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Computer Related Questions - Volume 68 - Dynamic Dave

******** This thread now closed. Please see Volume 69 ********

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=35667


In this thread you may ask any computer related question for which you need help, advice, suggestions or whatever.

Usual rules apply,

No motoring related discussion,
No politics,
No Speeding, speed cameras, traffic calming
No arguments or slanging matches
Nothing which I think is not following the spirit of the thread
Nothing that risks the future of this site (please see the small print for details www.honestjohn.co.uk/credits/index.htm )

Any of the above will be deleted. If the thread becomes difficult to maintain it will simply be removed.

There is a wealth of knowledge in here, much of which is not motoring related, but most of which is useful.

This is Volume 68. Previous Volumes will not be deleted.

A list of previous volumes can be found here:-
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=20892


PLEASE NOTE:

When posting a NEW question, please "Reply to" the first message in this thread, i.e. this one. This keeps each question in it's own separate segment and stops each new question from getting mixed up in amongst existing questions. Also please remember to change the subject header.

Backing Up PC - Round The Bend
I was lucky when my hard drive crashed recently and was able to salvage most of my important data. I have realised that I need to back my stuff up - but what is the best and most efficent way of doing this?
I run a 3 year old Dell with Home XP.
Backing Up PC - Stuartli
I use Ghost and a separate partition on my hard drive for backup purposes, but you might like to read up a bit on the subject:

www.langa.com/backups/backups.htm
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Backing Up PC - No FM2R
>>I use Ghost and a separate partition on my hard drive for backup purposes

That's ok for corruptions, viruses and mistakes, but its not going to help if the disk goes toes up.

I backup the entire PC to an external disk every month or so. Documents, E-mails and the like are backed up every night to an external disk and once a week or so away from home.

Your first decision is how important your stuff is. If you have nothing you care about then don't do any back ups at all but make sure you retain the installation disks.

For example I backed up my wife's laptop once about a year ago. Other than retaining a copy of all her photos elsewhere, I don't do anything else.

Whereas my data is kept very safe and backups are frequent.
Backing Up PC - Stuartli
but its not going to help if the disk goes toes up.>>


I perhaps should have added that pix files, My Documents and similar are burned on CD-Rs as well using multisession mode until each individual disk is full.

However, there's very little I do these days documents wise that warrants serious backing up.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Recognising network drives in DOS - mfarrow
Hi

Windows XP Home Edition

I have a batch file which copies all my important stuff onto a network drive on a seperate computer.

When I turn the backup PC on, the drive, and hence the computer, is not immediately recognised by the command prompt, such that it "can't find the drive" or similar. To rectify this I have to remember to go into Windows Explorer and click on the drive letter so that it connects. Then the command prompt will recognise it.

My question is, is there a way to make DOS recognise the drive without going through Windows Explorer every time?

Thanks


--------------
Mike Farrow
Recognising network drives in DOS - smokie
Someone will remember how to use the Net Use command which you can enter earlier in your batch file.

If they don't I'll look it up later.

Or you could turn the backup computer on first and set up a persistent connection.

Recognising network drives in DOS - codefarm
Just add these lines to the batch file

net use Z: /delete

net use Z: \\computername\sharename

Obviously change Z, computername and sharename

If you get problems doing this, and the computer 'computername' is NT-type (NT/2k/XP), check the event log (Start>Run EVENTVWR.MSC and look at the security log) to see what your client computer is attempting to login as.

If you have problems due to the user naming, you can force a logon of a specified user on the remote computer with

net use Z: \\computername\sharename /user:username

If you get prompted for a password and this is a problem, you could create a username on the server machine without a password and use that, although I don't recommend it!

Let the group know if you have any issues

Recognising network drives in DOS - codefarm
net use Z: \computernamesharename


Whoops. Some editing being done there.

That should be _two_ backslashes, the computername, a single backslash, followed by the sharename.

Recognising network drives in DOS - Dynamic Dave
Whoops. Some editing being done there.


Not quite. The forum can't deal with multiple backslashes and automatically omits them. DD.
Recognising network drives in DOS - codefarm
Yes I didn't mean to imply manual editing, I assumed something like that.
Registry Mechanic - Live Update - drbe
When I try to run live update on Registry mechanic, I get the message "Error downloading list of Available Updates" (or words to that effect).

Any ideas what the problem might be?

Thanks Don
Registry Mechanic - Live Update - Dalglish
Any ideas what the problem might be?

