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I want to ACCESS other WINXP system from WinXP system through batch file (.bat file) without promting user name and password. Please help me.Why do you wish to do this?
ACTUALLY I have to log in a system for WORK daily basis. So I THINK if I have a batch file which help me to automatically log in the system. I am shutdown system daily basis.

My xp system now takes 6 to 8 minutes to boot. Ran diagnostics, VIRUS scan, spyware scan and removed unused stuff. Used Startup COP and stopped everything I could. No change. Noticed startup cop was unable to disable one file -- gui_dat.exe. Is that a valid file? how can I find out? I found it in windows\system32. If I rename it or DELETE it will I be able to reverse it?Well, there is no gui_dat.exe in my system32 folder, (Windows XP Pro sp3) and I cannot find it via a Google search. have you spelled its name exactly as you see it?


Yes, of course. I COPIED it correctly. I also googled the filename and tried to look it up in microsoft's knowledge base but got nowhere. Is there a good site where valid filenames are posted?Why don't you rename it to gui_dat.old and see what happens? You are HARDLY likely to forget what its previous name was.

• Click Browse and enter the file path.

• Next click Send File
  • Your file will possibly be entered into a queue which normally takes less than a minute to clear.
• This will perform a scan across multiple different virus scanning engines.
• Important: Wait for all of the scanning engines to complete.
  
• Copy and then Paste the link to the results in the next reply.

Anyone know if Vista has a mod or skin for it to put in into a classic view like prior Windows OS like XP Pro?

I have seen some people mod their XP systems to look like Vista with some bells and whistles not featured in XP but available in Vista not available.

Was wondering if anyone MADE a mod or skin etc for Vista to look like XP...

ThanksYou can USE WindowBlinds on Vista to APPLY a Luna-type skin

http://www.windowblinds.net

Luna SKINS:

http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?libid=1&search=luna

Howdy all. Is there a way in XP (with SP2) to increase the amount of INFORMATION when you hover the mouse on a FOLDER? Currently, I can see the SIZE of the folder and the first couple of files in the folder but I would love to add a little description of what is in the folder so I don't have to go into the folder to FIGURE out what is in it? Thanks very muchThere's probably a registry hack you can do but I wouldn't know what it is. Have you googled you question?

Alan <>< There is a way I found when I Googled it...I found it here

h**P://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5587642.html

This is a very long and labourious process of changing the icon for the folder, then opening the desktop.ini file and adding a line of text. Not too bad for one folder. Painful for many. Just wondering if there was a quicker fix. ThanksAnyone else have any ideas?Just wondering if there was a quicker fix. If you find one please post.Roger..WILCO

Went from Start to Programs and dragged Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office PowerPoint &AMP; Microsoft Office Excel to my DESKTOP. When I went back to Start and then Programs, these three are no longer LISTED there. Aaargh!. How do I get them once more listed in Programs? A left click drag moves the icons. Try using a right click drag. When the menu pops up, choose either move or copy or CREATE shortcut here.

Well, it's real easy to drag them out, but neigh impossible to drag them back (heavy sigh). This is my first computer (a repaired/refurbished one) and this is all new to me. This just makes me nervous because I don't have a manual of any sort ... plus I worry that if my computer ever goes down, these programs will be lost. You can return the files much like how you removed them. Click and drag the files and hover on the Start button until the menu pops up. From there, simply navigate to the appropriate folder and place the icons back in there.

Like Sidewinder suggests, when you want to move something without taking it out of its original location, you should right-click and use Copy (then right-click and Paste in the destination) or Create Shortcut.Or you can create shortcuts and put them here:

C:\DOCUMENTS and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\ProgramsThe dragging worked. Heavy sigh....
Montag thanks you and is now off to bed. right click on the start button and choose Explore. The start menu folders now appear as ordinary folders & you can drag stuff in and out of them.

That's what we're here for. Let US KNOW if all goes well.hey guys I just wanted let you know that everything WORKED great. I tested it out this morning and it worked.Good work. If you need anything ELSE, you know where to FIND us

Hi There,

I could not find an answer to this in FAQ.

There some "FREE standing" applications files in my Documents window. Such as DivXInstaller, spyblastersetup and Firefox Setup. I want to organize my window some.
What do I do with these files? Create a new folder entitled Applications? Or can I send them to the trash bin? Rookie question, I know. They are all several MB in size so I'm thinking that they should not be deleted.

Thanks,
Mark These are all installer files. I believe they are also all freely available, so they can be downloaded again if needed. Double check that none of them cost money to replace if you need them, and then throw them away.Good solid advice...i agree with hmar...

BTW Welcome both of you to CH !i personally put all of my install files on a usb thumb drive and am glad i have. it was handy when i had a virus tear through my LAPTOP, and had to do a forat and a clean installOkey doke then! I am trying to learn how to keep my e-machine as uncluttered as possible. I will d/l the files to a CD for backup and put these in the trash. I will READ up on the start up files next because I know that there may be several applications that automatically open and run upon start up that you don't need to be open and that this slows your computer speed down. So thanks for the answers on my INITIAL post. If I run into anything on the start up issue I'll check back in. Thanks for your help.

My clock doesn't allow me to use the time zone (EST). I have some choices but not EST, I can only get close with CST. How can I fix this?we need to know the specs of your computer... e.g operating system, processor, memory.

I Have never heard of CST so what is it??

Sorry, I have a Dell LatitudeD800 running windows XP proffessional. CST is Central Standard time I need EST EASTERN Standard Time but the clock doesn't give me that choice to change to.okay dokey....

under control panel, open regional & language options. check to make sure that the settings match your country. i dont know if this will HELP though Regional and language options don't give me a time zone choiceand when opening the clock on the systray there are several choices, however Eastern Standard Time (GST-4) hrs is not a choice. On my other system running XP it shows a picture of the world map and there are a LARGE number of choices (including EST), its as if there is something missing in the clock program itself.
Thankshave you had a go @ looking up the microsoft knowledge database?

there may be a utility that you can DOWNLOAD to fix this problem It's # 13 on the list...
Is this machine having any other issues ? ?
Is the Auto Daylight savings box checked ? ?
If so uncheck it and re-boot and see if Eastern is listed now...

If No Joy Joy Clik Here...Thanks for your help, I solved the issue using the file found here:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/timezones.htm

Nice find

Hello,

I have made over 30 DVD's this last TWO weeks. [We are a ministry and are duplicating released material.]

