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Im new to the forum and so do not understand any of the complicated terminologies said here, so simple explanations will be best! (Though I catch on fast.)
Im on the family PC at the moment, mine upstairs keeps freezing every now and again, which is odd because ive never seen XP freeze before. Thiis leads to me rebooting, which works out fine, usually.
But tonight, when I try to reboot, it opens the F8 option window automatically instea dof rebooting, telling me that I may have turned the computer off suddenly (which I had too) and so ASKS me wether to set up via Safe Mode or normal, or go to last working point.
Ive tried all of these options, but everytime it reaches the screen with the XP logo and blue loading bar, the bar slows down and eventually the PC reboots itself and brings up the F8 window again.
Ive tried all the setup options but all of them just lead to auto re-boot, so theres NO WAY for me to reach my files or anything, at least to my knowledge, I need my PC for college, help! PLEASE!  :-?Sounds LIKE you have a buggy OS. I have had this problem before and I was able to fix it with a simple re-installation of XP. "Re-installing XP fixes everything lol". Sorry for inconvinience, but that is the only thing I can think of that will solve this problem. Hope this help  .Here is a link to the Mothership with instructions on how to enter Recovery Console using your XP CD...

Here Ya Go

Once you have done this follow the instructions to run fixboot and fixmbr and this should work for you. Quote

Here is a link to the Mothership with instructions on how to enter Recovery Console using your XP CD...

Here Ya Go

Once you have done this follow the instructions to run fixboot and fixmbr and this should work for you.

And unlike the message up above, there is NO NEED to use Win98 boot disks or install any part of Win98, even assuming you have that, etc. Just disregard that and do what DL65 suggests.

The problem is that you do not want to boot from disk. That is the hard drive with the damaged Windows that will not start up.

When you see "Press any key to boot from CD" press a key. If you are not getting this message you have other issues.

Is this a real Windows CD, or a restore CD or what? What does it say exactly on it?

And do you have a real Windows disc?

I was just wondering, in my start-up problem topic, it seems, to save serious money of getting it fixed at a shop, I can siimply buy a new copy of XP from E.g. Ebay and install that myself?
Would I then need to install the publisher disk that I have now?
Would this fix my problem and will it be sure to boot from a genuine XP home CD?  :-?

Microsoft. Most Computer stores. Some online retailers such as newegg. I wouldn't suggest getting one from ebay though.

Didn't one come with your machine ? ?

Hi everyone,

I did a normal Chkdsk using XP's Error checking tool on one of my partitions, and after the scan, I suddenly lost all of the free disk space on that partition. I had 10 gig worth of free space before the Chkdsk and after that, only 4 Mb. During the scan, it said 'insufficient disk space to place bad clusters'.

I did the same on my other partition, which had about 45 gig worth of free space, and the same thing happened to that one, after the scan I only had about 2 gig left. And I got the same msg while doing the scan as well.

Can someone tell me what happened and how can I fix the problem?

Many thanks.You need to have 15% free disk space on the C drive if you expect Windows to function properly. Delete some stuff, run CCleaner and then try again.

What are you using for virus and spyware protection? Run your scans in SAFE mode with system restore turned off. Then run the free scan at www.trendmicro.com

Then post back.

If the computer is not clean then all bets are off. What prompted the chkdsk in the first place? WHat preceeded all of this?Thanks for the quick reply GX1_Man.

How do I run my scans in safe mode? I am using AVG free and Ad-aware.

I manually turned on Chkdsk just as a routine check. There was nothing wrong with the comp beforehand, except when I tried doing a defrag on one of my partitions, a windows shut down thingy popped up, with a timer. The partition was not the 2 where I lost my disk space. And when I ran the defrag on the other partitions everything was ok.Restart the computer and press F8 a few times BEFORE you see the Windows logo. To turn off system restore:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405

If you don't you will just reinfect yourself.  Also, I've cleared out some stuff and there is about 1% free space on my windows drive but it seems to be working ok. Before it was really sluggish, very laggy.

Sorry I'm abit green when it comes to comps, but how do I run CCleaner? Is that a program or does it come with XP.You need to get more disk space first! Empty the Recycle Bin and then run Disk Cleanup. Copy some files to the other drives - whatever it takes to get enough disk space.

CCleaner can be downloaded from www.ccleaner.com

When you install, uncheck the Install Yahoo toolbar option. (No one needs a toolbar add-on!)Right, I'll do that, although I don't think it's a virus problem.

I tried formatting the partition which had the initial loss of disk problem, and it got to about 26% before crashing to a blue screen with:

c000021a
unknown hard error

So I'm thinking there's a problem with my HD. Is there any way to check if my HD itself is stuffed?Free diagnostics are available for download from the appropriate drive maker's web site. You didn't say what make drive is in there.

It could be a hard drive prblem, sothat is a good thing to check. You do not need Windows to check this with.WD1200JD-00GBB0

It's a Western Digital. I'll get the diagnostic tool now.

It's this one correct? Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for WindowsThat is correct.I've ran the EXTENDED diagnostic, and about a tenth of the way through it stopped and said there were too many bad sectors... uh oh.

Does this mean there is something physically wrong with my HD, or can I fix it by a full format. There is an option with the diagnostic tool that will write all zeros in all the clusters.I would not trust that drive at all. Back up your data if needed and replace the drive.

It may function in some capacity for a while but it should be considered unreliable.*censored*, just the thing I didn't want to hear.

If I am going to replace my HD, should I get a Seagate? I was talking to a FRIEND who's comp savvy and he said rather bluntly WD is *censored* (unless I get a top of the range one) and I should get a Seagate, lol.All HDD manufacturers produce quality equipment and i usually stay away from the xxx vs. yyy DISCUSSIONS...each one has there horror stories as well as their die hard fans who insist they are the best.

I usually shop price and go from there but if you want extra peace of mind Seagate offers a 5 yr. warranty.

As long as you keep in mind that all HDD's eventually fail and practice a good backup regimen you should be fine...And Seagate's have a 5 year warranty vs. a 1 or 3 year from the other major players. (Hint: Read the box!) I think that is an important shopping factor.

I resentlly recovered from a corrupted registry by RUNNING the windows repair.  It pretty much reinstalled windows and kept all my files.  I downloaded some programs that I needed to reinstall and I updated windows.  the last program I installed was magic.iso I think that's what it's called. The
one that creates virtual drives.  After the INSTALL it told me that I needed to restart windows, so I did.  When I turned the computer back on, it had the message safe mode, safe mode with command prompt, start to last known good configuration and start windows normally.  I chose start windows normally.  it loaded all the way to the windows xp logo and the little loading line that appears under the window logo started to move and stoped.  the computer restarted byitself.  I restarted and I got the same menu about how I wanted to stard windows.  I tryed every single way and they all lead to the same problem.  I tryed to do the recovery thing on the windows cd, but this time it doesn't recognize windows xp is installed and just asks me if I want to do a cleen install and I choose no.  Also one more thing,  when I go to the repair thing on the cd where it should ask me to pick which windows version I want to pick and logon.  it just shows C:> and doesn't ask me to log on or anything.  
this is the computer I have.
Computer      
Computer Type      ACPI Multiprocessor PC
Operating System      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service PACK      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
Internet Explorer      (IE 6.0 SP2)
DirectX      4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name      XW7R4ZEBY46VVBH (hghghjghgh)
User Name      JULIO
Logon Domain      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
Date / Time      2006-07-26 / 14:40
      
Motherboard      
CPU Type      Intel Pentium 4 540J, 3200 MHz (16 x 200)
Motherboard Name      Intel Augsburg D915GAG  (2 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Video, LAN)
Motherboard Chipset      Intel Grantsdale-G i915G
System Memory      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
BIOS Type      AMI (08/11/05)
Communication Port      Printer Port (LPT1)
      
Display      
Video Adapter      RADEON X300 Series  (128 MB)
Video Adapter      RADEON X300 Series  (128 MB)
3D Accelerator      ATI Radeon X300/X550 (RV370)
Monitor      Dell E773s  [17" CRT]  (Y135249EFFJ5)
      
Multimedia      
Audio Adapter      Realtek ALC880(D) Intel 82801FB ICH6 - High Definition Audio Controller [B-1]
      
Storage      
IDE Controller      Intel(R) 82801FB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2651
IDE Controller      Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 266F
Disk Drive      Maxtor 6Y200M0  (200 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA)
Disk Drive      Sony CF      Reader USB Device
Disk Drive      Sony MS      Reader USB Device
Disk Drive      Sony SD/MMC  Reader USB Device
Disk Drive      Sony SM/xD   Reader USB Device
Optical Drive      HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8163B  (16x/52x DVD-ROM)
Optical Drive      PIONEER DVD-RW  DVR-108  (DVD+R9:4x, DVD+RW:16x/4x, DVD-RW:16x/4x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:32x/24x/40x DVD+RW/DVD-RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status      OK
      
Partitions      
C: (NTFS)      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
      
Input      
Keyboard      Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse      Microsoft PS/2 Mouse
      
Network      
Primary IP Address      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
Primary MAC Address      
Network Adapter      Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection  (192. [ TRIAL VERSION ])
Modem      Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem
      
Peripherals      
FireWire Controller      AT&T/Lucent IEEE1394 FireWire Controller (PHY: Agere FW322/323)
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
USB1 Controller      Intel 82801FB ICH6 - USB Universal Host Controller [B-1]
USB2 Controller      Intel 82801FB ICH6 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [B-1]
USB Device      Sony Memory Card Reader/Writer
      
DMI      
DMI BIOS Vendor      Intel Corp.
DMI BIOS Version      EV91510A.04T.0062.2005.0811.0305
DMI System Manufacturer      Sony Corporation
DMI System Product      VGC-RB34G
DMI System Version      
DMI System Serial Number      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
DMI System UUID      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
DMI Motherboard Manufacturer      Intel Corporation
DMI Motherboard Product      D915GAG
DMI Motherboard Version      AAC88910-302
DMI Motherboard Serial Number      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
DMI Chassis Manufacturer      NTSC
DMI Chassis Version      RB
DMI Chassis Serial Number      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
DMI Chassis Asset Tag      [ TRIAL VERSION ]
DMI Chassis Type      Desktop Case
DMI Total / Free Memory Sockets      4 / 2
You may be looking at a full format and reinstall WITOUT adding in Magic ISO. Is that a possibility? It may be quicker than sorting this mess out.

