAYING worms armageddon and I turned the sound up with my keyboard, the GAME crashed and it wouldn't start back up again so I restarted and got the problem I stated in the first post.The closest I can come to your error message is "NTLDR or g system missing press any key to continue" but the site would not open.

You may have to consider using the recovery console to correct the error.

See here.

Good luck

Yeah I found that site early and to no avail.  I wouldn't be a problem if I could just reformat, but that doesn't seem to be an option, I might just go buy a new hard drive tomorrow and start over.Can you not format by booting from your OS cd :-? Quote

I wouldn't be a problem if I could just reformat, but that doesn't seem to be an option, I might just go buy a new hard drive tomorrow and start over.

I just put in a new hard drive.  Seems to be working fine now.  Thanks for trying to help, though.

:-? Can ANYBODY tell me why I can not ACCESS my news videos? All I get are green SCREENS yet, I have audeo. It happens on MSNBC,CBS,CNN. I am running Windows XP and have Real Player as well as Windows Media Player installed.Try downloading a codec PACK file.. go to google.com and type in K-Lite Codec Pack Full and download..

hey all, got a problem went to GO restart my computer after shutting it off after  using it ( sleeping), and when i restarted it everythings WORKING fine but my screen is working at 90 degrees so my head is crooked right now trying to type.

i have xp for a operating system, tried REBOOTING and the start up screen were the large XP picture is fine, just when it go into the logging in part is were the computer decides to rotate the screen.

help? CanadianDiesel........ Perhaps a bit more INFO would help ........ for example what were you or some other user doing prior to this issue ?

Quick fix........  TURN THE MONITOR 90 degrees ...LOL  ........or .............
Go into your graphics card control panel and rotate the monitor display until it's the way you want it .........

dl65  ah that was it, go into graphics card and change rotation, thank you

i don't touch computer internals, nor do i play around inside the software programs.

Compaq and HP have a Control/ ALT/Up arrow ,down arrow etc...To rotate
the desktop on several models.

Hi i wounder of NE can help me i have the problem of not being able to select a Desktop Background does ne 1 know wat i need to do to get this workin again

Well, go to START menu -> search, then go to for Files and Folder, from there type in the word Wallpaper see if the folder exist, if it does, open it to find out if it contains any image files in it. Write back about your finding.

MacPCWell then create a Folder inside: C:\WINDOWS\Web and create a folder there.. called Wallpapers and then download some bacjkgrounds from google.com and change the background..
P.S. before you do that.. check if the folder ALREADY exists and if you can ACCESS it..yer i justed tried to search wallpaper and it closes the search down after 5sec say DEP colsed this PROGRAM down to prtect you

*censored*

For a couple MONTHS now, in XP, the icon for every .url file is an icon of the letter G in an ORANGE callout, and the same icon is an overlay over any file on an optical disc when viewed with Windows Explorer.  I have no CLUE why this happens.  Does anyone have a guess?Here is another example, where it replaces the icon ASSOCIATED with .url files, and doesn't allow it to be changed back.Did you experiment with a new browser ? ?
Is there a program on that machine that you recognise that logo from ? ?
Who is your ISP ? ?

I have allways noticed that when i START a download it start off downloading at a very high rate and emidiatly starts working its way down to a comfortable level... Ive noticed this on any internet connection. when you first start a download its a 900 kbs and then over about 10 seconds it works its way down to a cumfy 350 or less. I wonder if this is actually the server cutting it down or if its windows. Certainly I'm not the only one to notice this. it WOULD be great to KEEP it where it starts off, Fat chance though...The first few seconds of the download counter are artifically raised.  I believe that the download starts caching before you have INDICATED where it should go.  But the counter only starts after you have clicked the last relevant "save/okay" button.  So a few hundred KBs may have donwloaded already once the counter starts - hence it takes a while for the average download SPEED to settle down.

This is just what I deduce from years of watching these counters.  I may be wrong.