Now using the same burner, same software, same video... (not pirated) I can only burn about 30 % of it, and my monitor goes black, and my machine LOCKS up. I cannot even get the DVD out without rebooting my machine.
Any help appreciated.

I am using Roxio 9.0 to burn with.

I am running Windows: XP Pro 2002 svpack2.
I have a AMD Alhlon 64x22 dual core processor 4800+
2.50 Ghz 896 MB Ram

DVD Burner - is a LG RW Super Multi - aprox 2 years old

Monitor: Dell M78/p /M78/mm
Video Card; Xtreme Sound PCI Audio, multimedia

Display adapter: ATI Radeon Xpress1250

Thank you, zephrah

Ps... The windows system I am using is my own, and is paid for and registered.

Replace the IDE ribbon CABLE first...
Then re-install Roxio and let us KNOW how it goes.Thank you! At least I have a place to 'start'. I will do this in the next day or so. Thanks for your reply.
zephrah

I was thinking of doing the 60 day free trial download of Office Standard 2007 as I don't have this on my pc (long story).
If I decide I want it do I need to purchase it online or can I buy it from a store (can get is cheaper than the price microsoft offers).
If I don't want to go ahead with it can I uninstall the whole thing?

I am assuming if I purchase it for a store I can just uninstall the trial and re install the bought copy? I just wanted to ask here incase I am way off base.

Also will it affect my current outlook program if I UPGRADE? I have outlook express 6.

Thanks

PS: Sorry if this is in the wrong section. Couldn't decide between software or microsoft Hi and welcome. First of all, I assume you checked the system requirements for this program. If you did not, you need to do so, because it requires quite a lot. Next if you buy it from a store and open the packet, you cannot take it back. So....If you download the free trail and don't like it you can uninstall. If you like it you can uninstall Microsoft's free trail and buy from store. Hope this helps. Hi Sue,

Depending on what you want to use it for, there are also free options which have many of the same features as Microsoft Office.

OpenOffice.org is a free Microsoft Office like suite, available from http://www.openoffice.org/.

IBM Lotus Symphony is another free Office like suite, available from http://symphony.lotus.com.

In regards to your question about Outlook, when you install MS Office, it will AUTOMATICALLY upgrade your current Outlook, but should keep all your settings and e-mails. However, if you do not wish to upgrade Outlook, you can choose not to do so through the customized installation option.Outlook comes with Office but Outlook Express you dowload with IE you said you use Ootlook Express 6. I recently updated to Office 2007 Professinal from memory I think it asked me if I wanted to make Outlook my default rpogram I said no, as I prefer to use OE so nothing changed I can't see it being any different with the HOME versionHi Sue


You don't need to PAY for the office trail version , I believe you just need to register on Microsoft's site and if you don't like it you can just unistall. But if you bought it from a store you wouldn't be able to return it Kermit read my post. McFarlane read quaxo post. Lets not overload folk with same info. Quote from: SueBJ on May 11, 2008, 06:47:59 AM

Also will it affect my current outlook program if I upgrade? I have outlook express 6.

Kermit read my post. McFarlane read quaxo post. Lets not overload folk with same info.

Thank you everyone
I have downloaded the trial with no problems.
Now to keep an eye out on Ebay for it at a good price

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. It seemed a to be a toss up between here or the hardware section. I'm doing a clean install of XP with service Pack 2 on a a Think pad T42. Everything went really smooth until I tried to connect to the internet. For some reason XP doesn't register a NETWORK card. I followed the advice here to look under Components for the type of card so I could download a driver but that didn't help much. This is the basic information it had.

Name: [000000001] Infrared Port
Adapter: Type Not Available
Product type: Infrared Port
Installed: Yes

I'm not sure why it's pointing to an infrared port. I just want to use the internal ethernet card. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
ColenAre you USING the right drivers?

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-55386.html#networking

Does the BIOS see it / did you install the drivers for the motherboard?

Alan <>< QUOTE from: ale52 on MAY 14, 2008, 07:56:10 AM

Does the BIOS see it / did you install the drivers for the motherboard?

Alan <><

Are you using the right drivers?

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-55386.html#networking

Does the BIOS see it / did you install the drivers for the motherboard?

Alan <><

I am trying to pull my Outlook EXPRESS emails from an old computer and put them into Outlook on a new computer. I tried the file transfer wizard and NOTHING happened.

Is this even possible?
What VERSION outlook and outlook express?

The older stuff you needed a 3rd party tool. Not sure about the new stuff.....

Doh!

Outlook Express 6
Outlook 2003

Thanks

Hi!

I work for a small nonprofit that runs almost exclusively on donated computers. We recently had a donation of a laptop with Windows XP Home EDITION. All of the computers on our network run on XP Professional SP2, so I tried installing this software. I was informed (by the COMPUTER) that our XP Professional version is older than the XP Home version, so it will not let me install. I am also unable to uninstall the XP Home version -- when I go to Change/Remove Programs, the operating system is not shown. Help!Boot from your XP Pro disk and reformat the drive, than install.Actually he MAY have to use the Pro to remove the partition and re-create it...otherwise he may get the same error message.
DMiller that XPPRO CD should boot automatically. Insert it and shut down not restart. When you get to the OPTIONS window you will be given a set of choices select delete partition C: and let it finish. Then re-create it and run the Setup portion again and it should run.
More Details...if the laptop does not boot from the disk you may need to change the bios settings so that it boots from the disk drive last

I have a toshiba Laptop M5 and when ever it recover's from the SLEEP mode the mouse button change by it self any every time i need to manually configure it
i have updated BIOS and drivers of the mouse still it behavious the same
need help Like you,when my computer recovers from sleep mode, certain programmes will not automatically CONNECT to the web.. It seems that the set-up does not entirely wake up. Hence, I NEVER let my computer go into sleep mode, so no longer get the problem. May be something in your set up that cancels the mouse. Have READ other threads elsewhere that other odd things happen when coming out of 'sleep mode'.What are your settings for sleep mode? I don't use it myself because of the many problems ASSOCIATED with it....and that's it...don't use it.i have a similar problem on my laptop.... i have ended up disabling sleep mode.

Yes.Here is what it said....

THE FILE SYSTEM on the startup partition is unknown.
FIXBOOT is attempting to detect the file system type.
The partition is using the NTFS file system.
Fixboot is writing a new boot sector.

