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can someone help meOne of these may help:
1. UNINSTALL the DRIVE through Device Manager.
Restart computer. The drive will be AUTOMATICALLY reinstalled.
or...
2. HTTP://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run Restore Missing CD Drive patch
Double click on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. GO to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.

in an ATTEMPT to copy a dvd my daughter removed some programs to free up space....now the screen is on 4 bit and very pixelated...we cannot change it ......PLEASE help !!!!!congrats i thinnk you deleted your display driver
download everest ultimate
and post the outputty so much.....i dont think congrats is the right words tho lol....can i do that on another computer ....copy it to cd and then load......i think she deleted files that were used "rarely"...does that make sensethat was sarcasm
YES as long as you run everest on the broken commputer
after everest is loaded
launch it
then click
report->report wizard->next->plain text->next
now wait till its done
press CTL+A
press CTL+C
now post it in your next replythe screen is now BLACK AFTER the windows icons start up......boot into safe mode
turn it completely off
then while its booting up TAPE F8 till a black screen that has boot openions on it
choose safe mode with networking
you may see alot of filenames
and it may stay ther for up to 15 mintis
then it should boot
run everestUsing good computer, go to bad computer manufacturer web site, download video driver, install it on bad computer.Rooster, Try doing a system restore to before your daughter deleted the driver.

You will probably have to enter safe mode to see what you are doing. Tap F8 as the computer is starting and choose safe mode. This will load a basic video driver and let you do the restore.

Please ADD any comments you may have.driver signing is REQUIRED
and the possablity to lose compatibility with 32bit programs (90%)Quote

and the possablity to lose compatibility with 32bit programs (90%)

I've had a FRIEND install a second HARDDRIVE for storage of music and pics, but every program I download automatically goes to the wrong drive (C-the original smaller drive). So now I have a full C drive and an empty D drive. I'm running XP. How do I move or direct programs to the other drive? If I have to delete the OLD programs and start over I will, but I was hoping for an easier solution. Any help would be appreciated, I haven't found this specific problem anywhere in the FORUMS. ThanksIt's not quite clear what you mean here...DLoads can be pointed to any location...the method DEPENDS on what browser you are using.

Program installations can be pointed anywhere as well...normally early on in the installation process...

Post back with more info so we can assist further.http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-move-the-my-documents-folder-and-save-your-data-windows/

I was wandering. The laptop IM on right now has vista and was thinkin bout puttin windows 7but on it was wandering how hard it would be to down grade it if i didnt like windows 7. The laptop is more less my little playtoy so yea......THanks...You were wandering? Where to?

Create an image of your system partition with an imaging utility before changing the OS and you can always revert.ok ..thats cool...how would i do the image of my os? i forgot how to do that.. i have my restore discs..could use them? Using a Restore CD will wipe your data...
For imaging i highly suggest Acronis True Image...though it's not Free.

Macrium Reflect has a Free edition and it works rather well...thats tru.. ill MAKE an image of my OS and all that now and may try a diff. OS laterYou are out of luck if you haven't grabbed WIN7 by now...
The DLoad of the RC is no longer AVAILABLE.aahh.. that sux.. i didnt wana pput it on my desktop and just got this laptop workin again.... i may just do some diff. stuff on here lol mess around with the laptop for a little...see what little UPGRADES or tweeks or what ever are out there lolwhich computer is it? if it's an assembled one..probably you can create a partition and install windows 7 on it...and if you dont like it you just have to format the partition on which you installed windows 7.Quote from: pcbabysitter.com on August 23, 2009, 02:08:32 PM

which computer is it? if it's an assembled one..probably you can create a partition and install windows 7 on it...and if you dont like it you just have to format the partition on which you installed windows 7.

Windows XP Home Edition - my SCREEN has rotated 90 degrees - how can I rotate it back??
Press EITHER CTRL + ALT + Down Arrow or CTRL + ALT + Up ArrowHey CARBON dudeoxide you are indeed a dude. My neck is not hurting so much now. Thanking yow No prob. Glad to help

My brother's computer has STARTED acting weird today.

I've noted that:
The monitor doesn't register until the "Welcome" Screen.
The Start Menu freezes UPON load and continues to say "Busy".
Anything that POPS up with "Windows+" doesn't pop up.
"My Computers" files doesn't load. It shows the "Searching for..." icon.
Applications and folders including the Task MANAGER freezes.Boot into Safe Mode and run a System Restore to a few DAYS before the problem started.The monitor doesn't register until after the Welcome screen.
It's blank/black, until the Welcome screen pops up.

Or rather, when we turn it on... the goes from green.. and then to yellow like nothing's happening.
Then it loads the Welcome screen. It doesn't show the 'boot' menu at all.When you turn the computer on, keep pressing F8. See what happens.

What does DUPLICATING a TAB mean?In what context?It means a new tab will open at the same location (url) as the other tab. Wouldn't it have been easier to just try it and find out?Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 19, 2009, 09:29:20 AM

In what context?

Hi all,

Got a problem with my wireless card and its connection to the internet.
At the moment, Im using a Vivanco WLAN PCI Card in my Medion Desktop that connects to a BT Homehub wirelessly, with a WEP code.
When the pc boots it connects fine, but after random amounts of time online (sometimes a few hours, sometimes a few minutes) the connection fails - the wireless diagnostics tools that came with the card state that 'transmit performance' has dropped to zero and the 'receive performance' has settled to an idle state.
Have updated drivers and SOFTWARE but so far to no avail.

The specs I know off the top of my head are:

The card:
Vivacon Wlan Pci Card 54mps 802.11 b/g standard with WEP 64 Bit encryption

Medion Desktop
1.8 GHz dual core INTEL processor
2 GB Ram
Windows XP Pro
Nvidia 8400


Can anyone help?
Cheers,
midgetunderfireHave you tried reinstalling the driver for the wireless card, or looking for an updated version?