When SURFING internet, the screen blacks out as I scroll down on web page - Returns in a few seconds...Only happens on web pages - HELP??LOL.You have to give information to get information. Being a bit novice on this - what other info is needed??
ThanxComputer or motherboard make/model. system components, operating system, service pack, if all Windows updates are applied, what preceeded this, how long has it  been happening, virus and spyware protection being used, any other problems and etc.Are you using internet explorer?Have you tried another web browser like Firefox and got the same results?

Have you tried Internet explorer repair option?



BAD!BAD!OLd PUTTY TAT!!
WAIT TILL DWANNY IS GONE!
SSSomebody is having bird pie tonight.Download, unzip, install and run Everest Home Edition
http://www.comcen.com.au/~fed/everest.zip

Select Computer>Summary from the left hand screen.
Right click in the right hand screen & select Copy All
Paste the details in here.HERE IS INFORMATION FROM EVEREST:

Field      Value
Computer      
Operating System      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack      Service Pack 2
DirectX      4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name      COACHPC
User Name      Gary
      
Motherboard      
CPU Type      Intel Pentium 4, 1800 MHz (18 x 100)
Motherboard Name      Asus P4T533-C  (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 4 RIMM)
Motherboard Chipset      Intel Tehama i850E
System Memory      512 MB  (RDRAM)
BIOS Type      Award Modular (08/27/02)
Communication Port      Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port      Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port      ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
      
Display      
Video Adapter      NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440  (64 MB)
3D Accelerator      nVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440
Monitor      Dell 1700FP  [17" LCD]  (8164D052A84N)
      
Multimedia      
Audio Adapter      Creative SB0090 Audigy Platinum Sound Card
Audio Adapter      Intel 82801BA ICH2 - AC'97 Audio Controller [B-4]
      
Storage      
IDE Controller      Intel(r) 82801BA Bus Master IDE Controller
Floppy Drive      Floppy disk drive
Disk Drive      WDC WD800JB-00CRA1  (74 GB, IDE)
Disk Drive      WDC WD800JB-00CRA1  (74 GB, IDE)
Disk Drive      SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 USB Device
Disk Drive      SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 USB Device
Disk Drive      SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 USB Device
Disk Drive      SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 USB Device
Disk Drive      PHOTOSMART printer card reader (HPH11)
Optical Drive      LITEON DVD-ROM LTD163  (16x/48x DVD-ROM)
Optical Drive      LITE-ON LTR-40125S  (40x/12x/48x CD-RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status      OK
      
Partitions      
C: (NTFS)      76316 MB (62606 MB free)
D: (NTFS)      76316 MB (64776 MB free)
Total Size      149.1 GB (124.4 GB free)
      
Input      
Keyboard      Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse      Logitech-compatible Mouse PS/2
      
Network      
Network Adapter      Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC  (192.168.1.100)
Modem      Lucent Win Modem
      
Peripherals      
Printer      4 x 6 Pix
Printer      HP LaserJet 4L
Printer      hp officejet 6100 series
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801BA ICH2 - USB Controller 1 [B-4]
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801BA ICH2 - USB Controller 2 [B-4]
USB1 Controller      NEC uPD720100A USB OpenHCI Controller (v1.0)
USB1 Controller      NEC uPD720100A USB OpenHCI Controller (v1.0)
USB2 Controller      NEC uPD720100A USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller (v2.0)
USB Device      Generic USB Hub
USB Device      hp officejet 6100 series
USB Device      officejet 6100 (DOT4USB)
USB Device      photosmart 230
USB Device      USB Composite Device
USB Device      USB Mass Storage Device
USB Device      USB Printing Support
Very good, now no one will have to waste time asking you about the bits & pieces inside your computer.

Are the web pages fully loaded before you start scrolling?
Are your video drivers up to date?Drivers are up to date...
Using another browser helps a bit, but not much..

When I start the system, the clock has reset back to 12:01 AM..
And it usually blacks out to where I have to shut it off and restart it again..
and then it is not as bad as it had been ...