The new boot sector was successfully written.
________
Will see what happens now....IT WORKED!
Thanx so much guys, especially you Patio....
Is there anything I should be doing now to keep this from happening again?Quote

especially you Patio

I turned my COMPUTER on about an hour ago (it had been fine before i went to work) and when I started it up I noticed that everything was blurred by a large mesh of horizontal and vertical lines, the lines were there from the time the manufacturers logo COMES on and never go away. It almost looks like the display is wearing a plaid outfit or something. I ALSO noticed that my resolution on my desktop is insanely low, and it only has room for maybe 8 rows and columns of icons. This doesnt change at all weven when I max the resolution out. I tried another monitor but had the same issues so at this point I am clueless.Looks like video card problem.
Do you have on-board video, or separate video card?
What Windows version?Sorry to forget my OS, its XP Home edition, and my video card isn't on board. Unfortunately I don't remember the exact make (I know it was a NVidia GeForce card though) and the answer to that question is blocked off by a wall of plaid.See, if display is normal in Safe Mode. To access Safe Mode, restart computer, and KEEP tapping F8 key, until menu appears.When I restarted the computer to boot it up into safe mode before I even started hitting buttons I noticed that it wasn't displaying any lines anymore. Its working fine now, no idea what fixed it. Maybe it just needed a few hours to figure out that plaid really isnt the BEST fashion choice.Sometimes, simple restart clears some issues. I'm glad, it's fixed:)Quote

Maybe it just needed a few hours to figure out that plaid really isnt the best fashion choice.

Anyone KNOW how to do that? Like, is there a program that configures your Vista theme to look exactly like XP? I miss XP. *Sobs*hmmmnnn... is there ANYTHING under the themes section? There should be SOMETHING to change your Vista's theme to that of WINDOWS 2000.
I know this because my friend has it.

I found this:

http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-25854.htmlTurn off AERO and select the "Classic" theme and re-boot.

Hi

My laptop froze the other night, and wouldn't respond to anything i did, and so i had to manually take out its battery to turn it off. I think it froze again once i restarted it so i took out the battery a second time.

Now, i cant GET to the desktop at all, my laptop keeps restarting.

What happens is that i get this screen below:



No matter which option i choose, i don't get past this screen:



This screen is on for about 3 seconds and then the laptop restarts itself, and begins this cycle again.

Much thanks in advance to anybody who can help

Thanks.If you have the XP OEM CD, I'd try a Repair. Insert the CD and boot off of it and when it searches for prior windows, it will prompt you with F3 to quit, R for Repair, or "Enter" ( I believe ) to install a new Windows XP install to HD.

Hope this helps!

DaveIt may be hardware problem. RAM? If you have more, then one RAM sticks, try one at a time.1. What is the Make and Model Number of the laptop?

2. Reset the Laptop. It may not be necessary to remove the battery to shut your laptop off. HP notebooks apparently have a reset button somewhere on their case. They recommend the following procedures in the order given if the notebook has stopped RESPONDING and will not let you turn it off:
o If possible shutdown Windows. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, then select Shutdown, Restart.
or
o Press and hold the power button for at least four seconds until the display shuts down. Unsaved data will be lost. Press the power button again to restart.
or
o Insert the tip of a paperclip into the reset button (hole) on the bottom of the notebook, then press the power button to restart.

2. Can you access the Windows Advanced Options Menu at startup?

Power up the computer, tapping the F8 key about once per second or faster. You should see the Windows Advanced Options Menu. If it's available, select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" item to stop the reboot cycle. Hopefully INSTEAD of rebooting, it will now stop on a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). If you get BSOD, copy the "exact" error message text and numbers and post them in this thread. This information can be used to search Microsoft Knowledge Base and/or Internet for possible causes and resolution, but it needs to be DONE on "exact" substrings; so please record the error message data carefully.

You may not see the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" item on the menu. I believe it appears starting with Windows XP SP2. I've also seen at least one Windows XP SP2 laptop that didn't include it.

If you get a "Select Boot Device Menu" when you tap the F8 key, see the following link:
what genius decided F8 should be device boot menu

In reply to the first reply, i don't think i have the XP OEM CD, i can't find it anyway.

In reply to the second reply, i don't understand. Sorry I'm pretty much a noob with stuff like this. I haven't altered any internal stuff in my laptop, ever.

In reply to the third reply, my laptop is an Evesham laptop, and I'm unsure as to how to find out the model number.

I managed to choose the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" option, and i got to the blue screen.

The technical code at the bottom of the screen was:

*** STOP: 0x00000024 (0x00190203, 0x843D1378, 0xC0000102, 0x00000000)


Thanks for all the help, i really appreciate it, all of you.Quote

A problem occurred within NTFS.SYS, the driver file that allows the system to read and write to NTFS file system drives. There may be a physical problem with the disk, or an Interrupt Request Packet (IRP) may be corrupted. Other common causes include heavy hard drive fragmentation, heavy file I/O, problems with some types of drive-mirroring software, or some antivirus software. I suggest running ChkDsk or ScanDisk as a first step; then disable all file system filters such as virus scanners, firewall software, or backup utilities. Check the file properties of NTFS.SYS to ensure it matches the current OS or SP version. Update all disk, tape backup, CD-ROM, or removable device drivers to the most current versions.

How to run checkdisk from recovery console (Windows xp). Courtesy dsenette

1. Insert the Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
Note:Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
Note:If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
3. When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator PASSWORD. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
4. At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following then press Enter:

chkdsk /r

5. Allow this to run UNDISTURBED until completed (45 min or so)
6. Report any errors

When i clickon an icon it gives me an error message so nothing on my coputer will run EXCEPT internet and things like wordpad DOCUMENTS. please help i have windows XP and it is an emachines computer, 80 gig hard drive
this is the error message that keeps coming up.
Are these the shortcut icons you're talking about? Do the shortcuts look normal? They're not blank? If they are, the program has been deleted or moved. Can you open the programs by going to Start, programs and selecting each program?Go here http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Scroll down to EXE File Association Fix

I would then go to the Computer Viruses and Spyware forum and work through the Please read this before requesting help thread.Try re-installing Spybot...Ty so much evilfantasy it completely fixed my PROBLEM, i thought i was going to have to do a system reboot or something
And yes the icons did look normal but they wouldnt open through the start MENU eitherThanks for the link evilfantasy.

have anyone here knows how to MAKE a clone cd? i want to clone windows xp sp2 with anti virus installed on it...any suggestions plsQuote

have anyone here knows how to make a clone cd? i want to clone windows xp sp2 with anti virus installed on it...any suggestions pls

You could also try Acronis..

i have an optiplex gx620 usff acquired from a refit at a supermarket the pc was used to advertise movies.the problem is when the pc is turned on it goes straight to the adverts. does any body know how to stop it doing this and make it stay on the windows start up?Reformat?Quote from: Broni on May 10, 2008, 05:38:34 PM

Reformat?

when the pc is turned on it goes straight to the adverts

How do you uninstall OS?