Have you changed the password on your router/gateway since you bought it? If not, there's a change people could be using your wireless service.... Router/gateways GENERALLY come with either the security disabled or using a default password which can be viewed on the Internet at the router company's website...by anyone

You may also want to MAKE sure that your router/gateway is set to take advantage of your wireless adapter.... If your wireless adapter's maximum speed is 54 Mbps then that means you're wireless 802.11/g. The router can be set to use 802.11/b or /g, or sometimes both SIMULTANEOUSLY..At any rate, if your router is set to use the /b version, then that will take away from the potential of your card, running your connection at a maximum of 11 Mbps....make sure the router is set to use /g..


BTW, wep is not secure...It can be cracked with not much effort.. if your router supports it, use WPA

My XP Home PC strangely boots up at 12.00a.m. everyday. I disabled the scheduled tasks at "services.msc" and"msconfig/services". Yet, it persists everyday at the stroke of midnight without fail. I don't know if this has anything to do with the boot-up but I recently fixed an NTLDR error using the
Windows Recovery Console on the Installation CD. To do this , I had changed the first boot order in the BIOS from hard drive to CD-ROM and it remains such till to date. Help.

its a bios setting

check for a auto startup function in bios
its ether called
auto start
auto boot
or
schedules startup

No, no way.
You must have an infection.
Maybe Boni or Patio will move this to the virus forum.

except how couldd it be a virus if the power is off?
the only powered item is the bios
and a virus cant infect the bios

My XP Home PC strangely boots up at 12.00a.m. everyday.

Little known BIOS features: Wake up a computer on a schedule
8 Jan, 2009 Home Theatre, IMG Techie, Tips

I wanted to find a way to power on my computer at 7:30am each morning. This was so that my email and various websites I visit can be updated before I sit down at my computer. With mornings being such a rush, I wanted to use some automation to help me out.

There are NORMALLY a number of features in the power MANAGEMENT component of the BIOS options, which permit all types of triggers to wake a computer up from hibernation or standby modes. However, if the computer is turned off, these will not work.

One of the triggers allows us to set the computer to launch via the real time clock. We can set how frequently the machine will wake up, or what time of the day we want it too wake up.

Every BIOS is a little different so it is impossible to give specific instructions, but it is not too hard to find. Go into the BIOS and find Power Management. In here, ensure S3 is enabled. There should be an option called “Resume by alarm”, or “Wake-up on RTC”. Once this is enabled, you will be able to set the time you want your computer to turn on.
...

I bought my computer used from a dealer who is no longer around. It came preloaded with Windows XP. I was not given a copy of the Windows XP disk. RECENTLY I wanted to play Solitaire and found that ALL the GAMES that had come with Windows were gone. I have tried going to Control Panel add/remove programs and checking the box for games but it asks for the disk. I have also searched the hard drive for the files and they are gone. I have my windows 98 disk but I don't know if that would be of any help. How can I get my games BACK?Borrow a CD of the same VERSION and service packs and do a Repair Install of XP

Hey everyone,
I am currently experiencing PROBLEMS with Windows xp not loading. My computer runs the bios FINE but then it stalls with disk error message.
Any thoughts on what it may be would be MUCH appreciated

What is the exact message?The exact message is 'disk error' on the black screen with the cursor flashing in the top left cornerThat's it, just disk error? I don't think I've ever seen that before. What led up to it - what happened just before the problem arose?I should add that this is an intermittent problem, it's happened 3 times in the last 3 weeks, every other day it's been starting fine.
Once it froze after it was already running sweet and on restart it had the disk error.The first time it happened was when it froze and wouldn't restart.
I have wondered if it something to do with power to the hard diskFirst thing you want to do is check the hd itself. Boot to the recovery console and run chkdsk /R. You can also open the box and make sure the cable(s) to the hd are seated firmly at both ends.Thanks ADG I'll get onto that when I get home tonight, I hope it's just a power cable thing You're welcome. Please let us KNOW how things work out.Will do!
Incidentally, is it reasonably basic to boot to recovery console? I must admit I'm a bit of a newbie to this kind of thing lolYes. Just boot to he XP CD and choose the FIRST Recovery option (Press R).

If you install a 16 bit application on XP, are the system.ini, win.ini files automatically configured for the app., or do you have to CONFIGURE the system.ini and win.ini files yourself? Or does it depend on the application?

If this question makes no sense, please improvise...

thanksIf entries are indeed required the programs should make the changes themselves. But most 16 bit programs will not require entries into either of those .ini files. XP makes little (if any) use of the system.ini or windows.ini files, even for 16 bit programs.Thanks I think I get it.........So those settings are just STORED in the registry instead?


Exactly.Does Vista EMULATE a 16 bit environment or would you need an THIRD party emulator of some sort? If you type "command" into the RUN BOX in Vista, doesn't that emulate the 16 bit command shell?32 bit Vista can run 16 bit apps but 64 bit Vista cannot.ok.....thanks againYou're welcome.

I have some LIMITED text boxes on some websites or applications that refuse to show me the text I have just typed. Any ideas?Are you certain the text is ACTUALLY being entered?Yes, it executes my typed requests such as in a search box. And if I left click and highlight I can see what I typed.Quote from: waterotter on August 20, 2009, 08:29:06 AM

And if I left click and highlight I can see what I typed.

The default view in MS Address book shows

Name | E-mail address | BUSINESS Phone | Home Phone

I've LOOKED through the tools, OPTIONS, views, everything.... Is there a WAY to MODIFY the display columns?

Nope, your right Allan, nothing is fixed, but hey I truly had no idea what to do, so thanks again.

PS I am currenty running BITDEFENDER, so far found 19 infected, and 8 suspected, heres hoping. SeanADG why are you so insistant on bios flashes?
they can make the whole computer unusable
where you have to replace the motherboard
and you could catch a bios virusA bios virus? Please.

And for the last time, with today's systems bios flashes are safe. The install utilities make them almost foolproof. The biggest danger is if the user shuts down the system during the upgrade or does something to cancel the upgrade before it is finished. Firmware upgrades were sometimes problematic years ago, but not nowadays. Please stop telling me not to recommend bios upgrades - I only do so when then situation calls for it and it is the appropriate tactic. Thank you.i am always cautios about firmware and bios updates
because i have thermal SHUTDOWN problems
i almost had a thermal shutdown when updateing DVD rom firmware (to unlock region code)
sorry for telling you what to do
Oh my what have I started lol.