>>

latest version - afaik - of regmech is 5.0.0.144

in reply to your question, answer from the horses mouth, so to speak -

www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/answers/id/70/

am having problems with Live Update.
The problem you are experiencing is generally due to one of the following three reasons:

No Internet connection - please ensure you are connected to the Internet when attempting to perform a Live Update.
Firewall / Proxy Server blockage - you may need to temporarily disable your firewall or proxy server to perform Live Update, as these could interpret the Registry Mechanic's update function as a malicious process. If possible, place Registry Mechanic's 'liveupdate.exe' on your firewall or proxy server's 'Allowed Processes' list. This will allow you to run future Live Updates with your firewall or proxy server enabled.
Virus Scanner interference - you may need to temporarily disable your virus scanner to perform a Live Update, as these could determine the download as an attempt to infect your computer with a virus. Please remember to re-enable your Virus Scanner when Live Update has completed.



Copying my email address book - BobbyG
On my desktop I have Outlook Express which I use for my blueyonder email account.

I have a laptop also and I can access my blueyonder email account through Telewest's website. How do I copy my address book over from my Outlook Express to the other email? I assume it must be some sort of import function but not sure what?

My OE is running on Windows 98 if thats relevant.
Copying my email address book - Dynamic Dave
On your desktop pc, click on file and select Export-address book. Export it as a Text File (comma separated values) and give it a filename and save to a floppy disc.

Now on your laptop, do the reverse - that being import the file you've just created using the same menu in Outlook Express.
Copying my email address book - Dynamic Dave
Hang on, scrub that. I've just re-read your post and see that you want to copy your OE address book over to your online email account.
Copying my email address book - Dalglish
Hang on, scrub that

>>

ditto.
my reply below falls in the same category if we have both misread bobby's question.

Copying my email address book - Dalglish
How do I copy my address book over from my Outlook Express to
the other email?

>>

rather than write it all out, i will refer you to the expert at the daily telegraph who has now set up his own website:

www.rickmaybury.com/

on the left column there, you will find this link:
Moving Outlook Express
www.rickmaybury.com/bootpages/boot04/309.htm

Copying my email address book - BobbyG
Yeah guys thats right, I want to copy from my OE to my online account ( which I can access from my desktop as well)
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
If it's web based then I'm not entirely sure you can Bobby. There'd have to be some way of uploading the address book which as far as I'm aware, you can't.

Sorry.
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
On the online email, it gives me the option of importing an address book as a CSV file? Whatever that is?
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
In that case then, yes, you can.

Hold on whilst I have a fiddle with OE.
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
Right.

Go into OE, click File, Export - Address Book

Click the bottom one (Text File - Comma Separated Values) and save it somewhere.

Then, on the web mail thing, point it the the CSV file you've just saved and upload it and it shoudl work.
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
Cheers for that Adam, that looks more like it, however its still not working but I think its maybe a Blueyonder error.
It is asking me to select the file, then click Import. But when I click import it tells me to select a file. I will try contacting them.
Thanks again,
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
I'm afraid without seeing the general layout Bobby I can't really help.

Do you have to point it to the file and click upload? Is it telling you to select it after you've done this?
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
Yeah, I will try and explain.

It has a browse button which takes you into your explorer, you select the file and it appears in this browse window. But nothing further actually happens. There is a button "import csv file" but when you press that, it goes to another screen telling you that to import an address book you need to go to the page that you were just in!

Does that make sense? There seems to be a page design fault that is missing an upload or whatever button to actually bring the file up.
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
What browser are you using? And are you using any pop-up blockers?
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
don't know, and yes!
Internet Explorer? Have pop up blockers through yahoo as well as Sygate?

Adam you know I am not technical in the slightest when it comes to these things!
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
Yeah I know ;-)

Bear with me. I'm having a look at the BlueYonder webmail site now.
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
Right - according to the help, a new window shoudl open when you import the file to ask which file. It sounds like it's doing this but just to be sure, disable the pop-up blocker. (I can't see it being this but you never know). Then try again.

Also, manually browse to where you saved the address book and make sure it's a CSV file. (Right click/properties should tell you).
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
webmail.blueyonder.co.uk/

I access it through the above but obviously need passwords etc. There is a help section that tells you how to import from their old web based email to this one, and how to import into OE. But not how to export from OE to theis new web mail?