How do we proceed to find out what OS is currently installed?

Thanks to Dias de verano for supplying me a pic to play with

Reformat?

Boot to the Windows Advanced Options Menu. From there you may select "Safe Mode". Use "msconfig" and selective startup to stop the "startup" programs from running. Reboot to normal mode and start figuring out which one of the "startup(s)" is the Bad Boy!

To be honest, I would just format. There's no telling what's lurking in that system.

To be honest, I would just format. There's no telling what's lurking in that system.

hey.

this is my first time writing to a forum like this but I tried my best and the problem keeps on happening!

short story:

internet connection disappears randomly and that makes explorer relaunch every time that happens. time between "resets" is sometimes 1 minute, sometimes 10 minutes. random.

long story:

I have this really odd problem. Well, actually
the problem is on my girlfriends and her
mothers computer.

they use the same internet network ( wlan is behind a password ).
they are the only 2 computers connected to it, sometimes
I use my laptop with it too but havent done that
in the last 3 weeks.

the problem

now when I use computers I get this problem. Also, when I use them at the same time I get it.
The problem is that my internet goes down. I am browsing the web and suddenly nothing works. I cant connect to any pages.

after a while ( 5-120 seconds ) from me noticing this, the explorer ( not the web browser ! but the system explorer ) RESTARTS / relaunches and I get a message which is too fast for me to be able to read it.

It is in the upper left corner of the screen and the title of the message is something like "Personal configurations" and the message is something that has no buttons or anything, it just loads my personal configurations, I think.

also there are some other texts too, but they go
so insanely fast I have no idea how to see those texts.

I tried screencapturing it but it is so fast I had no luck, also the resetting is so random capturing that text would take a day.
It appears when the explorer relaunches.

It kinda looks like the window I see in my school computer when I login with my personal username and the windows loads my personal settings. I think it is exactly that..

after the relaunch ( 3-15 seconds after that normally ) the internet works again.

And this keeps happening ALL DAY LONG. it is HIGHLY annoying.

HERE is a much information as I can gather and think of telling:

2 computers ( both with win xp sp 2 and all updates windows update had to offer )

----1 computer DESKTOP, connected with ethernet cable

----1 computer laptop, connected with wireless

does this with both browsers ( Ie and FF ) and also with no browsers on. like if I just re-start my computer and let everything load in windows and open for example "my computer" and wait for 1-5 minutes, it does it too.

when both computers are on, the problem seems to happen at the same time sometimes, but it happens different times too. so all random in that aspect too.

the computer share a lot of usb pen drives so a virus COULD infect both with ease.

the router/dsl looking box is a motorola SBG-900 wireless surfboard gateway
and it has texts and lights
"power, receive, send, online, pc/activity ( blinking ) and wireless ( blinking )" and all the lights are lit.

It's connected to another router/dsl looking box which has texts and lights
"power, DS, us, online, link (not lit), telephone 1, telephone 2, battery"
and all are lit except for link.
the box has a text "touchstone(tm) telephony modem" and ARRIS model TM502G.

this is happening in Chile, if that makes any difference.

I run ad-aware, hijackthis, cwshredder and avast virus removal too on both computers.
they are found something, but nothing big. some tracking cookies etc. but nothing extraoridinary.

I run them all just now again and they all come out with nothing.
the computers also have some antivirus softwares. desktop has mcafee virusscan and the laptop has ESET smart security.

what should I do ?

my knowledge with routers and configuring them is very low, so i havent done anything to them.
also, this problem DIDN'T happen a week ago. I noticed that it happens just now, because I havent personally used these computers that much.

quick questions for the users tells me that this has happened AROUND a week.
they dont remember installing anything new.
also nobody touched the routers. they were the same as before, when everything worked perfectly.

I am a bit clueless now.

Please, help - I am getting desperate (:

I can also paste hijack logs and stuff like that, if needed - but maybe somebody knows what's up with just this story. let me know if you need more information. thanks.i had the same problem but i reinstalled opera (web browser) on a different HDD and it worked fine.

Do your computers have duel HDD's?

you will get more help when the others finish reading your post. (mid next week*)Quote from: NOT ADMIN :P on May 12, 2008, 05:44:48 PM

i had the same problem but i reinstalled opera (web browser) on a different HDD and it worked fine.

Do your computers have duel HDD's?

you will get more help when the others finish reading your post. (mid next week*)

does this with both browsers ( Ie and FF ) and also with no browsers on. like if I just re-start my computer and let everything load in windows and open for example "my computer" and wait for 1-5 minutes, it does it too.

Why don't you unplug both computers from the internet and see if they still do the same thing.

The windows explorer is not giving me the option to Erase rewritable disks, in fact, there are other tasks that I don't see in the explorer.

Please, open the attached .jpg file to better understand the problem.

Thanks in advance...

Rafael Soeldo

[recovering space - attachment deleted by ADMIN]Try it after opening a CD in Explorer first...Hi Patio:

I did it, STILL the same. the options that I want (Erase a rewritable DISK, burn files in cd, ETC) only appear by right-clicking the content area in the explorer when a rw-cd is being shown.

Strange, isn't it?That's how it's SUPPOSED to be...

i'm getting a MESSAGE everytime i try to OPEN the HELP and support file, it said " Missing Marscore.dll file" How do i get the BACK? thom365Check here: http://ask-leo.com/when_i_select_help_and_support_i_get_a_warning_marscoredll_not_found_what_should_i_do.html

Can we restore WINDOWS in start up (without entering in windows) whats the key I press ??We're going to need more information.

Are you planning to restore your SYSTEM (software) to the state it was in when you bought the computer (from a Recovery partition or Recovery CD)?

Or are you TRYING to reinstall the operating system from a Windows (?) Installation CD?What brand and model is your computer?

Most us one of the F# keys to get you into a recovery mode so you can repair/restore your system from the recovery partition.

Boot the computer and watch carefully as it STARTS up it usually only SHOWS it for a split second....(don't know why they make it so hard to see it and give time to read the options and press a friggin key!)