Well I run bitdefender and it quarantined 19 viruses, but machine is still coming up with the original blue screen message.

Any advice, you 2 clever peeps

Cheers SeanQuote from: beef4me on August 20, 2009, 02:58:49 PM

Any advice, you 2 clever peeps

i got a popup when i TURNED of the pc , ( no signal input check VIDEO cable ) , what doe's this meanIs that not from your monitor? If you TURN off the PC before the monitor, the monitor will say it has no signal... because it no longer does.
Yes Mulreay, that's exactly what it is - an advisory from the display saying it is not recognized by the computer (the computer isn't on).Yeah, that one is all right - it's the monitor's way of telling you, "Hey, I work, but I don't have an incoming signal from the computer that I can show you." It probably does indeed STEM from turning off the computer before the monitor, which is all right, as far as I know.

It's a standard monitor display.you must be right thank you i had to turn of and re-startThanks ADG and Aegis for clarifying my point yes thank everyoneIt wasn't so much that your point needed clarifying, M, as just trying to reassure Harry that nothing was really wrong, and that it's standard for monitors to have such a display.Yeah, sorry bro - from the way you phrased your answer it sounded as THOUGH you weren't 100% certain and I was just confirming.

Pennie77, RUN Malawarebytes as directed....these casino SITES are pure malware depositories and a TRIP to the spyware forum may be what you need.The Properties TAB has a "Target" box. That box contains the location of the program folder. You can then open Windows Explorer, NAVIGATE to and delete the folder(s)

Quote

P.S. I predict failure.

Call Microsoft.

you get those India people.

You have a pirated version of Windows. No more help from us in this topic.

stop drawing conclusions, i never said that it was.

In other words - Pirated.

well sort of

No, I had too get that under secret means.

In other words - Pirated.

well sort of, any how.......

I have windows XP & I restarted & it won't get past the part where I can boot in safe mode & tries to reboot over & over again. HELP! I put a start up disk in & its no help cause the keyboard & mouse won't work.Quote from: dne9460 on August 19, 2009, 01:46:45 AM

it won't get past the part where I can boot in safe mode

I put a start up disk in & its no help cause the keyboard & mouse won't work.

What exactly do you mean here? Are you able to enter the Advanced Options using the F8 key?
I mean, are you able to see the menu with the alternate boot options, with Safe Mode, etc...?

1. Startup Disk. What startup disk? Who made it and what does the label say?

2. Boot Device Selection. Are you able to specify the boot device selection order either by entering CMOS setup during system startup or via function key during system startup?

3. Keyboard. PS/2, USB, wireless, or something else (infrared?) ?

4. Mouse. PS/2, USB, or wireless?

a. Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Netbook?

Hey guys,

Wauw, I've been searching on the web for hours, but I couldn't find a solution!
I have some .dll files that HAVE to be deleted before I can reinstall a program so it can work properly. I couldn't find the problem at first so I just reinstalled and uninstalled-installed it several times. Then I tried to update it and I kept getting an error on binkw32, which is one of the .dll files.

I'm not really experienced with this, so if there is a simple way to rename, delete or anything that might help me to remove these stupid .dll files, please tell me.

I tried manually deleting it, I tried with command prompt but I couldn't acces it, I tried to rename it, I tried to rename the map, I tried to move it, I tried to replace it, none of it works!

thanks in advance...
BaldirWhat program are you trying to install?Binkw32.dll errors are caused by issues that the particular game you're trying to install or play is having with the Bink Video codec created by RAD Game Tools, Inc.

Most of the time, the "procedure entry point" errors involving binkw32.dll are due to running "cracked" versions of games. You may see this error when trying to run a game without the ORIGINAL CD or DVD, something commonly done with illegally downloaded games.


Sorry we're not here to assist this SORT of stuff.

Google is your option.Quote from: Karnac on August 22, 2009, 05:52:30 AM

Binkw32.dll errors are caused by issues that the particular game you're trying to install or play is having with the Bink Video codec created by RAD Game Tools, Inc.

Most of the time, the "procedure entry point" errors involving binkw32.dll are due to running "cracked" versions of games. You may see this error when trying to run a game without the original CD or DVD, something commonly done with illegally downloaded games.


Sorry we're not here to assist this sort of stuff.

Google is your option.

Binkw32.dll errors are caused by issues that the particular game you're trying to install or play is having with the Bink Video codec created by RAD Game Tools, Inc.

Help!!!! My knowledge of computers is very limited and on a need to know basis only.....however, I have come across a problem which I have no clue how to solve.

After my children had been playing on the computer, I came to turn on the following day and was surprised by the message I have.

The system appears to start normally, ie with the Dell intel screen, however, before I reach my user password access, the screen goes black and displays the following message:

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

I do have the original discs that came with my PC, however, when I load them into the disc drive,they do not load, it must be waiting for some sort of COMMAND, but I dont know what.

Please help, I do occasional work from home, and need access to my computer.

Any help is really appreciated http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945380 Try this link, Daisy1210.How is she gonna do that stuff if she can't even boot to the disk?

Daisy, do this:
Start the computer back up and tap F2 while it is starting. This will TAKE you into BIOS. In BIOS you want to look for BOOT ORDER or BOOT SEQUENCE or maybe even just BOOT. You want to set your CD drive as the first boot device. You usually PRESS the plus and minus keys to move your devices up and down in the boot order. Once you have your CD drive set as the first boot device you want to insert your XP disk into the MASTER CD drive. If you have two CD drives the master is usually the one on the top. The Dell disk will probably say "Operating System" on it. Now exit setup and SAVE CHANGES (F10).

The computer will reboot. You may see a message that says: "Press any key to boot to CD". If you do just keep tapping a key as the computer starts. You should hear the disk start spinning in the drive and then see a blue screen with the words XP setup near the top. It will load a bunch of files and then you should see this screen:



Press R to load the recovery console. Then follow the steps from here:
http://icrontic.com/articles/repair_windows_xpYour help has been fantastic, but I cant get past the section in the Icrontic instructions where I need to type the 3 ATTRIB commands. I have the following screen:

C:\>

I have tried various combinations of

ATTRIB -H C:BOOT.INI with or without spaces, with or without caps lock, with or without \\ after the C:

I only get the following messages:
The system cannot find the file or directory specified.