Sometimes hardware ISSUES can cause this, but in your case it sounds like a pretty clear cut software cause and effect.Well, Do the following:
a) Right Click on My Computer
b) Click on Properties
c) Click on Advanced Tab
d) Click on Settings under Startup and Recovery
e) Uncheck Automatically Restart under System Failure.
f) Click on Okay
g) Restart your Computer

Best of Luck everybody.


Thanks,
PaGaL Tamang
Doha, QatarIt looks like the original poster has gone AWOL.  sorry for responding so late but I didin't have a computer to go on to reply.  I recently downloaded slax and it works pretty good. Is there a way to fix the problem through slax? because I don't have another hardrive to copy all of my files.  I guess I'll proabobly end up buying one. anyhow thanks for the help, and again sorry for not replying earlier.

Hello

I was wondering whether anyone would be able to help me. I often play on a gaming website called King.com. I haven't played on it for a couple of months but when i tried to log on (as usual with my laptop) i cant get passed the home page. The ERROR message reads:

Internet Explorer cannot open the internet site http://www.king.com/support      Operation Aborted

The website address on the error message obviously changes according to what part of the site i am trying to access.
Its very frustrating. Its not a problem with King.com because then i tried to log on with my mums computer it worked absolutely fine. I haven't however received this message with any other website... or in fact ever come across this message before.

Look forward to anybodys help or opinion on this one.

Kind regardsslow internet connection I think MAY be your problem. If you are using broadband (DSL, cable, ect...) check your ethernet connection and check your crossover cable to see if any defects are provoking the problem. Quote

slow internet connection I think may be your problem. If you are using broadband (DSL, cable, ect...) check your ethernet connection and check your crossover cable to see if any defects are provoking the problem.

I developed a PowerPoint presentation on my desktop and when I tried running it on my office PC it was missing text on almost EVERY slide, LIKE the LEFT and right side outer words of a bullet point. What might CAUSE this to happen? I'm using all the same fonts on each PC so it isn't that. This is Stilgar.  Maud'ib, I need help.
Thanks-Is it the same version of PowerPoint on both computers?  Have you tried re-creating the slide in question?

Did search, but found no useful help. I've been trying to defrag my harddrive, but a lot of files aren't being processed. There aren't any information on why, but they are all write-protected, and when I try to remove the PROTECTION it reappears immediately. Any ideas?Operating SYSTEM?
Ran chkdsk or scandisk?
Examples of files? What types of files?
How do you KNOW they are write-protected? What does the error message say?
How are you removing the protection?
Have you tried running it in safe-mode?Have you checked the hard drive with the free diagnostics at the appropriate drive maker's site?Posted by: Neil
"Operating system?"
Win XP Pro

"Ran chkdsk or scandisk?"
Not yet

"Examples of files? What types of files?"
Fileshared MANGA and anime, jpg, png, wmv.

"How do you know they are write-protected? What does the error message say?"
The write-protection shows when checking the properties of the catalogues affected. The error message is just a statement that it couldn't defrag certain files and that I should check the report for details.

"How are you removing the protection?"
By unchecking the relevant catalogues and applying it to all files and sub-catalogues.

"Have you tried running it in safe-mode?"
Not yet.

Posted by: GX1_Man
"Have you checked the hard drive with the free diagnostics at the appropriate drive maker's site?"
No, SINCE it doesn't appear to be a hardware malfunction. The files are readable and moveable.You said:

Quote

No, since it doesn't appear to be a hardware malfunction. The files are readable and moveable.

I used to be able to access links sent in emails VIA Outlook.....Now if I click on the link it says I have to download the info to a file.....I've checked my security settings, and can't find where a possible setting might have been disabled.....I know there is a setting allowing cookies, and it's set on....

This happened all at the same TIME that in my email message BLOCK, a paragraph symbol "backwards P" shows up whenever I WANT to type something....and now one of my email accounts keeps asking for password verification, and it won't accept the set password...and it won't let me change the password either.

I also tried to import my address book from Outlook Express, but it won't physically import.....all my emails transferred...

This is my personal laptop, so I'm not sure what's happened or happening :-? :-?.....

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!  

Panda Activescan
Ewido/AVG Online Scan

Is it possible to flash the bios USING a boot cd?  If so, does anyone have a complete boot cd setup?  I mean.. I can find several places to create a boot cd, but all of them ask  you for the boot image to put in... I need one ready to go.. just add additional files like flash bios updates.

thanks.If your BIOS flash can run from command prompt, you could take a Windows 98 SE Emergency Repair Disk, POP it in a Floppy drive, grab the contents through Roxio Easy CD Creator, and through the OTHER Tab within Roxio create an emulated bootable floppy disk file. Then take that file and burn it to CD using the Make Bootable CD Feature.

  But before creating your *.BIN file, and burning the *.BIN as an *.ISO image to a CD-R, alter the floppy's Autoexec.bat file to start the BIOS Flash utility. Dump out unnecessary routines and add a command to point to the flash.COM or EXE file, and copy the utility to the floppy in the root, so it will run on start up. If you are lacking room on the 1.44MB Floppy, take out any unnecessary stuff like Format, etc, DOS Tools. Then burn the project to the CD from the floppy through this tool in Roxio.

Now you should be able to place the Bootable CD into your systems requiring flashing, and have it boot in a Win 98 command environment and have the Flash utility start. You then may have to interact with the Flash Utility to verify that you do want to flash the system etc.

I've done this before to convert my Windows Emergency Disks to CD's. Floppies always get chewed up by dirty floppy drives, CD's are much tougher if cared for... BUT This only works for systems with bootable CD support after POST. If the computer is older than 6 years old, you might find it not able to start from CD after POST..... Good Luck.... ((( Also Verify that the BIOS Flash can operate under the Win 98 SE command environment ))) ... It should.... 8-)



DaveI'm just curious...is there a reason you are flashing your BIOS ? ?

Many a machine have been rendered doorstops if this is not done properly.Thank you for the suggestion, but the largest issue I have is: I have no floppy drive - thus I need a CD with 98 boot image ready to go.  But you ask why I am flashing it?  Because I must have been sleeping and had a foggy head at the time I FLASHED it the first time.  Scenario: Surfing game sites = nasty unstoppable virus.  My computer would no longer boot.  I reformatted and reinstalled the OS.  In reloading the drivers from the original motherboard config, I came across online update utility for the drivers.  It prompted me to update all the drivers for the mb including the latest bios.. which i insanely agreed to.  Now the system reboots randomly and BSOD's with internet usage or online gameplay.  I can only attribute this to one of two things:  Kernel virus, or incompatible new bios.  I am trying to get my old bios put back on.. but the online VERSION only offers the latest bios.  I have to manually flash it now.. And I don't have a floppy drive for the downloaded bios flash update.  If I can get it to boot on CD... I think it will flash once I have a command prompt.  (at least that was my thinking).

So long story short.. I'm looking for a boot cd with 98SE and cdrom drivers.

thanks.What MBoard is this and where are you getting the flash file from ? ?Another good reason for every machine to still have that old, archaic floppy drive.

Do you have a friend that would let you borrow theirs just long ENOUGH to do the repair?