Speed fan shows the temp at about 132 degree - very hot...
Not sure if that is an issue here or not..

Thanx for any assistance


Yes, the temperature is very high. But, you can't always trust those numbers, it is possible that the sensor is defectuous (and this it shouldnt' be a serious problem).
First thing: press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, choose Task Manager and then Processes. Press on CPU label (for ordering the processes in the order of CPU utilisation) and tell us what processes have more than 0% CPU. And tell us how much has CPU uses any of these processes.
Second thing: antivirus, antispyware. Antivirus free to use at home: Avast!, AVG (and others). Antispyware free to use at home: Lavasoft Adaware, Spybot Search&Destroy.
Third thing: (less probable though) open the computer case and tell us if the cpu fan is spinning fast or not. Touch the cpu radiator and see if it is hot (be careful, it might be really hot, don't keep you finger there more than a second, ok? I don't want you to blame me for burn injuries... On my computer, with an AMD 64 3000+ processor, when I am not gaming, the radiator is mildly heated). Is your computer very noisy because of some cooler? ALSO, see if there are not capacitors broken.
Important note: take care when you open the computer case. You may test the temperature with the computer not connected to power source (stop it, unplug it, open the case, check "manually" the temperature). For cooler spining verification, plug it back and start the computer. DO NOT TOUCH THE INSIDE OF THE COMPUTER WHILE IT IS RUNNING! Electric shock danger!!! (and death is an option...) You never know what wents wrong and when, so it's better to stay aside when your computer is working.
Your problem could have many sources, it could be anything. One step at the time and we will SOLVE it, ok?
If your computer has some "age" and you didn't clean it for dust, it is a great moment to do it right now (unplug the computer, leave the computers psu alone, don't stay in a humid area when you work at your computer, even when it's stoped). Also, you might ask someone to change the thermal paste that sits between the cpu and his cooler. It's easy, you could do it, but for a first time... Ok?The clock resetting is only an indication of a failing battery.
Have you tried changing your screen resolution, lcd monitors have a recommended native resolution
that they are happier with.
I'd be a little concerned about the temp, can you take the side off & blow a deskfan onto it to see if you get a change in the blackout dept?Thanx for all the assistance...I have done everything you have suggested prior to starting this blog...
One interesting note...when I boot up the computer, I go to a web site, the screen blinks and goes black...I shut it down by turning it off - when I start it again, the problem seems to go away with just minimul black screening...What's the address of this webpage, I'll go and have a look.It happens with most web pages, but is the worst with www.googlenews.com
It also happens with microsoft outlook....
www.googlenews.com gives me a plain white blank page with 'Done' written in the lower left corner of me browser. (IE)
In task bar link it SAYS... 'domain disabled-'

You got another link to try?

Hi, there is something I've been trying to do for a long time and I didn't succeed :

1. I WANT to make an application to run as a windows XP service
2. I want an application to disappear from TRAY and taskbar.

Can anyone TELL me how to do that?Somebody recently asked this very same question in the DOS section. Check out SRVANY

Good luck.  8-)

Microsoft recommends backing up your registry before making any changes.Go here:

http://www.bitsum.com/

Scroll about half-way down the page to "Power Applications" and look for 'MakeService'.

Alan <><

Do it all in Safe Mode + Networking

Download, INSTALL & update...
CLEANUP
Ccleaner
(During install, uncheck the Yahoo Toolbar option)
(After install, set OPTIONS>ADVANCED> 'Uncheck the 48 hour box')
ANTI SPYWARE
Adaware
Spybot S&D
ANTI VIRUS
AVG Free
(After install, set Options to 'scan all files')
ANTI TROJAN
Ewido for W2K & XP
      or
A-squared a² for 98 & ME
(Winall)

Turn off System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)

Run Ccleaner
Run Ad-Aware
Run Spybot
Run AVG Free
Run Ewido or a-squared (a²)
Re-start in Safe Mode
Re-run AVG Free

Re-start in Normal Mode
Turn on System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)

I put myspace on the restricted category in WINDOWS, but it is still accessible. Is there a way to block sites or a filter program available? The kids are spending too much time on myspace and FACEBOOK. An even better option would be something I could disable at times ,like weekends, etc. ThanksGoogle is your friend...

http://www.google.com/search?q=internet+filters&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Alan <><  Aol is quite child friendly Why not just use the resources you currently have available to you...