As it does not show this message on the example screens given, I do not want to proceed to delete incase I MESS everything up.

Any pointers anyone can give would be appreciated, apologies if I am being a complete bird

Attrib...no slash and space between that and th command...
Yer close to getting it right...Apologies its still not working, would you mind typing exactly what i need to put, including spaces etc...Think I'm going to have to seek prof help on this one, need some files I have to save...Thanks everyone, you are so patient!Daisy try this work around. Start the computer and go to the window that stated Welcome to set. Select Setup Window Xp. Keep selecting the defaults ( DO NOT SELCET REFORMAT NO INSTALL NEW WINDOW). It will bring to a window thats states fix this Install. Select the fix install, it will fix the registry, and missing file, but will not delete any files. Let us know if this works.

Hey i have this problem : Error 104 (net::ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED): The attempt to connect to the server failed.

i can't use IE, i can't use Fire fox i can't use chrome Sad
BUT
i can use msn

i don't understand it. i'm using a wireless connection from the local phone company, its pre paid. but yea. i can't GO to any site and that sucks

i have recently use a program called CCLEANER and i used it to "fix" some "issues" with its registry cleaner, i didn't know that "fixing" meant "DELETING" because i THOUGHT "issues" was a "bad THING".

SOMEONE please help me i'm lost n i don't know anything about computers, but i do play sf xD (street fighter) LOL

but yea, please help if you can

I am running Windows XP SP3 in a WORKGROUP (i.e. NOT a Domain), and would like to restrict the ACCESS of a Local User.

I would like to restrict the access of the user "Internet" to only be able to use iexplore.exe (Internet Explorer). I do not want this user to be able to run any other programs, access control panels, etc.

I know how to do this for Domain Users via Group Policy Object Editor, but unfortunately the only legitimate Group Policy Objects are local machines and domain users. It does not RECOGNIZE local users.

How do I go about doing this?

Thanks,
-darrylGroup Policy Editor...I've been using Group Policy Editor, but the only legitimate Group Policy Objects are Local Computers or Domain Users.

It will not let me implement DIFFERENT group policies for different LOCAL Users (or Groups), only Domain Users or Groups.Hello dworley

Try BLOCKING the http port. Here is a link to MS How to. Wrie back and let us know if this
helped

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813878

Quote from: smeezekitty on August 20, 2009, 08:59:35 PM

thats ALITTLE creepy

when i turn on my computer it takes me to the black screen that has the option of safe mode and the OTHERS. but when i click on either option it brings me right back. please help.... What happened between the last time the computer started normally and the first time it didn't (new sw, hw, error message, virus, etc)? These things rarely happen spontaneously.i really don't know but i HEARD my 4 year old brother messed with it Can you click on "Last Known Good Configuration" and see what happens please?well it brought me back to the same screen just like all the options. i used a system recovery tho. But thanks for trying to help! What was the computer doing before this, were there any other SYMPTOMS?

ok, I created a batch file timesync.bat and added it to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. First, I made it look like this: Code: [Select]@echo off
w32tm /resync
exitHowever, it exited with an error. Messing around with it a bit, I was able to find that the error was "RPC Server is Unavailable". Adding the line "net start w32time" causes it to wait enough time that w32tm worked but DISPLAYED a message that w32time is already running first. The few methods I've found on google to make commands wait SEEM to not WORK in xp or at least not do what I want. How can I make w32tm or timesync.bat wait say 10 seconds before running and then exit?dang, no idears? should this be in the dos forum perhaps? I tried cmd.exe -w %t, doesn't seem to work and /WAIT t doesn't seem to be a valid PARAMETER. I guess letting net start w32time tell me it's already running is tolerable, but there's gotta be a better method.There's an old trick I use since the command.com isn't standard with XP or server 2003. try this.

PING -x localhost (x=number of miliseconds to wait)

Or, if you don't want a loop

Ping 127.0.0.1 -n 1 -w 10000 >NUL

There are 3rd party .com's you can put in your %SystemRoot%\System32 but I haven't taken the time to research any.Here.

http://unattended.msfn.org/files/global/sleep.zipawesome, man, thanks a lot. I even had that windows unattended guide in my bookmarks already, guess I didn't look through it closely enough. and that ping is pretty clever.

its from a CARTOON. I'm not serious but there are such things. QUOTE from: PATIO on AUGUST 20, 2009, 01:00:24 PM

I'll take error messages for $500.00 Alex...

HI,

I am a novice when it comes to anything past the basics...I have tried to add programs to my new computer- recently FlipShare for the flip mino camcorder. I get the message that I can't install because something else is being INSTALLED and I should wait for that to finish. I haven't installed anything that I know about- and I am the only one on the computer? What is this? I get alot of HP Solution Center messages which I don't understand so I ignore- but I can't add any programs- how do I figure out what seems to be in process of installing. I wouldn't know where to start. I will do many random acts of kindness for an answer- I so want to use my little video camera....thanks much carrie.cHave you tried to reboot and then try to install the app again?SOMETIMES the install shield runs in the background because some error
occurred when installing last program and doesnt allow you to install other programs
reboot and it should bee fineDidn't I just say that?Right click your taskbar and select Task Manager. In the Processes tab, look for any processes RUNNING called "Msiexec.exe or Setup.exe" If it's a startup item TRYING to install, Click Start > Programs > Accessories > Startup and delete any unknown applications. If nothing is listed, Click Start > Run > MSCONFIG > and select the startup tab and uncheck anything you're CERTAIN shouldn't be there. When installing Windows fresh, there are no startup items or services listed other than microsoft, but some applications on your PC may require them to be there so be careful.Or Try This...

OK I seriously messed up....I wanted my older programs to work on my laptop which came equiped with Vista....I wanted XP. So I have an XP update disk and it wouldn't let me install it. So I wiped my laptop and now I can't install the XP update disk...it says I need the Full Version.....Please tell me I don't have to spend more money to fix this??Microsoft has killed us with this. Unfortunately to my knowledge, you must install a prior version in order to upgrade to XP. Now, if you happen to know someone with an XP or XPSP1, you may be able to upgrade to SP2 if that's what your upgrade disk is.There is a WORKAROUND for this if you have a floppy drive.