Lately I've been having problems with Windows ME freezing.  It usually happens when I am trying to shut down my COMPUTER.  It freezes when I click on the Start key, or when I click on Start then Shut Down.  This has also happened when I have left the computer on and unattended for 20 minutes or so (after logging off the Internet).  Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL has no effect.  I have run Defrag (in Safe Mode) and deleted .tmp files.  I have not added any new programs lately.  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!BEST thing to do would be to backup all the data (NOT PROGRAMS!) that you can, pictures, music, word documents, ect. and format your hard drive, then re-install windows ME.check your ram, it may be the problem. If not like Dead_Reckon said "best thing to do would be to backup all the data (NOT PROGRAMS!) that you can, pictures, music, word documents, ect. and format your hard drive, then re-install windows ME."There is a perfectly good way to do a repair install of ME without having to format and re-install all your applications...if you are somewhat comfortable with command line editing let US know. Quote

There is a perfectly good way to do a repair install of ME without having to format and re-install all your applications...if you are somewhat comfortable with command line editing let us know.

best thing to do would be to backup all the data (NOT PROGRAMS!) that you can, pictures, music, word documents, ect. and format your hard drive, then re-install windows ME.

hello has anyone had the problem of not being ABLE to change settings in bios because the COMPUTER crashes when you try? further more if you BOOT normally a message appears reading 'verifying DMI pool data...' after the initial boot SCREEN, the screen then goes black  . i FIGURE this is a hardware problem, cmos or somethin can anyone help?

i just rebuilt a dell  dimension 4100 pentium 3 and put win98se on it and the sound will work with the little cd player app. under accessories, but not the windows media player 9 series i downloaded from the microsoft site.

 the SB Live card is installed and the driver is also installed as far as i can tell, the only thing that comes up "unknown" in the device manager is some "PCI Communication Device" for which i cannot install a driver from the win98se cd or update(the little that is left for 98).  i have the black cable w/ 4 pins from dvdcd rom to sound card connected..  

properties of unknown PCI Com Dev :   Device type: Other devices
                                                          Manufacturer: None Specified
                                                          Hardware version: 008

                   Device Status: not installed code 28

also "Resources" tab shows memory range and input/output ranges  



plz help so i dont ruin my laptop keyboard w/games one key is dead already:)Re-install the motherboard drivers that came with that machinei installed the motherboard driver initially from a game website and then the chipset driver from the dell website i believe they were similar if not the same, chipset is another word for motherboard no?, the one unknown PCI Communication Device remains.  the speakers play cd through 1/8" jack in sound card output, but will not play thru windows media player 9 downloaded from microsoft websiteDLoad and run Everest Home and run a report to find the correct MBoard drivers...visit the manuf. site and grab the correct ones.can i use a free version from www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html   "Everest Free Edition 2.20" ? their (lavalys.com) website hawks 3.50.. ??

i used the free version and ran the report are there specific pieces of info i am looking for or should i just try to match a driver from the intel site with what the report says is my motherboard?? .. thnx for the help by the way  the rest will have to WAIT until tomorrow.. :|Sure.You should ONLY use the drivers from the Dell website for a Dell machine. Period.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100&os=W98&osl=EN

Chipset drivers first, and then the others. Reboot between additions as instructed. Make sure you have the correct driver for the sound card that is really in there. If not sure, then Everest can identify it.

The PCI communication device is a modem.

ok i will install drivers from the dell website. thnx for the advice.  sorry bout the two posts ive never posted anything on the internet before just read other ppls for help w/problems.  

i am not sure that the PCI Communication Device is a modem because there is only one modem in the pci slots and the device manager under network adapters shows a dial up adapter and my netgear wirelss broadband one, which both seem to be working fine.. am i wrong on something here?

i will try the dell drivers should i install all of them? i believe i only need the right one from certain sections such as audio drivers or video adapters, no?  

currently after installing chipset then audio( my card says "Live!", there is only one in there that says live so i use it, yeah?)  it is still working the same as before.. cd plays w/ sys/accessories/entertainment/cdplayer but not wmp9 speakers plugged into sound card... ??

thnx so much for help   (btw i have done lots of clean installs before and would not mind doing it again and using only dell drivers this time, if there isn't an EASIER fix if i should do this please jes let me know .. Sometimes Dells can be finicky, but that's not a bad thing. I think if you reinstall Windows and them immediately do the driver installs as I described you will be better off, especially if a full Windows reinstall does not scare you. (Win98 installs pretty fast.) The chipset drivers MUST go first, then video, then NIC card (if needed - Windows may do this on it's own), then audio.

Did the Soundblaster come from Dell? Look in the expansion slots and see if there is a modem card in there. It will have two RJ45 outputs on the same card that will fit a phone cord. The network card will be built into the motherboard so will NOT be in an expansion slot. The modem and the dial up networking are two different things so I think there IS a modem and it is not installed. Again, Everest can probably identify this.

If you copy and paste the full Everest report here before you start that could solve a lot of questions. Also helpful would be posting your service tag - it is a five or six digit letter/number combo on the outside of the case and/or in the BIOS screen (F2 at boot when you see the Dell logo.) That will tell us exactly what equipment that Dell was shipped with.

I would install the Netgear wireless broadband LAST, so burn what drivers you need to CD and imnstall the drivers from there. Physically remove the card until you reach this point. Install the drivers, then turn off, install the card, and reboot. Windows updates go next.

Post back with your progress.thnx for that.. i will follow your instructions if what i just tried dont work(seems that way atm)

  i got everest and some other progs onto a cd w/ the second writing prog i tried "burnmyfiles" trial

i will post you the everest report when IM done (after what i do now doesn't work then i follow ur instructions exact then post it )

i did not know "dial-up adapter" (device manager under net adapters)  was different than a modem, this was no PROBLEM to install and update driver, rj45s are hard to miss, this fixes gap in understanding thnx

what is "NIC card " network interface controller? this is not my netgear broadband card cuz that goes last?

the sound blaster live did come from dell
tag = 5S0VB01

any particular reason to install netgear wireless card last?  i can do it but it easier to do it first.. ? )

also do i need the green and black 4 pin cords connected from cddvdrom to sound card (black) and from sound card to modem (green)Here is how your system was originally shipped on 1/22/01 Just input that service tag:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/en/details?c=us&l=en&s=gen

I PREFER the wireless card last as it is less problematic after all of the other hardware is installed, but that's just me. (I've installed a lot of operating systems.   )i just modified one above about cords plz reply u are very helpfulNIC refers to the onboard Ethernet. No,it is not your wireless card.

You can do that either way. As this is digital sound you do not have to connect it, but it won't hurt anything at all if it is already connected. If so, just leave it as it is.  ok the pc does not have an ethernet card (broadband over wire) why called onboard? meaning one that is not in a pci slot but solder onto board?

ok screw cables ill try it both ways once i set it up how you say then i will post everest report if still no sound.

u r very helpful this is the first time ive posted on the net, think i might get sound working that would be nice to my laptops keyboard which might break from games..i have only the netgear wireless card

I've got onboard sound disabled.  :-/

How WOULD I figure out if I had an IRQ conflict?Try your computer without the add on sound card take it out and
use the onboard sound and see what happens.

When did you add the add-on  sound card?The sound card has been with the SYSTEM since its creation back in like '02, I've never had good experiences with onboard audio (always flaky or causing problems) so I just put sound cards in all the COMPUTERS I BUILD.

On a lighter note, I haven't had a BSOD since yesterday (the last one I posted). Left it on all night (with avast and steam running) and nothing happened. Been on all day, nothing wrong. Can this just FIX itself somehow?May be that you just happened to get your ram and sound card seated
good. You have been poking around in there. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-29,GGLG:en&q=0x0000008E+site%3amicrosoft%2ecom

Working on Preachers computer, getting ready to install DSL.  Put CD in drive and nothing happened.  Went to Explorer and it shows the files and directories on the CD.  Attempt to activate the proper program by double clicking and also through the RUN command.  Nothing happens.

Go to Control Panel and clidk on internet settings nothing happens.  Try clicking all the icons in control panel and only get a response on the printers icon.

Try activating programs preacher normally uses and they seem to be functioning correctly.  Restarted many times and could not change the pattern of programs not activating.

Even attempted Safe mode and still no response from icons in Control panel other than the printer.  Same manifestations when reading the CD too.

He had another CD that appeared to function correctly.  I have never fooled with ME before and am completely stumped.  Any help would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks [smiley=dankk2.gif]Forgot to add, I did a restore back to the 15th of November also, that did not change anything either.

JimLooks like a bad CD.  Try requesting another one from the ISP.I could see bad CD except for the fact that I cannot BRING up any page in the control panel except for the printer stuff.  Any idea on that??

JimIf you are using Windows XP, select Switch To Classic View in the Control Panel.  Are all of the icons missing in the Control Panel?

First of all; you dont need the ISP's dsl disk for anything. you shut down the computer, plug the eithernet cable into the jack on the computer, boot up with the dsl modem working properly, and it will work if the eithernet adapter is running properly. oh, and the problem is windows ME more than likely (if thats what you mean by ME problem). the ISP's software is probably not ME compatible.Yes I meant Windows ME when I said ME.  The disc was given to my preacher by Embarq and supposedly connects him to Earthlink - I suppose = and allows him to create his account.

I looked at the Cd to see if it SPECIFIED what systems it was compatible with, but could not find such information.  I will check again and if necessary tell him to contact EMbarq and get a ME compatible disc.

I'm still stumped by the refusal of the system to display anything in Control Panel other than the Printers.

Thanks so much for your assistance so far.

I welcome any other comments and will advise my progress.  Thanks again.

JimIn the Control Panel, are all other icons missing?  If so, you should try the System Restore feature of Windows Me to try to restore the operating system to an earlier state.