What browser do you currently use...or your children use...to access myspace?  Internet Explorer 6? 7? Firefox?

Use the parental controls within those browsers to limit what your children can and/or can't view.  This way...if they want to get to MySpace...they have to go through you first.Saviour, not quit esur ewhat you mean. We run XP, I access the net through explorer. They use MSN alot r/t email accounts, not sure how they access myspace. Is there more to windows that I'm not aware of? Like I said, I put these sites on restriction but they are still accessible. Going through us, would be great, like I said, I'd like to be able to disable at times, as long as they don't figur eit out.If everyone is using the same computer...it would be best to setup the children's accounts as "Limited Users" through the Control Panel/User Accounts.  Of course, there would need to be an Adinistrator or Administrator...this being the parents, of course.

If you need help with the above...just let me know and I can help you configure the children's accounts as "Limited Users"...it is fairly simple, though.  Just open User Accounts and add the users as you see fit...setting their accounts as limited.  This means they have limited capabilities on the computer...preventing them from downloading and installing programs.  Only Administrators can do this.

The next thing I'd do is to password protect your Administrator account, so that they cannot use it without your knowledge.  Make sure you use a password they will never figure out and make it a combination of upper and lowercasse letters along with numbers.  This will make it very difficult for them to figure out...but make sure you remember...KEEP the password in a safe place.

Now that we have the user accounts out of the way...it would be wise to use only one browser, such as Internet Explorer, to access the Internet.  In the long run, it'll make everything a little easier for you, as well.  So, if the kids are using MSN Explorer...you may want to uninstall it...and say "Hey, kids...this is what I want you to use from now on..." know what I mean?

Now that you've decided what browser you want to use...say Internet Explorer...go into Tools and then Internet Options.

Within Internet Options you can turn on and also password protect the Content Advisor, which will limit what your children see...BASED on the information you use to set it up.  For more on the Content Advisor read this.  It'll tell you all you need to know about using Internet Explorer's Content Advisor.

Now...if you want to block access to MySpace...simply open Internet Options...click the Security tab and then select the Restricted Sites icon and click the Sites button.  Here you will be able to restrict the sites you don't want your children to visit.  Simply type the URL (Address) of the site you don't want your children to visit in the Add this website to the zone box...then click the Add button.  Now they won't be able to access it.  Of course...they'll come crying to you saying..."I can't get to MySpace."  If you want them to view it...just go in and remove the site from the Restricted Sites list.

It may appear to be a little involved...but it's well worth the time and effort you put into it.

I hope you've found this information useful...and if I can be of any further help, please let me know. Quote from: Spero-T on October 03, 2007, 06:30:00 AM

Aol is quite child friendly

Hi people, I am NEW here and hope that perhaps somebody can help me.  I am using Internet Explorer and have had zero PROBLEMS for years.  Last WEEK, I had to do a system restore because a bad card reader crashed my system.  Everything seemed fine (except that I lost my progress on Tomb Raider Anniversery!) until my fiance TRIED to access a WEB site she uses almost every day (emega.com.tw from Taiwan.  We are both living in Taiwan).  Now, whenever we try to open it, Internet Explorer closes itself.  I have tried accessing it from favourites and by typing it into the address window and the same thing happens.  I tried it from a PC at work and there is no problem so I know it is in my system somehow.  We are on a cable modem, if that matters.  Hope someone can help.  Cheers, Paul.Forgot to mention, I tried using Firefox and the same thing happens.Well, we figured it out.  Turns out the site we were accessing needed Java to function properly.  Seems that when I did a system restore, Java was damaged.  Uninstall/reinstall solved it.  Hope this helps someone else.  Cheers, Paul.Sorry nobody got back to you glad you fixed the problem

to try and stop spam i have made a rule to delete all incoming emails except if they are in my address book
while this works some of the time, i get 2 problems
1) some senders who are not in my address book still get through
2) somehow some emails are able to disable this rule
any help  please
i run xp and OUTLOOK 2000bigjim...