My Sony Viao FXA48 LAPTOP keeps freezing. Only rebooting unfreezes it. It locks up when I'm MOVING the pointer on a microsoft optical mouse (which has worked for a long time). I've uninstalled the mouse driver and it didn't help. What to try now. Maybe it has nothing to do with the mouse. If I unplug the mouse, I have YET to get the pc to FREEZE, but I HATE the mouse pad. Thanks.Quote from: tadtv1 on May 11, 2008, 09:53:57 PM

I've uninstalled the mouse driver and it didn't help.

I am using Microsoft WINDOWS XP Ver 2002 with service pack 2, Compac Presario Pentium(R) CPU 2.53GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM.
I have my system configure to download updates automatically, but I decide when to install them.
Back in Jul/07 a bunch of updates were released by Microsoft, two of them were KB928366 & KB 928367, for some reason they were not installed and since then I have attempted to figure out why with no success.
The update symbol has remained in my system TRAY and has TRIED to install these two updates numerous times with no joy.
How do I (a) install these updates or (b) failing that remove the update symbol from my system tray?
Thank you for any help you can provide.
At LEAST you're not alone....untold numbers of people have had the same issue...

An Article on the issue including the workaround and an 800 # for Microsoft.

I download the zipped folder.then extract it.I am at a lost what to do after that.Could ANYBODY HELP?Thank you.Not ENOUGH information. Nobody can help until you GIVE more.

What zipped folder? Did you MEAN a zip file? What is it called? What did you extract?

Hi Everyone

ive got a intresting ONE for you, Just bought a 500 ghig hard drive IDE, when i try installing windows xp from a bootable disk i get the message press any key to boot from cd then it shows starting windows set up . at that point it goes completely blank . If anyone have any ideas that WOULD be a great help. its a maxtor hard drive and a hp computer p4Is this the only hard drive in the computer? If you have multiple drives, try removing all others that you're not going to use until after XP installation. In any case, this could be a number of things.

1) Power supply isn't good enough to support more hardware (or is dying).
2) Memory is not seated correctly or is going bad.
3) Any of a number of hardware pieces are going bad.

Anyway, try removing any hard drives you're not going to use during installation. Check your memory (perhaps it got nudged when you put in the new hard drive and needs reseated). Check your other hardware (sound/video cards, etc.) and reseat them if needed.

We do need to know exactly what model of HP this is. That way we know what you're working with. In addition to that, what other hardware have you added to it, if any.hi

im guessing its the hard drive as i tried with a 6 GIG and it loads up fine . i even tried the 500 in another comp and i can install windows in it but when i put the hard drive back in with windows installed on another comp it says NTLDR is missing its like i cant boot off that hard drive.Ive looked in bois and it show as bootable

HP pavilion 7965

is there a setting in bois that allows it to become bootable device, its the only hard drive in the com

You can't install Windows XP on one computer then move it to another. It almost always will not boot.

Try the other suggestions I made.

ive tried that . ive removed second cd drive 3.5 and nothing still the same , ive check the memory removed and reinstalled to make sure its seated well

one thing i did notice is right above where it say press to boot from cd it says NO EMULATION if thats any help
Is this a shiny XP CD with holograms that says Microsoft all over it ? ?

Why not use the CD that shipped with the HDD to prepare it for an OS install ? ?
If you didn't get one it can be DLoaded from the drive manuf. site...Thanks for your responce Patio

I've figured out the problem it was in the BIOS system, the drive was set to auto, which for some reason wouldn't allow a 500 gig hard drive. I just change a setting to LARGER and it worked

thanks again for the fast responce Good NEWS and Welcome to CH !Thanks

I'll tell you one thing this site is great ,a lot of helpful info on here. I'll try and help where ever possible as well Quote from: kermit on May 11, 2008, 01:54:30 PM

Thanks

I'll tell you one thing this site is great ,a lot of helpful info on here. I'll try and help where ever possible as well

Please help me figure out what is going on with my navagation bar. Instead of seeing the icons. It used to be the < all the way accross. Now I just get a blue box over the area where all the program icons would normally be. Is there any help for me? I have ATTACHED a screen shot of what it looks like.


I see no screenshot...
What Windows version?Quote from: ncadena222 on May 10, 2008, 09:09:34 PM

Please help me figure out what is going on with my navagation bar.

Please help me figure out what is going on with my navagation bar. Instead of seeing the icons. It used to be the < all the way accross. Now I just get a blue box over the area where all the program icons would normally be. Is there any help for me? I have attached a screen shot of what it looks like.

I have a new larger monitor ViewSonic, when I do a print screen I not only get the screen I am printing I get the screen behind it ie my start up screen, it is attached to the right hand side I am running XP .This has nly happend since I got the screen
I have tried changing the resolution made it smaller but still got the double screen.
I can take it into PSP and select and crop to selection but if its writing its hardly legible in some cases
When I am using WORD I get the same THING instead of page 2 being beneath its side by side workable but darned annoying when you have a document several pages long.
Any ideas
THANKS Hi

One of the best programs i found for print screen is Gadwin Systems , With it you can print screen the whole screen or just 1 inch of it ,and after to print screen it you can paste directly into email if you like Since you bought your new monitor, are you now running dual monitors?No am not running two moinitors. I found Gasden thanks but is it GOING to fix the problem of printing the screen behind that I cannot see
I don't have problem selecting from the image I have the part that I want once I put it in PSP.
And it wouldn't solve the page thing on Word.Can you post a screen print so that we can see it? To do that, copy it into Paint or another photo editing program and then save it as a .jpg file. Then, either post it directly to the forum, or upload it to a photo sharing website such as photobucket.com and then post a link to it. Quote from: McFarlane on May 11, 2008, 10:17:42 AM

I found Gasden thanks but is it going to fix the problem of printing the screen behind that I cannot see
I don't have problem selecting from the image I have the part that I want once I put it in PSP.
And it wouldn't solve the page thing on Word.

There are several hotkey combos to choose from (PrintScreen is the default).

My computer keeps restarting itself and when I log back on I GET the following errors:

C:\DOCUME~1\Irish\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERdb1e.dir00\Mini050908-03.dmp

C:\DOCUME~1\Irish\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERdb1e.dir00\sysdata.xml

I have installed the most recent Nvidia driver and have run spyware & virus scans as well as C-Cleaner but have not yet been successful. I appreciate any help that can be offered!
Check here: http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2004/s1509/38s09/38s09.asp&articleid=21091
Quote

Error Message: "The system has recovered from a serious error. C:\Windows\Minidump020404-01.dmp C:\Docume~1\Darle~1\Locals~1\Temp\Wer5E.tmp.diroo\sysdata.xml"

Hey guys I am having some issuese with my 2nd computer I have just reformated it and now when I go put my USB drive thing for wireless Internet I get USB root Hub problem so I cannot connect to the Internet, and my second problem is that when it actually works somethimes I DOWNLOAD SOMETHING and half way trough the download my computer reboots. I would much apreciate some HELP. excuse my English for I am Mexican and only 15 years old. ThanksWhat is the operating system and SERVICE pack level; e.g. Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)?