Yes but he is not using Windows XP he is using ME. That sounds to me like you must have a really buggy OS, you may have to re-install or just upgrade to Windows XP  . Quote

Yes but he is not using Windows XP he is using ME. That sounds to me like you must have a really buggy OS, you may have to re-install or just upgrade to Windows XP  .

Yes but he is not using Windows XP he is using ME. That sounds to me like you must have a really buggy OS, you may have to re-install or just upgrade to Windows XP  .

I have installed XP but will not activate it as I want to know what happens after the 30-day grace period which expires in 9 days.

Anyone care to tell me in ADVANCE what happens :-?

ThanksHedonist........ If it will not activate ...it may stop working after the described timeframe .....

Is it FAILING activation because it's a less than legit installation ?


dl65   Hedonist ..... I'm really curious , why would you simply not activate it now ?
It will simply cease functioning after the 30 days.........

[highlight]After 30 days, the computer will stop working except in Safe Mode (it works in Safe Mode, so you can activate there). [/highlight]

Quote

I just want to experience what happens if the OS is not activated.

ok cool...

still waiting for hedonist to report back with the activation story....

Can you guys help me how to format my current hard drive and reinstall xp fresh? I have 100 g hard drive size, 1 g memory. It is intell processor. ThanksInsert the XP CD into your CD Rom and boot your system from this CD, in an option, you can delete partition, and CREATE new partition. I would do this to start as fresh as possible. Then select to format as NTFS when prompted to do so, then continue with the installation of XP. After the install is completed, you will have a clean install of it.

Make sure you backup any data from that 100gb drive if there is any important data, ALSO if this is a system that is already running but you want to clean install it, go to Hardware MANAGER and Device manager, write down what Devices you have and how they are set up, such as Ethernet Adapter (NIC), Video Chipset if integrated video, and the rest of the devices that sometimes are not supported through an XP OEM install and REQUIRE additional drivers.

*** Dont forget to perform Microsoft CRITICAL Updates after activating XPhttp://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Click on the pictures to enlarge the actual pictures of what you will see each step of the way.Thank you all for helping me figure this out. I was able to reinstall xp.Glad you are all fixed up and thanks for posting back

I don't see run program on start menu. When I try to open 'run' by pressing Windows Key plus R. The following error occur: "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. PLEASE contact your system administrator." while I am Administrator.  I have SP2 of MS Windows Xp Professional.
 
Thanks,
Pagal Tamang
Doha, QatarTry this:

1. Open gpedit by double CLICKING on 'gpedit.msc' (C:\WINNT\system32\gpedit.msc)
2. Open 'User configuration' -> 'Administrative Templates' ->'Start Menu & Toolbar'
3. In the right pane find 'Remove Run from start menu' and double click on it
4. Chose 'Disable' and push OK button

Or this is probably easier:
+ Right-click the Taskbar and select Properties.
+ Select Start Menu.
+ Click on Customize.
+ Click on Advanced.
+ Look for a check box for Run command in the option window. Check the box.

Good luckThere maybe a registry restriction on your account, don't know how this could have happened. But anyway, find the location of C:\Windows\ and look for a program called regedit.exe, open it. now find the location of either...

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]

or

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]

just check both locations for the DWORD value NoRun. If found right click, goto modify set the DATA from 1 to 0. CLOSE regedit and reboot.

There is also something else that may help right click taskbar, go to properties, click start menu tab, click customize, click advanced tab, Find where it says "Run Command", and check as necessary.

Hope this helps.
Try this and see if it helps:-


http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
 Line 57 on the right hand side.
vkr15

Just wondering if anyone have used this CD? I havn't used it yet but I read good things about, I am downloading it now to try it out. http://www.ubcd4win.com.

B.I have had it for MANY years now...a great COLLECTION of powerful TOOLS designed to get you out of a jam...

Of course they're powerful enough to HOSE your system as WELL if the directions aren't read...Thanks will try  .

I have win. xp-home..had to reinstall xp from restore disk..things have changed-ie6 will not load some pages I have always viewed like windows newsgroups, it loads the questions but cannot see answers no error MESSAGE  a lot of pages load this WAY.  Some sites load fine.  Also in task manger it shows I have 0 cpu usage in any program no matter what I do, I do not get errors in event viewer- my start menu and connection FOLDERS constanly change And I get a lot of this: a program is trying to access internet explorer from your trusted site,,I never had this to happen. I uninstalled Nortons antivirus and internet security [it was out of date] I used thier tool remover..but in sec. center it shows I have nortons virus enabled.  Any Hope?Sounds like you have a boat-load of problems that may take some time to correct.  Quickest way to get back up and running would be a wipe and reinstall.  Back up your stuff to another media first.

Alan <><   Quote

I have win. xp-home..[highlight]had to reinstall xp from restore disk[/highlight]..things have changed-ie6 will not load some pages I have always viewed like windows newsgroups, it loads the questions but cannot see answers no error message  a lot of pages load this way.  Some sites load fine.  Also in task manger it shows I have 0 cpu usage in any program no matter what I do, I do not get errors in event viewer- my start menu and connection folders constanly change And I get a lot of this: a program is trying to access internet explorer from your trusted site,,I never had this to happen. I uninstalled Nortons antivirus and internet security [it was out of date] I used thier tool remover..but in sec. center it shows I have nortons virus enabled.  Any Hope?

I went to turn my computer on and it would not boot..called eMachine for help they said to use restore disk, but I noticed it seem to restore on drive D [it has a lot less space now] Anyway the disk ran, said to restart computer and when it came back on ..lots of problems

EDIT: I JUST NOTICED THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE A CD NOT SPINNING PROPERLY, LIKE WHEN YOU PUT A COMPUTER GAME INTO A PS2 EXCEPT THIS IS COMING FROM THE BACK. IT SOUNDS SORT OF SCRATCHED IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

Ok, here's the problem. A couple of days ago, my computer started making these really strange, loud noises. The sound was obviously the sound of a fan spinning really loud, and abnormally. I got scared, so I immediately hit the shut down button. I turned in on again and there was the sound again, but not as loud, then 10 seconds later, it got loud again! I shut down. This time,  I waited 5 minutes. Then I turned it on, ignoring the problem. But I shouldn't have, because the next day it happened again. This time, when I restarted, I got the so called 'blue screen of death', this is what it said:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.
BAD_POOL_CALLER

DISABLE BIOS memory options like caching or shadowing.

Beginning dump of physical memory.
Physical memory dump complete.

STOP: 0x000000C2 (0x00000043,0xD68C0000, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)

And it told me to restart in safe mode to disable caching/shadowing and contact a comp tech team. I tried to restart in Safe Mode but I got it again everytime, including all other modes, like Start Windows In Last Known Good Config (something like that).

So I reformatted my computer, losing everything. After reinstalling everything, I thought the problem was gone, phew! But I was wrong, the sound came again and I was forced to shut down. When I restarted this time, I got the message (with the blue screen of death):

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

MpFirewall.sys - Address EF8A2257 base at EF89A000, Datestamp 43025830

and then that Physical Memory dump again...

---

What is the problem?

---

And, another thing I NEED help with. Computer lag. I just reformatted my computer, but everything is lagging, not as in slow, but when I scroll up and down in a net browser, it moves in waves. This also HAPPENS when I try to move a program window around, it goes really slowly, smooth scrolling doesn't help. Help please?

I use a Dell Pentium 4, 1gb RAM, 250GB Hard Drive (which I REPLACED the 80gb with). This computer is just over 1 and a half years old.

Thanks.
Also, when I'm scrolling on a browser, the cursor lags like *censored* as well.I would open the case and identify WHERE the sound is coming from. It may be a bad or clogged fan, a hard drive, etc.

Free RAM test download at www.memtest86.com

Free hard drive diagnostic download at the appropriate drive maker's site.

Let us know about the sound origin and the above.

I have a small problem I think. I am using a HP pavilian 8670 C ( its Old) but it has XP in it. my problem is when I GO to print  nothing happens, I check the Icon at the bottom and I find that there are two thing sent to the printer. the top one is the item I want and second it to the SYSTEM or SPOOLING. it sometimes says Spooling for a second thd then SYSTEM.  I delete that then go into the services.msc and RESTART the spooling and then it will print.  or I can just turn off the computer and restart then it will print  this is getting old. any help?  oh the printer is a HP 1315 all-in -one

How do i get more v memory ? Its SAYS im runnin low..The below website has instructions, or you
can download and run the program 'Download Guided Help'
and it will take you through the steps.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417How MUCH memory do you have installed in the machine? Usually these VALUES should not me ALTERED and Windows can assign appropriate amounts.

Details on your hardware and major software applications would be helpful. Is Norton involved in any way? WHat were youdoing when you got this message?

I am trying to GET my other computer to work My husband ran it in safe mode, now we have a screen that says C:\WINDOWS>_ and have no idea what to do next. The mouse wont work and we cant use arrow keys, other than throwing it out of a window we have no clue HELP !!!!!! PLEASE :-?Have you already tried restarting the computer?
You say the arrow keys and mouse don't work, is this a USB KEYBOARD?
Try using a PS/2 keyboard and mosue instead
What version of Windows is this?Yes, it is a USB keyboard and mouse. . .it is the only one that I have access to.  I've tried restarting the computer and it gives me the same message everytime.  Obviously, something needs to be put in there and this is what I am trying to figure out.  Everything that I have tried so far comes back with a message that says: Bad command or file name!  Can you assist me with this.