Veteran "spammers" have ways of getting around spam FILTERS...

The trick is to try and outsmart them.  You've taken the first step in only adding senders in your address book.  While these spammers have found a way around that...you may want to tweak your spam FILTER settings in Outlook 2000.

Here's a good read.

You may also want to look for a better "free" spam filter you can configure with your version of Outlook.

Just do a Google search for Outlook Spam Filter...and you'll be presented with a lot of recommendations.

Personally...I use Thunderbird...

It has a great Spam Filter...does exactly what I want it to do.

Hopefully the information I've provided will help in some way...please keep us posted...thanks Saviour
their is not much to teak on outlook 2000 but i will certainly look at thuinderbird. other people have also recommended this
i will let you know how i get one
bigjim

When we start WINDOWS XP it shows strip moving from left to RIGHT below the XP logo and after that we get all light BLINK at same time when we start the pc.

How ever in my case the problem is that it get hang during this process and the strip stops moving.
However somethimes after  a lot of chkdsk attempts from "SafeMode Command Prompt" some times it get start but it depends and happen randomly.

I have done FOLLOWING thing to check the fault
1. Tested other Ram and also my RAM on other computer (They are fine)
2. Checked HDD with CHKDSK on same com and on other computer (No bad sector)
3. Replaeedd mother board battery (In case of battery problem)
4. Removed LAN and Modem cards from motherboard in case of there failure or problem

So could any buddy please suggest something about.
1. What should i do
2. What could be the possible cause of this
3. What things happen behind the sccreen when that logo is displayed

I hope i will get valuable suggestions ...........................Thanking You

Check your video card is seat properly, can you tell me what how this happened ? also try cleaning out your case when you check the video card .. also what protections do you have on this machine? have you done the scans in safe mode?

try chckdsk /f if you haven't already.DLoad and run the diagnostics from the HDD manuf. site...they are a bit more thorough than chkdsk in spotting DISK errors...I agree with patio...not that it matters...LOL!

Anyway...when the sysytem hangs like that...especially while trying to boot into Windows...it's usually a good sign of a damaged or corrupt boot sector.

Follow patio's advice...then get back to us with the particulars...okay?

hi,

Initially, whenever i shut down my computer it will prompt me later that IT IS NOW SAFE TO TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER but now, it will just GO off without DISPLAYING the MESSAGE IT IS NOW SAFE TO TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER.


Please what can i do to make my computer display the above message again.

thanks
you need to disable the power management in your computers BIOS

more here: http://hothardware.com/cs2007/forums/t/35046.aspxYou may WANT to check out the suggestions from the PAGE that Flightfanatic was quoting...
http://hothardware.com/cs2007/forums/t/35046.aspx

Hello everybody, I have a network with 4 workstations connected to a switch, 3 of those machines have Windows XP professional Edition and 1 have Windows XP Home Edition. The point  is that all the machines couldn't access to the Home edition machine and the home edition to others too.

How could I do to share the files in the Home edition machine and how could I CONFIGURE this machine to be as gateway to the others.

please help me!!!is filing SHARING turned on, on all of the machines??Yes, It is.Also, make sure that the computer workgroup name is the same on all 4 PCs.
To confirm, click on windows key + Pause/Break keys together.
This will open SYSTEM Properties.
Click on Computer Name tab.
Click on Change button. You will SEE workgroup name. Correct if needed.
Good luck and hope this HELPS. Post back result.Hi, I've ben make it, but still happens the last posted issue.