What is the make and model number of the computer, if brand name; e.g. Dell, HP, Gateway? If not brand name computer, what is the make and model number of the motherboard?

After you reformatted the hard drive, what did you use to re-install the operating system? Did you reload from the VENDOR provided Recovery Partition or Recovery CD? Or did you reload from a "retail" or OEM Windows Installation CD?Were the motherboard drivers re-installed afterwards ? ?

In Windows XP PRO;
I know how to run SEQUENTIAL programs in a BATCH FILE on my desktop. What I need to know, is, how do I terminate these applications I have executed, by using another batch file? Terminate by PID ( PROCESS ID )

taskkill [/s Computer] [/u DomainUser [/p Password]]] [/fi FilterName] [/pid ProcessID[/b]]|[/im ImageName] [/f][/t]

I had installed a copy of this program Voice Activated Commands for xp for my pc. I was told that you can tell it to do other things besides have it type words into WORD. How do I set this up in it? Is there a file that I would NEED if I wanted to tranfer it to another pc?
Exactly what program did you install? Is it this: http://www.dwvac.com/ ?Thats it.Quote from: squall_01 on May 02, 2008, 05:16:02 AM

I had installed a copy of this program Voice Activated Commands for xp for my pc. I was told that you can tell it to do other things besides have it type words into word.

I get sound from my speakers just fine after I restart the computer, and it works fine for anywhere from about 3 hours to about 20 hours after the restart. Then no sound at all until I restart.

The problem seemed to arise shortly after I installed Norton 360 (an UPGRADE to the Norton Internet Security I was running). I have had a "chat" with Norton Support twice now, and they were worthless. They don't even read carefully what you're telling them, so they try to make the problem something other than what you have said.

I would be so grateful if you can help me fix this problem. Thanks.try uninstalling norton and then give it a try. I think norton maybe the culpritBrett74,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't have any more the previous version of Internet Security that I was using, so I'm reluctant to remove Norton 360, which I otherwise like.

Anybody else have a suggestion? It seems to me that this must be a very specific problem with a specific answer, since all works just fine after restart, but only for a matter of hours.

TJHave u tried going to Start>Control PANEL> Admin Tools> Event Viewer. Look for a circle red X. The event viewer will at least give u a starting piont to troubleshoot. Write back with infor. Midsail,

Thanks for your reply.

There are quite a few red Xs (but a small minority of all of the entries in the Event Viewer). Here is the most recent one, an "application hang error" on 4/24 that says:

"Hanging application wmplayer.exe, version 11.0.5721.5145, hang module hungapp, version 0.0.0.0, hang address 0x00000000.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp"


There are a number of "hang errors" involving iexplorer and other applications, and there are other red Xs as well. Any specific ONES I should be looking for?

TJavg is a really good anti VIRUS I use it and it's free. Norton is a resource hogI am having the same problem! I've only noticed it the past couple of days and ironically, I just renewed my norton subscription 2 days AGO, hmmmmm. I will see if I can't get any info out of them myself and if this seems to be a problem with a lot of other people or not or what's going on... I'll come back to post if I learn anything helpful!

I am running WinXP Home SP2

Just a little thing that keeps bugging me, last time I turned my computer on I couldn't access desktop properties, (e.g. right click on the desktop and select properties) I got a Message Box saying something like "C:\Windows\Shell32 Memory access error"

I rebooted and I got a message saying "For security reasons Rundll32 has been terminated" and then 3 messageboxes saying "Rundll32 has encounted a problem and needs to close".

I went to start|run and typed rundll32 and it started fine ( i CHECKED with task manager) and it worked fine until I tried to open an unknown FILE type I got the same error. I went to start|run and typed rundll32 a second time and this fixed it, but why did I get the error? I have Mamutu Background Guard running all the time, and usually AVG free (for viruses) and always Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.that does sound weird? maybe reinstall your graphics card driver?AVG misses a lot of viruses. I've tried it and can tell you that a lot of crap gets through that the free edition does not recognize. It is worth it to spend forty bucks or so on something better. Have you tried system restore?Quote from: JJ 3000 on March 19, 2008, 02:05:04 AM

AVG misses a lot of viruses. I've tried it and can tell you that a lot of crap gets through that the free edition does not recognize. It is worth it to spend forty bucks or so on something better.

in the 5 + years i've been using it i've never had that happen

Quote

in the 5 + years i've been using it i've never had that happen

Ditto.

i was wondering if anyone could help me?? My computer shows a message about a runtime error, then just shuts off...I dont know whay this is happening and was wodnering if anyone could help help. anyone? Have you scanned for virus?

Go to www.secunia.com and run the online scanner to see if you need to update anything.Please Clik Here First...I have an IBM ThinkPad

Microsoft Windows
Version 5.1 (build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070220-2254 : Service Pack 2)

I dont have any kind of firewall. Is it possible I have a virus? Is there any other way of scanning for viruses? It randomly shuts off, after it shows a runtime error message, all the time. I don't know exactly what the message says because it shuts off too quickly.

It started OCCURING about 2 weeks ago.

The only thing I have installed before this happening is my camera software.

If you have no firewall, the odds are very good that you have a virus,BUT please see and follow the post by Patio OPS!!! Evidently you read and followed Patios' post. So now, have you followed Evilfantasy post? What anti-virus and spyware are you running?I don't think my computer has spyware or anything like that either. i recently got it used from some one and they basicly cleaned out the whole system of all programs and such...

so what would be the way to get rid of a virus?Get rid of virus with anti-virus program. I think that what you need to do now is wait for a guy NAMED Broni to drop by. He may WANT you to do other stuff before running anti-virus.You can start with my removal instructions. Post the logs in the Computer Viruses and Spyware forum.

Please read this before requesting helpwait for a guy named Broni or evilfantasy ok, i just figured out that I do ACTUALLY have norton anti-virus. i did the scan, and there were no viruses...sooooo... i'm wondering what else it could be, and how i could fix it.I would still run the scans in the thread, it doesn't take long. You would be amazed at what turns up on PCs that seemingly have no problems.