Thank YouIt is an IBM computer and it is Windows 98When you say whatever you put in gives you "Bad command or file name", does this mean that you can type after all?  So the keyboard does work?
If so, you'll need the right command, but I'm not sure what the command you need is...I can now type after the C:| WINDOWS>_  message, but I am not getting anywhere because I have no idea what to type Do you have any suggestions as to where I might be able to FIND the proper command to put in there?Are you just talking about typing........>  win

Where you are starting at.C:\Windows..........


At the MS-DOS prompt, type cd\windows\command

Once in this directory, type scanreg /restore this will restore an earlier version of your registry. Once completed, reboot the computer and this should resolve any issues that may have occurred with your registry.
yes, obviously I need to enter a correct command or file name to open up the computer.Read reply#8 again.Try exit and press enter. If this doesn't do it type win and press enter. Quote

Try exit and press enter. If this doesn't do it type win and press enter.

Almost certainly related to a DISK fault.  BOOT from an XP CD into the RECOVERY console.  Then run chkdisk /f as instructed.Microsoft agrees with the DISEMBODIED head:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/w2000Msgs/1151.mspx?mfr=true

The AVG program might also be the cause:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/195857

The cart is truly before the horse, then.  hmmm..... when i repairing the windows the following warning pop out.

error code = 0x8007007f not found ..... system32\catsrv.dll
error system32\inetcomm.dll
error commonfiles\system\wab32.dll
error outlook express\msoe.dll

but when i do chkdsk and sfc/scannow no problem show up. So are this the cause of the unablitly of installing SP2 ?Sounds like a copy of an XP CD to me...

Not to CAST aspersions though.Nay , my is the OEM version brought it from the shop. But my copy is the older version 2002 so not included SP1 & 2. For now what ever i do will most likly cause a hang. *CENSORED* it !

Let say i log on to the net using that computer so to download all the update, will i get those backboor stuff , virus etc etc...... even thou i on the firewall and adware , spybot ?

You need to downlaod the SP2 file from Microsoft. Burn it to a CD and install it and your spyware and virus protection and THEN connect the cable to the internet. Not before.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspxhmm..... i think format is the solution to all this. Now my pc have two partiton if i format the C: will it affact the G: ?No, not unless you choose to.

A good format and reinstall solves most Windows problems....for a while. QUOTE

No, not unless you choose to.

A good format and reinstall solves most Windows problems....for a while.

I would like to be able to send emails from my comp like "Quick Mailer"... Ive used countless smtp server programs "MiniRelay" with no luck, It seems I'm doing something wrong because none of them work...

I'm on a SHARED network through a router maybe this is the prob... thanx in adv...Is it QM 2.2 your using ?
Are you using IE as your browser ?

dl65  it is QM 2.2 IE is the default browser but I use portable firefoxDo you require a program that can accept incoming SMTP connections?  Why?incoming is not needed... I just want to be able to send e-mail quik and easy without loging into yahoo...So you only need an SMTP client.  What's up with Thunderbird? Quote

So you only need an SMTP client.  What's up with Thunderbird?

Quote

So you only need an SMTP client.  What's up with Thunderbird?

does thuderbird have smtp i downloaded thunderbirdportable but have the same issues....

If you are in the States AT&T is offering DSL service for 14.95 a month...

Details at their website.So far I've downloaded CCleaner and ran it.  It found lots of stuff in the registry and temp files.  It asked me if I want to back it up and I SAID no.  I got rid of PathethSv and Aolwbspd as suggested.  I didn't see a difference in the video play.  But maybe it will help the COMPUTER be less sluggish.  Next I'm working on downloading the virus protector.

I think you will be amazed at what you find. You should also run the free online scanner at www.trendmicro.com

This is NOT a substitute for proper virus protection though.Ok, well I've finally got the AVG Free downloaded and installed, and I ran it offline.  I don't know how to run it in safe mode.  It did not find anything.  I updated the AVG and ran it again and nothing came up.  I downloaded updates for Spybot and Adaware, and ran them.  I also downloaded one microsoft update and rebooted.  There are lots of other updates I haven't done with microsoft, like service pak 2, and realtech AC 97 Audio WHATEVER that is.  Plus a page of SECURITY updates.  I'll have to do that later, I've spent most of the day just doing what I did so far.

I tested a video and there's no change.  It still buffers and plays in spurts.

Thanks
Sam

Why haven't installed SP2 yet?   Quote

Why haven't installed SP2 yet?  

By the way, can I delete the install icons on my desktop for CCleaner and AVG?  Or at least move them to a file?  Do they need to be on the desktop?

13 percent yet?  LOL  

I recently got a hardrive from a friend and when its boots up its like for some school computers called connections academy. anyways since its a school computer it has alor of restrictions so i need to RESET my hardrive and wipe it so its just a normal osy WONT anyone HELP me. i want to reset my hardrive computer so i can install xp again i DONT know how to!Check the Other forum for an ANSWER.

for some reason each time i try to sign into YAHOO messenger i get a window that reads this PROGRAM has made an illegal operation and will be shut down
 but if i try long enough it will eventually let me in are there steps i can take to prevent this from happeningMore INFO on your machine, OS and any new changes made and someone will be along SHORTLY to assist...well im not sure what information you need but ill try.
 i have not changed anything and there are no new users.
 it is a dell COMPUTER tower and a compaq monitor
windows 98 se and trying to use yahoo version 8.0Patio, you will have to be the dentist here, I'm afraid.  Perhaps you are not the only one having this problem.  See http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/yahoo-messenger-support/38561-problems-logging.html

i have a old hp computer and i want to reformat it. when i START it up the hp logo appears i tried pressing every BUTTON to get into BIOS but it wont work. is there a another way to reformat the computer? i do have the windows cdYou do not need to get inothe BIOS to do this, although F2 is probably the KEY to do this. Put the CD in the drive and restart the machine. What happens now?

can i think .wsh files as the new replacement of .bat files in windows? which is more proper to automate the commands or to create commands without user interaction?
thank you for the answersOne of these links might help:

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-29,GGLG:en&q=creating+wsh+filesthank you but my problem about computer stuff is what is for what. i know about windows script host and batch files but i DONT know why these coexist. there are a lot of repeatition in SOFTWARE world is not it?It's like ANYTHING else in life...there are many WAYS to do something. Some better than others.

Not sure if this is the right area to post in, but...

If a USB device (any USB device) is left plugged into my computer and I reboot, the IDE scan does not occur, thus my DVD player or any other IDE devices do not show up.

However, my system disk (harddrive) is IDE, and there is usually no problem with the computer booting --the DVD device and secondary IDE disks just don't show up.  Once in a blue MOON the computer won't boot if a USB device is left plugged in; there is no error message, just a blank screen in "hang."

So, the SIMPLE problem: USB devices plugged in on boot-up prevent my IDE DVD player/recorder from being usable.

If I unplug all my USB devices, there is never an issue at boot up.With no more info on your hardware than this I would say just leave it unplugged until it boots successfully.

Hi,

I am running Windows XP.  Newly installed 80GB hard drive, free space 90%, 512 RAM, CPU usage around 7%, processes 33, Processor 1.1 GHZ. Service
Pack 2 is installed. There is no other spyware, firewall, virus, software installed
on my computer but AOL Security Center Powered by Mcafee

Everytime I run this sofware it freezes the computer. It might run for 10
minutes, 15 minutes, and  eventually it freezes. If I run a free virus scan software off the internet (Trend Micro) it freezes my computer. My computer freezes only when the virus scan is running.  If I run Excel or Word it does find. The computer boots up find. I doubt it's a virus because I had this problem
before my harddrive was replaced. I was able to run an online virus scan
at that TIME and it found nothing. The only reason the hard drive was replaced
was because the techician assured me it would fix the problem.

I think it has something to do with the AOL Security Center that I downloaded.
I CALLED them and they give you the same answers.  Must be a virus or do
you have any other spyware programs, or do you have Norton's installed
on your computer.

What would cause this problem. I been browsing the interent for solutions
and it APPEARS to me that people aren't too happy with Mcafee.  Are there
any test I can run.  I LOOKED at the events and I did SEE some errors such
as Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC80.MFCLOC could not be found and
Resolve Partial Assembly failed for Microsoft.VC80.MFCLOC.  Researching
this I found this having to do with SQL and I didn't think this had anything
to do with my problem.

Anyway. what can I be looking at or what can I do on my end to sucessfully
run the virus can.  Any recommendations?

Thanks

During last week, WinPatrol has been sending messages like the one shown in attachment,and I do not know what program or application is causing them, that is 'who' is trying to make the change proposed in attachment.

If I answer NO the message keeps showing every while, but I'm afraid of answeting YES because I do not know what implications this change could have.