Download SMARTDRV.exe and put it on a windows98 startup disk

Boot to the 98 disk and run the SMARTDRV.exe

Switch to your cd drive "D:"

Navigate to the I386 directory

Run WINNT32.exe

This should run a fresh install reguardless of Upgrade.Thank you so much....However, I don't have a floppy drive on the laptop. Could I use a USB, or a CD? How did you wipe out your computer?There are ways to make flash drives bootable, but it's a real pain. I do know you can download a windows 98 Boot disk as a .img file which is like the floppy disk version of an ISO. Using a program such as PowerISO, you can convert that IMG to an ISO and burn it to a CD. I've never TRIED this and don't really know if it would work, but it's certainly worth a try.get a external floppy drive they are cheap
one thing is you need a legicy USB biosQuote from: JJ 3000 on August 20, 2009, 08:35:49 PM

How did you wipe out your computer?

Hello all,

This MAY be a silly question, but I will ask it anyway

I am in the process of removing some programs that I no longer use, in attempt to regain some "kick" to my computer.

My kids loaded a game at one point, and now when I go into my ADD/REMOVE programs and try to remove it, it won't let me. I get the message"unable to locate the installation LOG file"

Is there a way to locate this, and remove it from my computer?

Oh yes I am running Windows XP Home

Thanks,

Jim Reinstall the program and then try again to uninstall via ADD/REMOVE, though I don't see how uninstalling a program is going to add "kick" to your system (whatever that means )Jim ,

This free tool should help you ...

http://www.revouninstaller.com/KARNAC,

That worked perfectly! Thanks for your helpYou are most welcome.......

I use disk clean up, but notice that I still have a tremendous amount of TEMPORARY files. Maybe 10,000. I'm having trouble starting my computer and having to go to SAFE Mode and start in "LAST configuration.."
Is there any way to REMOVE all these temp folders?

LouieDownload CCleaner.....

http://www.ccleaner.com/

Turned on my PC yesterday and the Admin User account had been reset to defaults and all my home page icons were gone. Found most of my data but can't FIGURE out what happened and how to get it back to normal. Help.

It is Windows XP home.Tap F8 at startup ....... Windows Advanced OPTIONS MENU will open, select Last Known Good Configuration....press enter.

I got a little problem that concern me this may be not much important but i just want to know why does my browser can not show certain web site page? for example such as Vampire Game on facebook what shloud i do or is there something wrong with my browser setting because it only happen in facebook aplication im very apreciated any info and solution from all opinion thank you for all IT and computer geeks who like to help see ya noone even know that whatta....soooo i may try to solve the problem myself then mmmm.....maybe the web page is maintaining things or something like updating somethingSounds like a security setting to me. Set your cookies to allow all, your pop-ups UNBLOCKED, allow activeX and change the security to low. This of course is a TROUBLESHOOTING tip. I wouldn't recommend leaving it like that. Also, try the page in a different browser.Try resetting the DEFAULT for the web browser (if it is IE6/7). Go to security make sure TLS1,SSL (1&2) is check mark. U couls also try going to Security> trusted sites ans add the site.thanks for the advice but I ALREADY find the cause of it, the site was maintaining by the time I've login I was do nothing while I keep try to refresh the page it doesn't really matters to me until it finish its update when I log in back four hour later its screen slowly load the new page color of the update version... by the way its lucky my computer doesnt have to update its Flash player because it already have the most updated one and ActiveX .... ;Dbecause my computer is the third generation of calibrated core duo the most ****in advance at this age
thanks anyway hihi

I was on youtube and the browser (mozilla firefox) started going a little slow. Even the fully loaded vids kept freezing sometimes. So I restarted and I got those options, Start Windows Normally, Safe Mode, Safe Mode With Networking and Stuff.
I tried "Start Windows Normally". Immediatly when it got to the screen with the windows logo and the little loading bar (http://www.bartdesmet.net/images/bootlogo_xp.jpg) it displayed some white text in blue background and it restarted again. It was fast so I coulnt read anything. I tried "Last Known Good Configuration" and the same thing happened. Right now I'm in Safe Mode. Whats wrong. Any Ideas? I'm using Windows XP sp3.While in safe mode go to System Properties - Advanced - Startup & Recovery Settings. Now uncheck "Automatically Restart". The next time that blue screen appears it should stay there until you hard reboot. Copy the error message on that blue screen and post it here.

Note - if you still get a reboot at the blue screen it is probably a hardware problem.This is the message:


Code: [SELECT]A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

If this is the first time you've seen this Stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again follow these steps:

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. If a driver is identified in the Stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacturer for driver updates. Try changing video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Safe Modeto remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical information:
*** STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005,0x806A9F21,0xF78A2538,0xF78A2234)

I forgot to say in the previous post. When press Enter on Safe Mode with Networking and there are those writings I get this message:
Press Esc to cancel loading SPTD.sys .
If I dont press Esc there, then I get the blue screen again.Its called a BSOD or Blue Screen of Death. I dont have your stop code sadly. Dont we have a page with those listed? Carbon,Patio?EDIT: incorrect link removedI dont know what to do in that page. If I have to download the hofix, I get a page cant be found error. Any other solution?Disregard - I sent you to the wrong page - that is NOT your error - my mistake and I apologize. This is the correct page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330182

Bottom line, first thing you want to do is update your Video & Audio drivers (from the OEM websites, not from Windows Update) and check for a bios flash.I get again the website not found error. Not even www.microsoft.com works.
Maybe this is stupid but what are the OEM websites and where can I get a BIOS flash or whatever that is.Okay. You need to find out the make and model of your video and audio cards (if you don't know them you can open Device Manager and get them there). Then go to the website of the manufacturer (OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer) and download and install the correct drivers. We'll worry about the bios later. And the fact that you can't get to these websites is also troubling. We may end up doing a REPAIR install (you do have an XP SP3 disk, right?).