I think I should install WXP Professional Edition on this computer and solve the trouble.read this and hopefully it helps

Is there a WAY to CHANGE where the CALC comes up on the screen? I WOULD like it to come up in the lower right corner rather than upper left.I dont BELIEVE you can, but what you can do is, when it comes up
just simply hold down the left mouse button when you are on the
solid BLUE at top of calculator and drag and drop it in the lower right hand
corner or where ever you want it!

I am panicing, my computer has died. It turns on, but nothing registers it's connected, the laser of my mouse doesn't come on, the keyboard doesn't light up and the moniter wont come up with any information. I just really want to know what's wrong even if I can't fix it. I had 3 books and hundreds of short stories on there! help!!! can you try opening it up and see if any lights are on on the motherboard, are any fans spinning?
Try degaussing it by unplugging all powercables and hold the power on button for 5 sec. then plug everything back in and try again...good luck.
data should be recoverable by TAKING the current harddrive and plugging it into another pc, as a secondary harddrive or slave (bios talk).Need...more...info (gasp)  

Do you hear any beeps when it starts / fans RUNNING / any type of hard drive noise / are you getting voltage to the computer (plug a light into the wall socket where the computer lives)

Unplug the computer the wall / wait a few seconds / plug it in and try again

Alan <><  

So, the tower is wirring and making lots of sound, fan is going, power light is on, however nothing else is recognizing an power from the tower, so monitor and mouse and such are not working.whate make and model of pc is it?
have you got onborad usb?
and a on board video CARD?
can you open and close the cd drive?Faulty PSU can be a culprit.  Or a faulty motherboard.  Or almost anything else.  Are you COMFORTABLE opening up your PC?And are you comfortable posting enough information to get some help?I'm a novice, but it's an e-machines that I got in late 2003.  It's worked fine every day up until now.  No the Cd drive will not open and close.  I have nodiea what you MEAN by onboard USB and Videocard.  A friend of mine also thinks it may be the motherboard.

Thanks for any help guys!

I have Windows XP Home, SP2, and I use Outlook (from Office XP/2002) for email.  I just recently had my computer reloaded and am now getting my Outlook set up again.  I downloaded and installed the Microsoft Outlook back-up pst file, (which I had used before for several years with great success) and now when I try to do a back-up of Outlook (I want it to go to "My Documents")  I get a pop-up box saying:

"Error Copying File or Folder  Cannot copy Outlook: Access is denied.  Make sure the DISK is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use."

When this happens, Outlook is closed....I am trying to send the back up to my documents, and I don't know anything about "write-protected".   In the Outlook Personal File Backup box, where it asks for the destination of file, I have:  .  I don't know if this is a correct way to tell it where I want it to go....but it doesn't seem to work.

I have uninstalled the Back-up Program, and reinstalled it, and it does the same thing. 

I would really appreciate any help anyone can GIVE me.  How do I tell if the Personal Folders are "write protected"  And how should I fill out the LINE about where to send the back-up?  I am a very frustrated senior citizen who would appreciate "baby STEPS" on how to handle this problem.Bostar, when I back-up my Outlook EXPRESS I have files with the .dbx extension. I never had to download any backup program to do this. Just go to OE, click on help and do a search for "back-up outlook express". It's quite straightforward.Superdave...thanks, but I don't use Outlook Express.  I use Outlook which is part of Microsoft Office.  The personal folders in this program are pst files.bostar Welcome Aboard !
It's possible Outlook needs to be running for this to work...try that first and if not let us know...i don't use Outlook but we have quite a few here who know it inside and out.
So try that first...When I click on Backup, it says to close Outlook....this is what I have always done. Yesterday late, I took the "location" out of the box, and I was able to do a backup, BUT, I can't find it.  I ran a "Search" of all files and folders, hidden files and the C and D drive...but it could not find it.  But I do have two folders on the computer that have old back-ups in the, and "Search" always finds them...but not this time.   

This is really puzzling!