I am In the process of building a new computer, Just waiting on parts. I can't legally use my old computers XP OS In my New build and do not want to fork out $200.00 for A new version. So I have a dilemma, I made a big mistake about 6 months ago and bought a copy of Vista. And I really hate It, But My son tells me, Dad all new computers have vista on It, And they are going to stop the support on Xp home Really soon. So, You guys and gals out there that are running Vista. Did they fix some of the problems with the new service pack update for Vista or Is It still bad?I just can't UNDERSTAND why they can't fix Vista with a patch. So many programs and or software will not run or are unstable on Vista. If you guys were building a new computer what OS would you use?While i won't tell you which one to go with i will clear up a few misconceptions that may help your decision making process...
1) XP has been GIVEN extended support from MS. Support including paid telephone assistance and will continue through 2014.
2) The SP1 patch for Vista had some glitches in the first Public release on April 29th. MS has addressed the issues and fixed the patch. It is now available as an update or can be DLoaded from their site. Some are still waiting to make sure the issue is completely fixed though which i would advise for now.

To make a better decision you can check ahead of time to see which programs will run on Vista but i haven't heard this as much of an issue. Drivers have been a bigger issue for older peripherals so look into that beforehand if you plan on running older components.

An OS is more of a personal choice but if you go into it well prepared you may be able to make a decision you can be comfortable with.

Good Luck.IVE never had a problem with vista on my laptop

GO WITH VISTA I am now running vista home premium and love it....I have ran windows ME. Xp and now vista....and I much prefer vista.....But like patio it's merely a personal choice. About the only complaint I have about Vista is that some programs that run well on XP and earlier won't run on Vista (not backwards compatable). Other than that, I like Vista just fine. I have a dual-boot computer with both and find myself using XP most of the time. A word in passing---buy the OEM version of Vista (and future O.S.'s) and not the upgrade.My desktop has XP and a laptop I bought a few months back has Vista. There are several things I don't like about it(mostly UAC related), but I am trying to adjust to it because I figure it will probably be here for a while. I have one older program that runs perfectly in XP but locks up frequently in Vista. Maybe the service pack would help. I haven't tried it yet.

The "User Account Control" in Vista can be really irritating if you have older batch files or zip files that want to copy files to or alter files in Program Files folder or Windows folders. The UAC will prevent the action from continuing and will usually fail. The purpose of the UAC is to prevent unauthorized programs(virus/malware) from altering your system(that's not a bad thing), so like I said before, I am trying to learn how to work with it even though It can be a pain.
So far, most people that I know that have Vista have changed back to XP. Even the Computer
Shop that built my computer still prefers to sell them with XP installed, even though they get
bigger kickbacks when they sell Vista.Hey there.

I have used and troubleshooted both, and I personally think that XP is better.

Read http://www.newsday.com/business/yourmoney/ny-bzdolinar5655754apr20,0,1623724.column about XP and Vista - its a news article on them. Very amusing.

Who's heard of Microsoft Bob? It's mentioned in the above article, I googled it and I would recommend it. Living proof that you shouldn't listen to your partner all the time.Quote from: llmeyer1000 on May 09, 2008, 07:01:13 PM

My desktop has XP and a laptop I bought a few months back has Vista. There are several things I don't like about it(mostly UAC related), but I am trying to adjust to it because I figure it will probably be here for a while. I have one older program that runs perfectly in XP but locks up frequently in Vista. Maybe the service pack would help. I haven't tried it yet.

The "User Account Control" in Vista can be really irritating if you have older batch files or zip files that want to copy files to or alter files in Program Files folder or Windows folders. The UAC will prevent the action from continuing and will usually fail. The purpose of the UAC is to prevent unauthorized programs(virus/malware) from altering your system(that's not a bad thing), so like I said before, I am trying to learn how to work with it even though It can be a pain.

I made a big mistake about 6 months ago and bought a copy of Vista. And I really hate It,

Hey guys,

So I was listening to some music earlier and as I switched from the music player to firefox (switch windows) the screen went black and the computer got stuck and repeated the same thing (not repeated but just got stuck on the same part, don't really know what that's called).. I tried to press keys and press alt+cntrl+del but nothing worked and it just stayed that way.. I turned it off and back on and everything is FINE now. This happened once before a couple of days ago as well. I don't know what COULD be causing it if it's a virus or something. I've run scans and everything seems to be fine. Don't know if a hijack log would help.

here's some info on the comp
Lenovo T60p
Windows XP SP 2
Relatively new computer almost 1 year since I got it.. the only change I've done to the comp that maybe screwed something up was I deleted some of the start-up entries but this was about 2 weeks ago and the problems only showed up recently.

ANYWAY any help is appreciated,

thanksQuote

the only change I've done to the comp that maybe screwed something up was I deleted some of the start-up entries but this was about 2 weeks ago and the problems only showed up recently.

I KNOW but its not like Im ASKING to hack now I have to.Even so, you still aren't going to get an answer.
Unfortunately, I'll remind my dad to get it while hes down there. The GUY I got it off of does the morning shift so theres not a lot of time.So I did get an answer but not on here, I didnt hack ether even thought I FOUND how to. I'm not saing how ether or how I did this. So I was able to see an move the files along with the user login name that I needed. So know that the files are moving I can now format the DRIVE. Problem SOLVER SOLVED!!!!

As you can see, I left it at programs, I haven't ever switched it to system cache, but for some reason windows is allocating over a GB of system cache.


I do run an Apache web server and a MailEnable email server on this computer, but I haven't changed any settings relating to system cache in order to make them run better.

Does anybody know why it's allocating so much system cache or how to stop it?
It makes programs fail to load or CRASH a lot, especially when the Available is less than the System CacheTo get a larger system cache

Start sysdm.cpl in the OPEN BOX, then Advanced tab, then Settings under Performance. Click the Advanced tab, and then use one of the following methods under Memory usage:

•Click Programs if you use your computer primarily as a workstation instead of as a server. This option allocates more memory to your programs.

•Click System cache if your computer is USED primarily as a server or if you use programs that use a larger cache.

how to hide a running application or how to make it to run in background so that no one else could know what is currently running in this system?

regards
sancmdowplease be more descriptiveSorry, I assumed you would Google it.

Quote

Cmdow is a Win32 commandline utility for NT4/2000/XP/2003 that allows windows to be listed, moved, resized, renamed, hidden/unhidden, disabled/enabled, MINIMIZED, maximized, restored, activated/inactivated, CLOSED, killed and more.