Below is a cut and paste from the Microsoft web page I cited above:

After you upgrade your computer to Windows XP, you might receive the following Stop error message when the computer starts:
STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005, 0x804E518E, 0xFC938104, 0xFC937E04)
SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

WUSB54GCx86.sys- Address 92D89498 base at 92D7c000, Datestamp 45c04cc9
Note The parameters and file names in this error message might vary, depending on the cause of the Stop error. The file name in the second line of the error message, WUSB54GCx86.sys, is an example of a driver file that might be causing the error.

This article discusses seven methods for resolving the problem. The first method is designed for beginning to intermediate computer users. The other six methods are designed for advanced computer users.

Because this article contains steps that involve restarting your computer, you might find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.
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CAUSEThis issue might occur if a system thread generates an exception that the error...This issue might occur if a system thread generates an exception that the error handler does not catch. This exception can be caused by any of the following:
If this issue occurs after the first restart during Windows Setup or after Setup is complete, the computer might not have sufficient hard disk space to run Windows XP.
The computer BIOS might be incompatible with Windows XP, or it might have to be updated.
The video adapter drivers might be incompatible with Windows XP.
A device driver or a system service might be damaged.
If the issue is associated with the Win32k.sys file, it might be caused by a third-party remote control program.
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RESOLUTIONUse the Windows Error Reporting toolYou can use the Windows Error Reporting tool...Use the Windows Error Reporting tool
You can use the Windows Error Reporting tool to send information about the error to us and to obtain information about any available fix or workaround. Follow these steps to use the Windows Error Reporting Tool:
When the Windows Error Reporting window pops up on your computer, click Send Error Report to send the error report to us.
In the confirmation window that appears after you send the error report to us, click More Information. This helps you find any available fixes for the problem or information about how to work around the issue.
If a fix or a workaround is not available, you can use the "Advanced Troubleshooting" section to try to resolve this issue. If you are not comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, you might want to contact Support. For information about how to contact Support, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/ (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/)
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Advanced troubleshooting
Use the following methods in the order in which they are presented.
Method 1: Make sure that you have sufficient hard disk space
First, make sure that you have sufficient hard disk space. The Stop error can be caused by insufficient hard disk space.

If you can use safe mode or the Recovery Console to start the computer, delete any unnecessary temporary files, Internet cache files, program backup files, and files that contain saved file fragments from disk scans (.chk files). You can also install Windows XP on another hard disk that has more free space.

If you cannot start the computer, go to the next method to update the computer BIOS.

For more information about safe mode or the Recovery Console, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
315222 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/ ) A description of the Safe Boot Mode options in Windows XP
314058 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058/ ) Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console
Method 2: Update the computer BIOS
If freeing space on your hard disk did not resolve the problem, the BIOS might have to be updated. Use the hardware and software vendor contact information articles that are listed in the "References" section to contact the computer manufacturer to obtain the most recent BIOS update.

Note When you update the BIOS, you might have to disable BIOS memory options, such as caching or shadowing, temporarily.
Method 3: Disable or update device drivers
If you have updated the BIOS successfully and the problem persists, the video adapter drivers on the computer might have to be updated or disabled. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the video adapter drivers:
If a driver is listed by name in the Stop error message, disable or remove that driver.
If the error occurs during the startup sequence and the system partition uses the NTFS file system, you might be able to use safe mode to rename or to delete the faulty driver.
If the driver is used as part of the system startup process in safe mode, you must use the Recovery Console to start the computer.
If the Stop error message does not indicate a specific driver, update the video adapter drivers to the latest versions.
Disable or remove any drivers or services that you recently added.
Check the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) to determine whether the PCI devices in the computer are compatible with Windows XP. For information about the HCL, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx)
Method 4: Remove unsigned drivers
If you have updated the video adapter drivers and the problem persists, or if you cannot start Windows in safe mode, the problem might be caused by a different, unsigned driver. Remove all drivers that are not digitally signed by Microsoft. For more information about how to do this, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
316434 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434/ ) How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
Method 5: Remove all third-party drivers
You might be unable to determine which third-party driver causes the error. If removing unsigned drivers does not resolve the issue, try moving all third-party driver files from the %Windir%\System32\Drivers FOLDER to a different location. Follow these steps to move the third-party driver files:
Use the Recovery Console to start the computer, or start the computer from a different installation of Windows if you have performed a parallel Windows installation.
Create a temporary folder to hold the driver files. For example, you could create C:\DriverTemp.
Move all files that do not have a creation date for Windows XP of 8/13/2001 from the %Windir%\System32\Drivers folder into the temporary folder that you created in step 2.

Caution If the computer relies on third-party IDE or SCSI controller drivers for correct operation, you must identify those driver files and then leave them in the %Windir%\System32\Drivers folder.
Restart the computer.
Continue the Windows Setup program. You can add the driver files back to the computer one at a time to identify the faulty driver.
Method 6: Remove third-party remote control services
If you still have the problem after you use the previous methods and the Stop error message contains the Win32k.sys file name instead of a driver file name, the problem might be caused by a third-party remote control program. To remove the service, use the Recovery Console to start the computer and then delete the third-party remote control service file.
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I am downloading NVidia driver right now but I have it a little hard to understand(and i'm a little lazy) what you got from microsoft. Is it that important? If yes, can you write a shorter version. Please?Can I write a shorter version? Sure, I'll get around to that when I have time

For now, just update the drivers and let's see what happens.Ok, I installed both drivers. Now what?Reboot and let's see what happens.I dont recommend a bios flash if that is still being brought up till we are sure that it needs it. Why mess with something that works. Quote from: squall_01 on August 18, 2009, 04:31:37 PM

I dont recommend a bios flash if that is still being brought up till we are sure that it needs it. Why mess with something that works.