Or am I just being an idiot!
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
That's the site I was just looking at Bobby. It doesn't matter what you're importing from as long as it's a CSV file so I'm at a loss. I'm afraid there's not much more I can do other than ask my Uncle tomorrow who has Blueyonder. If his doesn't work, then it'll be too much of a coincidence. If it does, then I'll report back.
Copying my email address book - VR6
BobbyG,

I have the exact same problem. I have Outlook on my PC and a blueyonder account.
I see myself as relativly good at most things 'computer', but for the life of me I cannot import addresses into Blueyonder. I tried a few months ago, and again just now. I get the same thing you do - the website directs me to the same page.
Copying my email address book - smokie
Tried calling Blueyonder support?
Copying my email address book - BobbyG
Adam , thanks for your time and effort. If your uncle can help, all the better.
VR6, thank you, thank you, thank you for restoring my faith that I am not completely computer illiterate, although I am almost there!
Copying my email address book - Adam {P}
No problem Bobby. Hopefully we'll get it sorted. He's got all the antivirus and firewall rubbish from Blueyonder so I imagine he does his mail through it too. And if not, I'll just make him let me tinker with his account!
Copying my email address book - VR6
No worries! I've just copied and pasted all my email contacts from excel onto a new email in webmail and saved it as a draft - so at least I have them when i'm not at my home PC.
Reusing CDR's - mare
Hoping for a plain english answer.

I have a laptop and desktop. if i want to move a file from desktop to laptop, I tend to burn the file onto a CD in the desktop and load the CD on the laptop and save onto C drive. Much the same as you used to do with 3.5" floppy discs

All's well, except when you want to add or delete a file from the CD. Neither the laptop or desktop will let me do this. Surely i should be able to clear the CD ready for re-use.

To summarise, i am trying to use the CD as though it is a floppy disc. Shoudl i be able to, or are they different? What am i missing?

TIA
Reusing CDR's - Adam {P}
If you want to use the disc as a floppy, you need a CD-RW (CD re-writable).

Providing you don't "finish" the disc when you use a CD-R, you can add files to it but not delete it.

So, CD-RWs - add and remove data

CD-R - add data only.
Reusing CDR's - deepwith
I might be missing something here, but why write a CD-R at all? Buy an ethernet cable for a fiver and link the computers to transfer files. Even easier if you have wireless connection to make two computer network.
Reusing CDR's - Adam {P}
Assuming the computer has a network card and the laptop (probably).

If it's only a one off then there's no point but if it's a regular thing then yeah, the network idea is a good idea.
Reusing CDR's - Stuartli
>>Providing you don't "finish" the disc when you use a CD-R, you can add files to it but not delete it.>>

You need to Start and then use a CD-R in multisession mode to be able to keep adding files etc until it is full and then Finalise it just before the final burning.

To use a CD-RW as a "hard disk" requires In-CD (with Nero) but, to be honest, CD-RW disks are not as reliable as CD-Rs as their reflectivity levels are very much lower and other drives often have difficulty reading them.

A great website for CD and DVD media advice is:

www.cdrfaq.org

which carries dozens of articles on all aspects of media and hardware.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Reusing CDR's - PhilW
Mare,
How about using a memory stick thing - just like a floppy but plug into USB and even the small memory ones are equivalent to about 100 floppies for about £10 ish. Really useful little things.
(Hope I have interpreted your q correctly)
Phil
Reusing CDR's - Adam {P}
Yeah - a USB pen would work too.
Reusing CDR's - Stuartli
Really useful little things.>>


Quite often I use a similar method when updating other systems and I haven't burned something to disk.

However, in my case it's a memory card reader/writer and I download whatever is required on to a 256MB Secure Digital memory card (it normally does duty in my Minolta digital camera).

I just make sure that afterwards non-pix files are deleted whilst connected to the system and the card reformatted in the camera before use.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Reusing CDR's - mare
Phil, you have intepreted the question perfectly, and what a good idea. USB pen it is!

Told you i was missing something!

thanks all for the replies
No phone line but ADSL OK - Citroënian {P}
Bit of a long shot this one.

Our BT phoneline has gone on the blink - no dialtone. Unplugged every phone in the house, plugged a couple of known good phones into the first socket that comes from the wire outside. Zilch. Nada.

But with my router plugged in, the ADSL works.

Eh?

BT are coming on Sunday to have a look but are threatening to charge me if it's inside the house (which I can't really see as with nothing plugged it it's still shabbered.

I've Googled for some help but can't really find anything useful.

Any ideas? I've had some good help already today with the anit-roll bar.

Cheers,

-- Lee .. A festivus for the rest of us.
No phone line but ADSL OK - Civic8
try this, as they do an online check think you need to give a mobile no for them to get in touch with you

www2.bt.com/btPortal/application?pageid=ftpd_hub&s...e
--
Steve
No phone line but ADSL OK - buzbee
You should be OK for a free service. I have done the same fairly recently.