Cmdow is 31kb standalone executable. It does not create any temporary files, nor does it write to the registry. There is no installation procedure, just run it. To completely remove all traces of it from your system, delete it.

Cmdow was written with batch file programmers in mind. PARTICULAR attention has been paid to Cmdows output MAKING it easy to process with the 'FOR /F' command found in NT4/2000/XP/2003.

CHP.EXE is a very simple program utilising the Win32 CreateProcess API to silently launch GUI and console apps in a hidden window. CHP is free open source software.
Usage
CHP yourapp arg1 arg2 arg3 ...

Prefix your original commandline with CHP.

For EXAMPLE:-
CHP notepad <-- runs notepad.exe in a hidden window
CHP notepad /p "New Text Document.txt" <-- silently prints a text file
CHP cmd.exe /c ""d:\my batch file.cmd" arg1 "arg two"" <-- runs a batch file in a hidden window

Sorry, I assumed you would Google it.

???I have been trying for days to open my BIOS
it keeps saying password.I am sure i had no password
does anyone know how to break it i need to see if my second hdd is reading on my computerThere is almost always one and today two request for password help. The following is a quote from a Mentor concerning just such an issue: no matter the excuse given, we do not explain to people how to do things like this. But Good Luck to you. Quote

How do i UNLOCK the password in my BIOS

There is almost always one and today two request for password help. The following is a quote from a Mentor concerning just such an issue: no matter the excuse given, we do not explain to people how to do things like this. But Good Luck to you.

There is no way to prove that you are the really owner. So we really cant help however if there is truely a problem google will aid you.

What operating system are you running? XP?

Right click My Computer and than open Manage. In computer Management look for Disk Management. This will show you what the computer sees for hard drives.

Quote from: Spoiler on May 08, 2008, 08:48:25 AM

What operating system are you running? XP?

Right click My Computer and than open Manage. In computer Management look for Disk Management. This will show you what the computer sees for hard drives.

How would this help the situation ? ?

Its working friend as i listen to this advice and saw my second hdd
working
Right click My Computer and than open Manage. In computer Management look for Disk Management. This will show you what the computer sees for hard drives.

???I have been trying for days to open my BIOS
it keeps saying password.I am sure i had no password
does anyone know how to break it i need to see if my second hdd is reading on my computer

Quote from: madamboo on May 08, 2008, 03:34:08 PM

Its working friend as i listen to this advice and saw my second hdd
working
Right click My Computer and than open Manage. In computer Management look for Disk Management. This will show you what the computer sees for hard drives.

A BIOS password will not even let you into the OS if you don't have it therefore you wouldn't even get to Windows...forgive me but i'm slightly confused at this turn of events.

No problem Glad it worked out for you.


Patio I went with his first post.
Quote

???I have been trying for days to open my BIOS
it keeps saying password.I am sure i had no password
does anyone know how to break it i need to see if my second hdd is reading on my computer

What he really was after was to see the 2HD. I just told him to go to the disk manager to set it up. The BIOS saw the drive but it wasn't setup. Sounds like he set it up and now has access to it.

Hey guys I have a problem. I start up my COMPUTER and it does its thing, but then after it goes through the step with the microsoft logo and the little blue bar below it the computer screen goes blank instead of showing my desktop. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? The computer worked fine and then it froze up my brother he shut it down and then it wouldn't load. It does start in safe mode, but IM not SURE what EXACTLY I should do in safe mode. Thanks.First thing to check in safe mode would be the video settings themselves...right clik on an empty area of the desktop and set them somewhat conservatively LIKE 1024 X 768.
Re-boot and see what happens....
Then give the little brother a whap.....just kiddin.

My laptop keyboard started acting up. The keyboard acts like the function key is always pressed. The function key supports the second SET of numbers on each key for the following:u, i, o, p, j, k, l, m, etc. When I push the letter i, 5 appears instead.

I ruled out a hardware problem by booting to another partition. Everythings fine.

Can I just reload just the keyboard driver? Can I reload just the keyboard software (if there is any)? i would hate to reinstall the whole OPERATING system, Windows XP Pro.Go to Device Manager and uninstall the keyboard. Restart the PC and Windows will DETECT and reinstall it.I tried that twice with no luck. I also copied over the 2 driver FILES from the good partition with no luck. Any other ideas?If you look at the bottom row of keys on the left hand side, there is a fn key, next to the Ctrl key -press and hold the fn key and then hit f9 key.

What was spilled on the laptop ? ?
Nothing. Even if it did, it's a Panasonic toughbook, supposedly military grade. It should be able to with stand a little BEER spillage

I've narrowed it down. It's not the keyboard or the drivers, it's the Panasonic Hotkey software that comes with the laptop. I'll play with that.Check the keyboard mapping in this pic....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fn_key

Does it look like yours?
Yeah, basically the same keyboard. Only the blue numbers 0-9 are affected. I'm going try to reinstall just the Panasonic software tomorrow.The blue numbers are activated by the "fn" key. By pushing and holding it down than hitting the F9 key it should switch your machine back to normal.

If that doesn't work than take a look at your manual and see which "F" keyis the right one. Most laptops use the F9 key to switch back and forth...

I tried everything including looking at the registry, turning off the Startup programs, and uninstalling the software. Nothing worked.

I was looking for a keyboard reprogramming utility at majorgeeks and found a forum posting with the same issue on a different laptop. Shift+Numlock was the problem. Arrggghhh.

Can I just install XP Pro over Windows XP Home or should I re-format?Yes to both questions.

Yes, you can install over XP Home. But it's BETTER to do a clean install.Can anyone tell me what is the difference between XP Home & XP Pro? I know Pro WOULD be more powerful, but what are some of the features that MAKE it different/better.

The reason I ask is when SEARCHING new/refurbished computers running on XP, the only thing I'm seeing is XP Pro.

Thanks for your inputhttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx

comparison provided by Microsoft

Logging into my WINDOWS XP MACHINE has slowed down significantly and may have been stopped altogether. I went out once, came back and apparently the POWER had gone out for a bit. When I tried logging into windows, I was able to get in, and I was able to start up Mozilla and such, but I could not really interact with my desktop MUCH, my start menu was very slow, etc. I'm not sure what happened, but what can I do to get more information to fix it.

It seems that other accounts are WORKING okay, just mine is extraordinarily slow when working with the start menu or desktop.Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
Click on Download HijackThis Installer
Post HijackTHis log.If it's fine on the other accounts it's possible your account has gotten corrupted...