Why is it that when I scroll pages, it seems LIKE the PAGE is underwater? :(It's like ripples on the surface of water. Any ideas?Underwater? Sounds cool.... However,

We NEED more information, PLEASE look here.Sounds to me like you need to INSTALL your graphics drivers.

i just recently started using my burning software to burn dvd's as i did in the past but for some reason it seems like it's taking longer than usual. i usually remember a session taking about 10 mins at the most now im getting 19-25. ( i could be wrong its been that long) i tried changing the PIO Mode to DMA but no difference, i cut down on the running processes on my SYSTEM too. anyway somebody could help me out. thanks in advance.It's running at a little over 1x speed, which is why it took 18 minutes to write 1.63 GB. How old is your burner?
http://www.everex.com/products/ga3400/ga3400.htm

that's the model there. haven't had it more than 1 year and a half, 2 maybe. i know it wouldn't take that long to burn dvd's in the past so it has to be something with the system i would think .now that i'm remembering this happened after i updated windows frame.net to 2.0 i think!Uninstall it in add/remove and re-boot and see if it goes back to normal.
With burners there are tons of factors that can cause problems so let's start with the process of elimination which is what has changed since this started...alright i tried doing the following which did not work: tried removing previously installed apps. DISK defrag which it needed BAD. (first time i've ran it since i bought the COMPUTER. removed all spy ware using xoft. and still its running the same speed. i read somewhere about replacing your IDE cable. what next.Buy another DVD burner. They are so cheap now, and that model is not exactly new. Get a new IDE cable if there is not one in the box. I always put a new cable on a new drive.
ok i got it. alright i thought i was changing my secondary channel to DMA mode which it wasnt letting me do at the time, so i went ahead and UNINSTALLED the driver>rebooted the pc, it re installed the driver and set it back to dma mode 4 default. so now im getting an avg burn rate of 7x which is taking 4 to 5 mins a dvd now. thanks for the help!!

Could somebody please tell me how I can get the security INFORMATION pop-up window that says, "this PAGE CONTAINS both secure and nonsecure items to not pop up anymore when I'm searching the INTERNET? My OS is Windows XP Prof. Thanks-DaveyboyClick below.

Ask Leo: Can I get rid of the "This page contains both secure and nonsecure items" warning?

Hi guys,

I am currently running Microsoft Windows XP, Home edition, Service Pack 2

I have posted this PROBLEM recently and was referred over to a MALWARE specialist, they were extremely helpful but could not seem to find any malware on my computer. The problem was everytime i BOOTED up my computer i received a message telling me that i NEED to restart my computer because important updates are ready to be installed but everytime i restart the machine i still get the same annoying message only now i receive another message telling me that the ACTION i am trying to do was:

"interuppted by YOUR 447023AE6B\Compaq_Owner"

The first message is not telling me anything about the updates it is just giving me a yes/no option to restart
and then when i click on yes i receive the above message.

I am really sorry to keep annoying you all with this problem but it's driving me nuts so any further help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Can you restart OK to Safe Mode?I would try booting up and going to Add/Remove Programs....then un-install the last 3 or 4 MS KB Updates....they will be listed by date.
Then shut down for a minute or 2 and power up again and see if the error message has gone away.
Chances are if it has gone away the other annoying Compaq message will also.

Wait at least a day to make sure everything is running properly and then log into Windows Update and let it run to completion. Don't run any other tasks and when it finishes power down and power up again (not a re-boot) and see if this solves the issue...Hi again,

I've done what you suggested but the message is still there. Everything seems to be running fine on my machine at the moment - to be honest the message doesn't seem to be causing any major problems now it's just driving me round the twist trying to figure out what it is every time i boot up the machine!! I must be a right pain in the neck so i won't trouble you guys any further (at least not with this problem)!!!

Thank you very much again
LorraineWindows updates??

Aceess the flag (or go to bottom right of your screen where updates is near clock/time) and you can DISABLE automatic updates and that screen will NOT bother you again-it says restart now or restart later, right?

Hope this helpsIf nothing else works you can re format your hard disc drive (HDD)
if you have a disc you can do it yourself or call a local computer technicianHi,

I think i'm gonna have to go down that route - most likely i'm doing something wrong myself so i think i will give a technician a call, but thank you very much and all the other guys who put in their time and patience helping me with this problem. This is a great site and i will be annoying you all again with another problem soon!!

Thanks a million

Lorraie

A tough one!

I have ENABLED input LANGUAGES to include English UK and those that read right to left such as Asian or Arabic. The default is English.

However when I start MS word (OFFICE 2007) and whilst logged in as an ADMINISTRATOR the cursor starts on the right hand side of the page.

I keep wondering if Word is picking up the right to left language and using it as the default instead of English?

One other thing I have used MS Sysprep in preperation to image the drive using Ghost. Could this require altering the Installation script which I dont actually know how to do.

Help please!

I am gong to run the cleaner.....when I am done can you list the steps to be sure they are gone??Just check in the same location you found them before and see if they're still there.Ok I tried these SETS and when It went into SYSTEM tools it came up with another windon saying interent exploer and had (noaddons) beside this??



Quote from: Calum on July 17, 2008, 10:27:05 AM

Assuming you're running IE, run the Disk Cleanup utility from Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools, and have it clean your temp files.
Be sure to close IE first.

I just updated my system today. I changed motherboard but other parts are old. The problem is that after post pass, "F1 to resume" appears and if I press F1, I stuck in cmos. If I exit WITHOUT save, it would fine and window run fine. But I have to do that every tome to boot up. What is the problem?How old is the CMOS battery?it is new Have you TRIED (in this order) clearing the CMOS, and loading BIOS defaults?

You changed the motherboard, all the other parts are as before, and the hard disk has the old Windows install on it? I am surprised it even boots. The chipset drivers would be all wrong, unless the new motherboard is the same or similar model to the old one. usually you have to reinstall Windows after such a major hardware change. This MAY be the cause of your problem, unless I have misunderstood.

ah! sorry for I didn't say that I have already formatted my hard drive and install a new window xp. All is fine and work perfectly well but only the problem is that when every time I boot window, I need to press F1 and bios screen appears and choice "exit without save" to continue window.I ask again,

Quote

Have you tried (in this order) clearing the CMOS, and loading BIOS defaults?

it is new

Did your CMOS battery comes with your motherboard? A CMOS battery cost a few bucks so it wouldn´t hurt if you replace it. Just a suggestion..

Hi, Having trouble with windows updates. When i get the new batch to be downloaded, it seems to wipe my internet. It wont allow me to connect thru any option. But the STRANGE is, it still shows a successful connection to my router. any IDEAS what could be wrong. more info on request

thanksi forgot to add, the only way i can regain access, is by restoring the computer to an earlier time, but as soon as the updates are scheduled. the PROBLEM reoccurs

How about a run down of your system? What version windows? What programs have you added lately?