Hi people,

I have serious problems with my computer. I hangs every now and then. I have noticed that its hangs only when I am connected to the internet. I have formatted my C drive 3 to 4 times LAST weekend but with out result. The biggest problem is that I cant predict when its going to hang. This is CREATING a lot of problem and i need immediate help.

I am using a Dell Inspiron 5160 with Windows Home (SP2)

Anyone faced a similar sort of problem....?? How do I ENABLE a log?

Thanks
You did not mention whether your using IE6 or 7
Try bringing up the RUN command window & type  sfc /scannow
into it (dont forget the space after C.
Thanks tom, I have tried to run the command. It ran fine but with no effects. I am still facing the same probelm.

And also I am using firefix 2.0.0.7. Am facing the same problem with IE 6Try updating your Network  driver.
what type Of ISP do you have?
do you use a router?
change your cat5 cable that's connect to your networkcard!

good Luck!    Spideryou should try another nic cardBefore you buy a New network Card Try this because you might be wasting your money and time.

Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In addition, when checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LEDs on the network are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal. Note: GENERALLY, when the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received.

If, however, the card does not have any lights or has orange or red lights, it is possible that either the card is bad, the card is not connected properly, or that the card is not receiving a signal from the network.

spider 

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 with 512RAM, P4, and just replaced the hard drive since the original one crashed.

I installed a WD 1.6gig 7200 RPM ATA drive.

I USED the reinstall disk to install XP on the drive and all that went fine.  The PC seems to be running okay.

There is just one annoying thing that happens on startup that I would like to get rid of.  Each time I start the PC I get a message on the screen to either hit F! to continue or F2 to go to setup mode.  I hit F1 and then XP begins to startup and everything else WORKS as expected.  Before the old HD crashed it never did this.  How do I get it to run the startup routine without needing to hit the F1 key everytime?

Thanks in Advance
Me_DumDumCheck your boot options within BIOS...in this case...the F2 button to enter setup...and LOOK for the boot option to disable this feature.You say it's an "ATA" hard drive, well, is it PATA or SATA? I'm guessing that there are some settings in the BIOS relating to this. Is the drive the same type (PATA or SATA) as the previous one? If not, there are very likely some BIOS settings you need to alter to avoid getting that particular message.
I know there are BIOS settings that allow you to test the memory upon POST...but for the life of me...I can't remember where...and I know it differs between chips...whether it be Phoenix or Award BIOS.

I have 50 folders NAMED 1_d, 2_d, and so on. I think I should make a batch, but the main PROBLEM is that I dont know how to WRITE the the command FOR in a batch. I am really new in this and please if someone can help me to write it

mkdir d_1
cd d_1
mkdir tmin
mkdir tmax
mkdir tdew
mkdir rain
cd..have you looked at "FOR /?"
TYPE it into your command prompt and it will tell you how to use for
If you still don't understand, LET me know.

Can I reload XP through the recovery console? Is there a way ? I am still bumfuzzled at why setup cannot read CERTAIN files.
I dont think you can reinstall XP through the recovery console. I'm assuming by the setup that cannot read your files, that you mean you tried to boot from your XP cd and tried reinstalling XP like that, and then it said it cannot read whatever file.

That could be a lot of THINGS from an faulty optical drive to an overheating CPU. Yes, I've seen that kind of error because of an overheating (I think) CPU.

Could you give more details about your PC, specs, did something weird happen recently, power outage, why did you want to reinstall XP in the first place?Inspiron 9300, pentium M chip, 100 gb HDD, 2 GB of RAM, with all the oem crap that DELL includes. I was looking to loose some unnecessary drivers and extraneous software when I set out to reformat my HDD. the system was 1 yr old last month and I was tired of being slowed down by all the useless JUNK that Dell thinks everyone needs. I dont think the CPU is too hot I keep it about 70 degrees in the house and the unit is on a glass table over an AC vent. there is NOTHING to obstruct the air to the vents on the machine. And the DIAGNOSTIC utilities I have run say that all the hardware is fine..... I am just perplexed.