Just to double check, you disconnected everything, including any wire used as an extension to other sockets. Then you plugged a phone in to that first master socket, and then you tried a second phone.

There is one more stage. You you can take out the two screws that hold the front cover on the socket and take it off to leave a similar socket inside on which you can repeat the test -- the BT man will do that.

Then you can then say with a fair degree of certainty, it is their problem not yours.
No phone line but ADSL OK - Citroënian {P}
Good stuff (and thanks again Steve.o - top of the class today!)

The two screwed box : I had a confused conversation with the BT lady in Bangalore or whereever they are now - I couldn't find a socket that had a cover with another socket inside it.

Our house has a cable running down the outside then into the living room and into a small box (single screw). This box then feeds another box which has BT written on it. Both just have a few wires in them and they're happily connected.

Had another look at it and it appears to think it's got a phone that hasn't hung up somewhere (screeching tone like you get when you forget to put down the receiver). The line also has terrible noise on it which makes anything except this tone very hard to hear. Unplugging everything still doesn't make it hang up. No does hanging up a connected phone (nothing else connected). Stupid thing.

If you've got this far, I'd appreciate your views!

Lee

-- Lee .. A festivus for the rest of us.
No phone line but ADSL OK - Civic8
Got me confused now,No I think the box you mean is the first box the BT line goes into.one screw in centre of box,the connections from that box go into first phone line/box.with two screws,My problem was I lost phone altogether.But had internet ie ADSL, This is why I gave you link.turned out the cable from house to post was badly worn,after it was replaced no problem at all/apart from service-I then changed to NTL..as a ps they do more than confuse,and wonder how many hang up in frustration??
--
Steve
No phone line but ADSL OK - Dalglish
I couldn't find a socket that had a cover with another socket
inside it.

>>

these are the latest "nte5" standard phone sockets. it seems you may have the old style "lj 1/2/3" socket.

from your description, it seems likely that at some point a wire may have worked loose and shorting the circuit.

see info on bt sockets/wiring and "Wiring Faults" at

www.telephonesuk.co.uk/wiring_info.htm

other adsl info:
www.solwise.co.uk/adsl-around-the-home.htm
www.solwise.co.uk/adsl_splitters.htm

No phone line but ADSL OK - Citroënian {P}
Great links there D, thanks. The first one reassures me that I'm running some king of stone age socket in the house. I'm hoping that the BT chap/chapess will replace our ancient box with an NTE5. At least then I'd have a level playing field.

Thanks too to buzbee, I've tried what you suggested and the phone still doesn't work. Can't see what more I could reasonably do.

They're coming out on Sunday, I'll post back what the result it.

(Oh, and the ADSL has gone off too so I couldn't post back last night :-( ). Can't believe how frustrating it is not to have Internet at home!!


-- Lee .. A festivus for the rest of us.
No phone line but ADSL OK - harry m
have you tried taking out all the filters and tried for dial tone,some filters are pants and you can get the symptoms that you speak of.it could also be 1 leg of the line is faulty this could be a bt fault or something of yours.the safest bet iff you have a master socket is to take off the bottom plate and try it from there.bt's responsability ends at the master socket.hope this helps.
No phone line but ADSL OK - harry m
sorry looks like buzbee beat me to it.
No phone line but ADSL OK - Stuartli
Do you use the 1571 service?

If messages are not deleted, this will bring a gradually increasing screeching sound and, if you have a dialup modem, will probably prevent it connecting to your ISP.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
No phone line but ADSL OK - buzbee
Phone problem

I missed a bit out in my test suggestions.

It was the bit about having an ADSL filter on the end of the test-phone lead before you plug it in as a tester.

Not having a filter might be the reason for not clearly hearing the 'phone off the hook' sound, as the ADSL signals will come up the phone line. They, in themselves, are of too high a frequency to hear, but they could still affect the phone's performance.

Using a filter should remove the last bit of doubt about the line fault being yours.

It does sound as though something IS across the line somewhere and the system thinks you have not put a phone back on the hook -- could be an outside line fault.

If you are OK with using a test meter you could measure the line voltage as another indication (use a chopped off piece of an old phone and plug that in). The voltage (DC) is usually pretty close to 50 volts, like 49.5V or 50.5, until you pick up a phone and then it drops to much lower, something like 12 volts.
No phone line but ADSL OK - Citroënian {P}
Thanks to everyone for the advice - I'm now back up and running. The ADSL connection eventually failed too but a visit from the friendly BT chap today has rectified the problem. It was something to do with the connection from outside the house so he's swapped the wire pair over and it's now ok.