Anti-viruse and malware programs?

Can you GO to any other site? What browser?

What color socks are you wearing? Ok not the last one.... have you taken a look at your firewall make sure its not blocking anything important

Hi there, I sell items on eBay and have done so for many years...(just a housewife kinda job) Anyway, I have been using a little device called eFilm where you can put your reader card into a slot and up pops a box that allows to you save pics to your computer as well as delete the pics from your reader card.

Now all of a sudden the box does not pop up...I do not know how to get it to do that again. I did not have to download a program, I just plugged it into the computer and it was magic! I took the eFilm box to the camera shop and he told me it was working and to go to my computer and click on Removable Disc G. Well that worked a few times now it tells me "The disk in drive G is not formatted" "do you want to format it now"...click yes...says it can not be formatted.
Again...I do not know what all that stuff means. It is taking me many more hours of work just to post one item..and now I have to erase every picture one at a time from my camera (which is an Olympus Stylus 300...if that helps)..Sorry for rambling...I just hope someone can help me here...Thanks again. ~.~)Have you TRIED another reader card? Maybe the one you have is at the end of its life.

Two things come to mind ...... first - indeed the card may be corrupted and it reminds me of over time 2 compact flash cards I had go same way. They want formatted but won't! I think an SD also expired similarly.

I have also found that the computer will sometimes treat a flash card different from how a camera does - but would have thought your camera on-board MENU would itself give you option to reformat for a total wipe.

I'd suggest secondly - purchase a simple multi card reader for your USB - it might be a tad better than the device you have (possibly) - they are not expensive these days. This assumes you have one of the more usual flash cards such as CF or SD.

One other thing - SD cards have a small lock device top left - if locked then card becomes read-only and so no computer wipe. Check that and if tab is to rear - click it to fwd position.Thank you for responding...I do appreciate it. I did use the multi card reader. That is what the eFilm is I mentioned in my first Post. The part where a box used to pop up to do everything I needed to save, delete and file all my pics. That box no longer pops up.
Instead I have to go directly to the Camedia program and go through all the steps and it just seems to take forever that way. So I know the reader cards is working.
As for the lock device.... I do not see anything like that on the reader card. There is a slot on the left...What is that for?
Maybe SOMETHING broke off...like the tabs on a VHS and Cassette tape???
I will try an purchase another reader card, though just to trouble shoot...but I still do not understand why one day I could read it on the G drive and the next day I could not....
So confusing...
Thanks everyone...this site is great...I am NEW here and am please with the professionalism you all have.Be interested to know what card that camera uses. Still wondering too if the menu on it has option for format of card.

Sorry not more help right now.

i copied some software applications from a CD a few months back. i ran System Mechanic 6 from it, but uninstalled it after a few days. but now if i try to install it i get the error message 'only part of ReadProcessMemory or WriteProcessMemory request was completed'. it also happens with some other .EXE. files, but the rest run FINE. i have installed from that file ,so it cant be a problem with the file or the copying process, right?try this

Go into your device manager->IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. Right CLICK on secondary and CHOOSE properties. Go to the advanced settings tab and choose PIO only for "transfer mode". I would ENSURE that your drive is connected to the secondary controller first though.

haha. it's been FOUR DAYS. GUESS he/she is BUSY. We'll standby.

Does anyone know what part of MEMORY the Kernal is in I did THINK it was in the first kB.

But that is for Flags and BUFFERS and things like that.
I did look all over th net but did not find anything.

I am keeping NOTES on system STARTUP.

Hello
Is there a way to change the settings on Microsoft Visual Keyboard and MAKE them stick.
I use Windows XP Pro SP2.
Thanks
FrankSee if this helps: HTTP://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/HP010501061033.aspx

Best of luck!Thank you drmsucks for your reply.
Unfortunately, the website in your link just EXPLAINS how to install and use the Visual Keyboard. It doesn't show how to change the OPTIONS so that they stay when launched again.
For example, the fonts and their sizes need to be ADJUSTED each time it is launched.
Thanks
FrankFrank - Sorry that the link didn't help. I have no experience with the Visual Keyboard so can't offer anything from experience.

Check back - maybe someone else can help.

Hello all,

Some of you MAY recall especially Broni! my problem with updating to the current version of java. I keep getting the error message"completion of update to java platform not complete" Well long story short, after a great effort from many here in the forum the only solution was to do a reinstall of XP. Well the stubborn side of me kept researching and came up with this..................does it MAKE sense to give it a try?? if so how do I go about renaming?


It's fixed! After doing a lot of digging and research, I discovered that Sun went to a MSI install system. Which is how MS wants everyone to install applications INTO Windows. The conversion from an installer package to an MSI install occurred around version 8.

I found that I could NOT install ANY MSI file. OK, so I go get the MSI Installer program, from MS, and re-install, right? NOPE? The MSI installer program, from MS, runs and promptly says it's already installed! Oops!

There was no way to remove the old program, and there was no way to install it, like a new install. There are NO command line switches, to override the installation. SEEMED like a dead end, to me.

After searching the Sun and MS sites for a long time, and NOT finding anything along these lines I was about ready to give up and do a "WIPE and re-install". FINALLY, my brain kicked in and remembered an old trick from long ago.

I just renamed the MSI installer program (MSIEXEC.EXE) to and ".old" file extension and it worked, i.e. I re-ran the MSI installer program, this time it worked just fine. I then installed the latest JRE and everything is fine now.

Now, what corrupted my install for the MSIEXEC.EXE program? Your guess is as good as mine. But, after reading more than 2,000+ message entries on, both the SUN and MS sites, with not one reference to this problem or anything similar! I've come to the conclusion that MS isn't as knowledgeable as they'd like us to think. About their own programs.

If such a simple solution, referencing what I did to correct the issue, was known to MS, you'd have thought that they would have published such a solution by now. The "trick" of renaming a file has been around since the start of computing. Which, to be honest, means that I'm getting slower in my old age.
I appreciate your post Thanks!