WinPatrol does not supply info about.I wouldn't allow it RIGHT now...
Update all your security applications.
Disconnect from the modem/router.
Turn off System Restore and re-boot into safe mode.
Run all your scans and fix anything that shows up.
Re-boot and DLoad and install Hijack This and run a report and POST it here...
I would not CLICK on Yes.  regedit is the correct program for that type file, not notepad.  Registry FILES, files  ending with .reg, can be opened in Notepad, but, if I understand your image CORRECTLY, the proposed change was to associate notepad with regedit.exe, the execution file for the Registry editor.  Doesn't make sense to me.  

If you click on those Info buttons, does it tell you what program is behind this attempted change?

The other day I used sytem restore to an earlier date because my sound driver or something was messed up. This usually fixed the problem, but this time it really caused a problem! Upon logging into XP, it said something like "cannot find browseui.dll" and my startbar/explorer/etc does not SHOW up. I tried running SysRestore through Task Manager to see if I could fix it that way, but it won't run at all. Please help!Details about the machine? Service Pack? What are you using for virus/spyware priotection? Other issues? See below.Thanks for the reply.

It's a Dell Dimension 3000, and the OS is XP Professional (although when I had it worked on by my father's friend, he installed it illegally). I don't know what else to post since I can't use any system TOOLS to get much more info.

Upon startup I log in and once I press enter, it says that it can't find 'browseui.dll'. The start bar doesn't show up and I can't run system restore through task manager. Quote

Details about the machine? [highlight]Service Pack[/highlight]? What are you using for [highlight]virus/spyware priotection[/highlight]? Other issues? See below.

(although when I had it worked on by my father's friend, he installed it illegally).

It's at this point i start listening to "Jane's Song"  [highlight]...it's the only thing that calms me for some ungodly reason...[/[/highlight]quote]


Manamana does the same for me!

have you tried just puting your win XP disk in hit repair

Quote

have you tried just puting your win XP disk in hit repair

No i just usually just  listen to "Jane's Song"....

I have an older "Compaq Presario" Model: 5900Z that I aquired
from a friend which was RUNNING windows XP, but originally
had windows 98 running on it.
Anyway, I wiped the hard drive and to start with a fresh COPY of windows
and now no matter what I do I get a "Files Needed" box that appears the exact same place during the install (XP it appears after I hit "Typical Install"
2000 Pro it appears during "Start Menu Items")  asking
me to "Insert the windows xp pro or windows 2000 pro (I've tried both)
disk into the "D" drive because it needs certain files" etc...
Now, this pop-up box happens 2 times than is gone. No matter which
button I choose "OK" or "Browse" it does nothing. If I hit "Cancel" it goes
away, but I can see that the install will jump forward a bunch of minutes
or skip RIGHT through things.
I thought it might be the cd-rom so I hooked up a brand new cd-rom and it did the exact same thing. I thought it might be the disk so I tried a different copy and it did the exact same thing. And obviously I thought it might be the O/S and you can see that I've tried multiple and it does the exact same thing! What the heck is causing this? HELP PLEASE!!!!!

I suspect that HDD wasn't completely wiped...what method did you use ? ? ?

Are these original install CD's ? ? Seems strange that none of them would work properly...I wiped the hard drive using the zero (0) method
and I tried original and copies of windows.Let's get some details about the machine and if these are real WIndows CD's or burned copies, downloads, etc.have you tried to install it on another HD?

BBootleg disks, upgrade disks, manufacturer specific disks, partions hidden or otherwise.
The list goes on & on.
If you boot to an undamaged genuine Microsoft full version of XP/W2K, delete all partions and re-create them to your requirements then proceed with the installation you will not have a PROBLEM... I hope. Tried another hard drive  :-?

Alan <><   Quote

I wiped the hard drive using the zero (0) method
and I tried original and copies of windows.

I keep getting asked to run CHKDSK on every startup of the computer. How do i disable this?Let it finish all the way through and you won't be prompted the next time...I'll assume that your operating system is XP.....and that DRIVE C: is being checked.....and that your file system is NTFS.

At the command prompt type chkntfs /x c: then push Enter

At the command prompt type chkntfs/? to list all parameters.

Good luckIs this correct?

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>chkntfs /x c:
The type of the file system is NTFS.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>chkntfs/?
Displays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time.

CHKNTFS volume [...]
CHKNTFS /D
CHKNTFS /T[:time]
CHKNTFS /X volume [...]
CHKNTFS /C volume [...]

  volume         Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),
                 mount point, or volume name.
  /D             Restores the machine to the default behavior; all drives are
                 checked at boot time and chkdsk is run on those that are
                 dirty.
  /T:time        Changes the AUTOCHK initiation countdown time to the
                 specified amount of time in seconds.  If time is not
                 specified, displays the current setting.
  /X             Excludes a drive from the default boot-time check.  Excluded
                 drives are not accumulated between command invocations.
  /C             Schedules a drive to be checked at boot time; chkdsk will run
                 if the drive is dirty.

If no switches are specified, CHKNTFS will display if the specified drive is
dirty or scheduled to be checked on next reboot.Looks like it could be fine, but do you still run chkdsk at boot timeYep it works, thanks!Thanks for coming back to us to confirm the outcome..Weird, now its scheduled again.........and i just went into command prompt to cancel it but diskeeper insists that i still have a scheduled check. What gives?You failed to mention you were running DisKeeper...in the left hand pane look under set it and FORGET it for scheduling options...

There are no scheduling options in the left hand panel...... Quote

There are no scheduling options in the left hand panel......

[size=14]Hello. I have a computer that I BUIT recently that had the new Windows XP-64 edition on it. The hard drive is a brand-new Western Digital 320GB drive. After having this version of windows for a couple weeks I decided to go back the the xp corp edi. I FORMATTED the hard drive, and began to install the corp edition. When the comp reboots during the installation process, I do not get the option of BOOTING from the disc or the hard drive. It automatically boots from the CD, and starts the ENTIRE installation process over again. When I either take the CD out or change the primary boot device in bios to the hard drive, it says that there was an error reading the drive and to press ctrl+alt+del to restart. Bios can see the hard drive perfectly as can the installation process. Please help!!!! Everything else on the computer works properly to my knowledge, and was running properly for a couple weeks. I'm using an Asus A8N5X board with an AMD 3200+ processor and a Phoenix bios system.

Thank you much,
Josh[/size]And this is a legal XP corporate edition?When the computer turns on, it will say something along the line of "Press DEL to enter BIOS Menu" look for this. Press the key it will either show a menu or a list of things, if its a menu look for the boot order in one of the selections. Change the boot order to Hard Drive first and CD second. Post if you need more help...[size=14]It is a legal copy, and I already tried changing the boot order. When I make the hard drive bootable before the CD drive it either says that it cannot read the disc drive and to restart, or sometimes it will restart automatically. When it automatically restarts, it continues the process up until the point where windows should begin, and restarts again. I have tried resettting the default settings on the bios and there is no change. I'm not sure what else to do...... :-?[/size]And this is a SATA drive? Did you install the SATA drivers during install? Is the hard drive seen correctly in the BIOS? Have you checked the hard drive with the free diagnostics at the WD site?It is a SATA drive, and I assumed that the drivers would still be there. I did have the hard drive working with the same board and everything when I was using the Windows XP-64 edition. It's just when I tried to switch back to the XP Professional that it won't work right. Unfortunately I am unable to check it on the WD site since I am unable to get the drive to work and do not have another computer capable of supporting that big of a drive.When you format the drive everything is GONE so you will have to reload those during XP installation. Check the ASUS site or use your motherboard CD for this. Press F6 and use it when directed.

The diagnostics are independent of Windows. You can check that at any time.

hello there i am doug
 i am having a problem with Ndis2 Driver
in the device manager it has an exclamation on it and when i into it it says it can not load the device driver so i tried to upgrade it but then it says the best driver is already installed so i am confused please does anyone have any good ideas??
  please if possible EMAIL me direct to [email protected]   thank youRight click the offending device in Device and select Remove.
Make sure beforehand you have the correct driver.
Re-boot and re-install the driver and you should be good to go...i have done as you said but now that i have rebooted Ndis2 Driver is no longer in the list and i have no idea how to reload the driverWhat is the motherboard and network adapter? Even better, download and run Everest Home, make a report and post the WHOLE THING here. We can get you going.  
 
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

    Version                                           EVEREST v2.20.405
    Homepage                                          http://www.lavalys.com/
    Report Type                                       Report Wizard
    Computer                                          COMPUTER
    Generator                                         User
    Operating System                                  Microsoft Windows 98 SE 4.10.2222A (Win98 SE)
    Date                                              2006-12-01
    Time                                              08:38


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Computer:
      Operating System                                  Microsoft Windows 98 SE
      OS Service Pack                                   -
      DirectX                                           4.08.00.0400 (DirectX 8.0)
      Computer Name                                     COMPUTER
      User Name                                         User

    Motherboard:
      CPU Type                                          Intel Pentium II, 233 MHz (3.5 x 67)
      Motherboard Name                                  Dell OptiPlex GXa 233MTbr
      Motherboard Chipset                               Intel 82440LX/EX
      System Memory                                     64 MB  (SDRAM)
      BIOS Type                                         Phoenix (12/15/98)
      Communication Port                                Communications Port (COM1)
      Communication Port                                Communications Port (COM2)
      Communication Port                                ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

    Display:
      Video Adapter                                     ATI 3D Rage Pro (atir3)  (4 MB)
      3D Accelerator                                    ATI 3D-Rage Pro
      Monitor                                           Compaq V700  [17" CRT]  (930CF03TJ481)

    Multimedia:
      Audio Adapter                                     Crystal Sound CS4236 Audio System

    Storage:
      IDE Controller                                    Intel 82371AB/EB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller
      IDE Controller                                    Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
      IDE Controller                                    Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
      Floppy Drive                                      GENERIC NEC  FLOPPY DISK
      Disk Drive                                        GENERIC IDE  DISK TYPE55
      Disk Drive                                        GENERIC IDE  DISK TYPE56
      Optical Drive                                     E-IDE CD-ROM 24X/AKOx  (24x CD-ROM)
      SMART Hard Disks Status                           OK

    Partitions:
      C: (FAT32)                                        2008 MB (606 MB free)
      D: (FAT32)                                        1029 MB (887 MB free)
      Total Size                                        3037 MB (1493 MB free)

    Input:
      Keyboard                                          Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
      Mouse                                             PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port

    Network:
      Network Adapter                                   3Com 3C90x Ethernet Adapter  (169.254.109.72)
      Network Adapter                                   PPP Adapter.  (172.191.79.220)
      Network Adapter                                   PPP Adapter.
      Modem                                             SupraMax 56i Voice PCI

    Peripherals:
      USB1 Controller                                   Intel 82371AB/EB PIIX4 - USB Host Controller


--------[ DMI ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  [ BIOS ]

    BIOS Properties:
      Vendor                                            Dell Computer Corporation
      Version                                           A09
      Release Date                                      12/15/98
      Size                                              256 KB
      Boot Devices                                      Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, CD-ROM
      Capabilities                                      FLASH BIOS, Shadow BIOS, Selectable Boot, EDD
      Supported Standards                               DMI, APM, ACPI, ESCD, PnP
      Expansion Capabilities                            ISA, PCI, AGP

  [ System ]

    System Properties:
      Manufacturer                                      Dell Computer Corporation
      Product                                           OptiPlex GXa 233MTbr
      Universal Unique ID                               44454C4C-006F1044-803380C0-4F385334
      Wake-Up Type                                      Power SWITCH

  [ Chassis ]

    Chassis Properties:
      Manufacturer                                      Dell Computer Corporation
      Serial Number                                     D38S4
      Chassis Type                                      Mini Tower

  [ Processors / Processor #1 ]

    Processor Properties:
      Manufacturer                                      Intel
      External Clock                                    66 MHz
      MaximYou appear to be using dial up. If that is the case, not to worry about the ndis2 driver. It is for the ethernet adapter. Windows detects the the ethernet adapter and ATTEMPTS to load drivers for it. A NIC cannot fully initialize unless it is connected. You can safely ignore it or disable it. If you decide to use broadband, it will need to be enabled and connected to the router or modem.ok and yes im using dial-up internet so that is good to hear.
although i am still having the same problems as before i can not change the colors from 16 back to 256 and i keep getting illegal operation windows as i sign into messengersOne thing at a time. Do you know the EXACT model of your ATI card?no im sorry i dont is there a way i can look it upWell, we know that is a GXa and ALL of the drivers you need are on the Dell site. Just choose the video driver from the Windows 98SE download area.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=PLX_PNT_PII_GXA&os=W98&osl=EN

There you go.

An odd question. I have WindowsXP install on Virtual PC 2004, the host OS is Windows 2000. I do a virus scan on the host OS EVERY day, I am curious if it's necessary to do a virus scan on the OS in the VM as well?

B. A virtual computer simulates a seperate computer all by itself. So if you see fit to run a virus scan periodicaly than it would seem right to do it in VM especialy if you connect to the internet in your VM...That's what I thought, but on the other hand, the vm riside on the same hd as the host machine, doesn't scan the host machine also scan the vm though?

B.I dont believe so because the VM also uses a VHD virtual hard drive... on the other hand i think there are programs to open VHD's like a fixed disk to your host comp... then your standard scan would scan you VM drive too....

Sry I dont know much about VHD's so I cant lead you in a better direction... Google  "virtual+hard+drive" and you should get plenty of info...To answer this more directly, if you just do a virus scan on the main computer and not the virtual machine, all the FILES will be checked for viruses.  The problem is, not all viruses are files.  Some are malicious registry entries, which would not get checked doing a scan from the main computer.  It would be safer to do a periodic scan of the virtual machine as well.Not exactly.  A malicious registry entry cannot constitue a virus, because the registry does not contain a self-propagation mechanism.

It is conceivable that a particularly intelligent virus could replicate itself with a VHD, although I'm not really sure there'd be much point, since VHDs tend to contain "disposable" OSes.I use MICROSOFT virtual PC wich was FREE but i think it has since been removed because it has the ablity to run a mac in a VM and apple said it was against copyright...  there is an option to turn on rcovery disks so anytime I need to install something i turn on the recovery disks then I can udo ANY changes MADE wile it was on....VHD's might be mostly disposable but it was recomended not to mount host drives from VM so I had to copy all the files i intend to use... everything is backed up now but i still have several hrs invested and wouldnt like to lose it....

Hi FB, Last time I check Virtual PC 2004 is still free from MS, The older (Connetix?) Virtual PC had the ability to run Mac OS but it was bought out by MS and the Virtual PC 2004 can't  run Mac OS. (I tried, but the PC won't even recognize my OS X dvd. Something Apple did to the OS X dvd the PC Ddvd reader can't read it.)    That's what I read somewhere.

A virus scan scans all files on a host pc, the VHD is an image file so it gets scaned, right? The VHD is an image file, can  virus even SURVIVE in a image file? And where is the source of this VHD image? It must exists somewhere on the host HD, which are also files, too. Wouldn't that get scaned as well?  :-?

B.my understanding is there is no way (without another program) to access the VHD outside of the VM so I would asume that running a virus scan on the host would do no good for the VM.  the VHD is on the host HD but is unreadable to windows and would look the same as any other file that is unknown on your system...

can SOMEONE tell me where and how i can INSTALL a tv tuner card on my computer. would like to get the best at a reasonable price. like to view CABLE tv on my pc. i have a windows xp media center edition. service pack 2. PENTIUM 4cpu 3.06 ghz. 504 mb ram.

thanks in advance.

alli

What's your budget?
Do you want an internal or external tuner?
What do you want to be able to do?
For example, record and watch TV or just watch or record?  Digital or analog?alligatorman... Perhaps, you could indicate if the existing vid card is onboard or plugs into a slot .
If it's a PLUG in card ...... is it a pci , agp or pci express

If for some reason a additional slot is required.....what is available ?

dl65  

Ok I have a folder that %50 of the time will let me acces it and %50 percent of the time it says it in not on the drive. %100 percent of the time it will not let me deeate it, and there is some hidden read only or somthing setting in it, because it will not let me transfer it in a brefcase. I NEED TO GET RIF OF THIS FILE. :-?

P.S. I know this is not a virus becaue it is just a folder with add couple of jpegs and an .iind (InDesign) file, unless some type of virus infected the folder. That second thero makes no sence thought pecause the other folders in the folder it is in are working fine. PLEASE HELP. :-/ :-/If you are happy to delete the directory & everything in it then Google for Killbox.Im open to ideas but can we maybe TRY something else first. This program seems a little too radical to me at this stage.Then try to delete the offending folder in Safe Mode...Try stopping as many applications and processes as you can.

Most probably its being ACCESSED by some other process.Go into the folder and try deleting each file individually.  The ONES that do not let you delete them, right click them one at a time, go to properties and see if they are read only or archive etc.  Simply uncheck the boxes to remove this status from them.  You can go do folder options > view to check if you are able to see hidden files.

Hope it helps.What version of Windows is this?  Is that folder on the desktop?And are you running any Norton PRODUCTS on that machine ? ?Nortion IS 06 and no it is not on the desktopWhat do you mean by not on the desktop.Check the folder attributes as well as the files in the folder. Remove any R, H, or S attributes. Delete the folder. Make sure that any program that might be using one of the files is not running.Turn off the Norton protection for the recycle bin feature...ok gous I am going to try all the stuff you recomended tonight I will get back to you all in a couple of hours.And?...............

Was defragin the computer this morning and i noticed my file systen was runnin in FAT32 instead ov NTFS. Is this ok ? or can i CHANGE it back to NTFS without much trouble ?... XP PRO........ Many thanks for any advice in advance.. Well it can't SPONTANEOUSLY change back and forth, so let's examine further.

If you right click on the drive and choose properties what does it show the drive file system as? How do you know it was NTFS and how did it show as FAT32?

How many drives, and how are they set up?No probs.. Right click on the drive shows FAT32...... Only one drive....Think it may of happend when i did a reinstall and when i fomatted the drive i formatted FAT32 last so i think i have installed XP in this way...
It has showed FAT32 fron the start but i just wonderd if is ok to run this way or maybe i have made a mistake installing in this manner..My XP build has run for over 1 1/2 years  now with no problems at all....

There are people who SWEAR NTFS is better and more secure than FAT32 ( those who have yet to experience the RAW phenomenon ).

If it's running fine i would leave well enough alone.If you want to convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt, here's how to do it.  

Open a command prompt window.
In the command prompt window, type
convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

 Notes

To open a Command Prompt window, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.
Related Topics

Alan <><  If it is already set up like this I would let it be. Nothing to be gained by CONVERTING it.I love this forum   Info is knowledge and you guys are well clued up !!!!! Thanks for the advice n info !!!
Tc, pooly..

i CLEARED my history/caches using ccleaner and deleted caches/history on mozilla firefox. i also fixed the registry through ccleaner, my problem is:

each time i log into myspace it only has my email but my pw i need to type it in now, i dont KNOW how to backtrack on this because ive tried a lot of things, so can some expect in ffox maybe help me?

my other problem is, whenever i tried to run my old tetris game(this never happened before i cleaned on ccleaner) it stops and a popup comes up:

"run-time error'6'
overflow"
[OK]

and then it shuts off, i dont know what i did. i uninstalled it and everything and nothing worked. can someone help?Your cookie password i'm afraid is gone so you will have to deal directly with Myspace to get it back or have another assigned to you...
In future to prevent this in CCleaner go to Tools on the left side then Options and select cookies...here you can create a list of ones you don't want cleaned each time.

As to the Tetris issue have you re-installed the game yet ? ?How old is your Tetris Game? Was it running in a reverse compatability mode? like Win98 or 95 under XP?

Your uninstaller for the game might not work well under XP if designed back in the days of Win95 or Win98. You might have to carefully chop it out manually and reinstall.

If you still have problems you can try Karens Registry Pruner to try to find an orphan entry at http://www.karenware.com/powertools.asp . This FREE program helped me a short while ago with a Roxio Easy CD Creator Orphan Entry for a client trying to install Roxio Easy CD Creator bundled with a new DVD-RW drive. Problem was with HP System Restore Image generated by HP for cheap 700Mhz Celeron System with an Orphan Roxio Ver 4 Registry entry from factory. Kept asking for previous Roxio to be deleted from system before installing Ver 6. No entry in Add/Remove Programs. Karen's Pruner found it and easily chopped it out to fix this for FREE...

Good Luck, and be careful...Pruner is a Very powerful tool  the myspace issue i fixed it, it was firefox blocking the pw saving thing. the tetris game is not that old. i played it before i used ccleaner. ill try karens, ill post back when i get the result. thanks guys.

ps. i reinstalled the game multiple times and it got that. so im trying karens registry pruner now.











P.S.S i used the registry pruner, and i cant find the file. anyone know other issue? =\bump. help?did you try to go to my computer look for the program folder and delete the folder restart run issues scan with ccleaner, then reinstall


unlovedwarrior Quote

did you try to go to my computer look for the program folder and delete the folder restart run issues scan with ccleaner, then reinstall


unlovedwarrior

Hello,


I am running outlook 2002 with windows xp service pack 2.  I have outlook installed to an external hard drive.  I plug the external hard drive into both my notebook computer and my desktop computer.  I set up outlook this way so that I COULD access the same .pst from both COMPUTERS and without having to worry about having duplicate emails or missing emails on either of the PC's.  

I found out that was not meant to be.  The install went fine.  However, whenever I plug my USB hard drive with outlook and the .pst datafile into either PC, outlook asks for the CD because it "detects a serious change in my machine configuration."  I then have to reinsert the office CD and click next to reactivate outlook. Then I have restart outlook.

How can I set this up so that I have the outlook install on the hard drive and be able to SWAP the drive from one system to another without this error message?  I was thinking of just installing outlook on the desktop and the laptop, and then browsing to the .pst file each time open up outlook.

Thanks for your help!

Why don't you install outlook on your Pc and Laptop and access your .pst file from the external disk.Hi Vibor,

If I do that will I have any problems with duplicate mail items being downloaded from the COMCAST mail server?    Thanks!

 
Read e-mail via webmail on both. It is then kept on the server and both machines can access it equally. Once one or the other machines downloads it to Outlook or whatever, it resides there, and is unavailable to the other unless FORWARDED back to the same email address and then they can both view on web mail again.

It sounds more complicated than it is. I do it all the time, and it is a MUCH simpler option. No portable drives to totae around and have all of this frustration about.

Hi,

After an automatic update, a popup comes after sometime telling to RESTART the system so that the updates can take place.

How can i disable this popup messge.

ThanksRestart your system.   Is this what you're looking for?
http://blog.adglobe.net/2006/06/29/take-off-the-windows-update-restart-prompt-message/ Quote

Restart your system.  

Is this what you're looking for?
http://blog.adglobe.net/2006/06/29/take-off-the-windows-update-restart-prompt-me ssage/

That's IT.  

Thankyou soooooo much Calum. That freaking thing annoys me to no ends.

Hello I am working on a report for my Advanced Networking class and I was wondering if anyone was knowledgable about SysPrep. I have done alot of research so far and have written a fair bit down in my report. I just had a few questions left unanswered that I couldn't figure out as well as some things that had me scratching my head in confusion.

        Is anyone familiar with the factory mode you can put sysprep into, specifically what its for. I know its for auditing and configuring/testing out software on system before the main installation but I'm just curious as to what the point of that is when you could test anything out during the main configuratio stages of your testing/master computer that you will be creating the duplicate of. It just SEEMS redundant to me and I did not want to write any information into my report about it yet until I had a better understanding.

        Also I was reading that once you were finished with factory mode you had to reseal sysprep and nothing I could find really gave a good explanation of what that actually meant. Like what was actually happening when you did that. Were any SIDs created during factory mode having to be removed again? Can you even create a SID during factory mode or can a SID only be created during the first time a computer is booted up and it has none.

        So ya any help that you guys/gals can offer WOULD be really appreciated. Its getting down to crunch time in school, and theres not ENOUGH hours in the day to spend on this report and do the other gazillion reports/presentations I have to write up in the next week and a half.

PS-Sorry for any SPELLING mistakes, its 3am and Im getting a little tired/jittery from all the energy drinks Ive been drinking.Bump.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577Ive read any and everything I can on those support pages already, and still dont understand the main reason for factory mode. It just doesnt make sense to me. If any of you could read that page and explain the reason of factory mode to me that would be great. I just dont understand why you need it at all.You can forget about this thread, I finally found one little paragraph that explained the entire thing to me.

"Configure a destination computer for Factory mode

This task is performed PRIMARILY in manufacturing environments where every computer requires some customization prior to final delivery. However, it is also useful for some corporate deployments. To do this you run the Sysprep -factory command, or click the Factory button in the Sysprep interface."

I had a problem with my computer recently and my friend re-installed Widows XP on my F drive. Everything runs now and I still have some data from my C drive working but I'm missing almost 30GB of video. I can't seem to find it anywhere! Anyone know how I can find my work?Start/Search is usually helpful.

It is unusual to have Windows on the F drive. Were you trying to do this? Is that where the missing data was located? How many hard drives and how are they partitioned?well there are two drives C and F. i remember when my friend re-installed it he was givin an option at a SCREEN asking where he wanted to install windows xp and he chose the F drive. all the information i lost is on the C drive.I would have backed up my files befor re-install regardless, but sence you did not I would try and run a sech or get some data recovery SOFTWARE is you run a sech in the fourm it will bring you to an old thred with all the info you need, unfortunatlly i dont remember were it was.

PS. just a thery maybe it was on your C and there was just a SHORTCUT on the F.  :-? :-? :-? :-?Can you see anything on the C:yeah i can still see alot of things. i have my music and program files but all my pics and videos are gone.Windows will write to the C:\ drive no matter where you CHOOSE to install it to...keep this in mind for down the road.

i go to start, then shut down, but instead of going to the screen that SAYS "it is now safe to turn off your computer", it restarts the computer, and it keeps doing this every time i try to shutdown. does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this problem?
the computer runs win98, it has 64mb of ram, and a processor speed of 266MHz.
and yes i know, it's not the best of computers but it's only used for basic tasks.http://www.eggheadcafe.com/ng/microsoft.public.win98.scanreg/post4758814.aspi went to the website and it showed me how to fix the registry keys. i followed what it said but it still didn't work.
any other suggestions?What happened prior to this? Think hard. Something has changed.What's been tried :-?  This looks good... and this

Good lucki installed the software for the at&t internet CONNECTION. the majority of the installation was complete. connection had already been established, but towards the end when it was downloading some other software, like antiVirus and antiSpam, the computer froze. after that windows would not shutdown.  Try an UNINSTALL and reinstall.  thanks to everybody who helped me with this problem. i finally got it to shutdown properly. i went to the website Dusty had suggested and one of the solutions was to change the value of the registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Shutdown, from "1" to "0". By doing this i disabled the fast shutdown option and the problem was solved.
of course i tried a LOT of other solutions before finding the right one.
once again, thank you for all your help. You're welcome and thanks for posting back.