My broadband speed has dropped a little but that may just be contention at the moment - still, it's nice to have t'interweb back, was a little lost without it!

Thanks again,

-- Lee .. A festivus for the rest of us.
How can I print BIG letters? - Steptoe
I want to put a for sale notice in the windscreen large enough to be seen from 50yds, sorry I should say 50ms, away.

No problem I thought, I'll print 'FOR' on one A4 sheet and 'SALE' on another, except I can't, Grrr...the best I can do is ¾ " high letters, barely enough to be seen from across the room never mind the road.

To save me the ignominy of asking grandson to do it can anyone advise how to blow up the letters or lose the blank part of the document?

PLUS;
To save opening another thread is there any way of checking the functionality of RAM apart from by substitution?

On boot-up the screen proudly announces .0 MB RAM, though the specs page still shows 512 MB. I wouldn't normally be concerned but recently the hard drive has worked excessively for even minor tasks, and the computer runs more slowly so I'm wondering if it is running on virtual memory only

----------------------------------------------

One mans junk is another mans treasure
How can I print BIG letters? - mfarrow
Are you using MS Word? You can type in a bigger font size in the little box so that it goes above 72.
the screen proudly announces .0 MB RAM, though the
specs page still shows 512 MB. I wouldn't normally be concerned
but recently the hard drive has worked excessively for even minor
tasks, and the computer runs more slowly so I'm wondering if
it is running on virtual memory only


Best to open the case, unplug the memory, give it and the sicket a good blow, and put it back in. See if this cures the problem. Might be dust or slightly oxidised contacts.

No PC will run on virtual memory only.

--------------
Mike Farrow
How can I print BIG letters? - Steptoe
Mike, you're brilliant, as MS word gives such a choice of fonts I thought that's all there was!

Anyway job done, letters printed out, cut and pasted in the old fashioned way with scissors and sellotape, now off outside to wash van ready to display it in station car park tomorrow.

I will wait for the next wet sunday to delve into computer innards!!
----------------------------------------------

One mans junk is another mans treasure
How can I print BIG letters? - No FM2R
what software are you using ? Notepad ?
Creating a web-space to download info - Nsar
Hi,
I'm running a campaign for local residents to oppose a controversial planning application and I'd like to create a webspace where residents can cut and paste info and text into their letters of objection.
I have to do this by noon on Tuesday latest and whilst I'm not a complete numbskull it needs to be v simple to do.
My ISP is Tiscali - do they offer something or perhaps if I directed people to blog I created, I could simply stuff the copy in there, but a nice neat web-page would preferable and a bit more user friendly.
As always thanks for any suggestions.
Creating a web-space to download info - Stuartli
Tiscali offers personal website hosting.

You can create web pages using Microsoft Frontpage or, more simple types, with Office/Word or Publisher. You'll find a wizard to make it easier to create web pages:

office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH0608327610...x

office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH0608327610...x

www.silentwitness.net/sub/createWithMicrosoftWord....m

www.bcschools.net/staff/PublisherHelp.htm

www.microsoft.com/Education/Publisher2000Tutorial....x
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Creating a web-space to download info - Baskerville
For speed a blog is best (it takes about 5 minutes to set one up on Blogger) and you can always link the blog with a website when you get it going. It is very easy to create an awful-looking, difficult to navigate website and unless you are experienced in web design it takes a while to get it right and test them properly. Having said that, for a good, free wysiwyg web editor, try Nvu:

www.nvu.com/

It's not Dreamweaver, but it's not as far off as you might think.

However I would question the wisdom of having "cut and paste" letters. Information about how to write a letter is good, but "rent a letter" campaigns never come across as well as individually authored letters, however bad some of them may be.


Loading XP - problems - Robin
I am trying to re-install Windows XP on my PC and am having problems. So far I have reformatted the hard disc and created 2 partitions (using the Windows XP disc to do this). The next step is fro the CD to copy all the necessary files onto the disc. This seems to work fine. Then setup wants to restart the PC. This is where the problems start. I find that the setup then goes through exactly the same steps as before ? copying files and restarting the PC, with the exception that it tells me there is an existing installation of XP on the disc and giving me option of deleting it or installing in a different place.
It seems that instead of finding the 'thing' that says 'continue with setup' the CD is going back to the start of the setup routine.
I have the BIOS set to boot from CD. If I press F8 during the bootup I can then select the hard disc as the place to boot from. If I do this, the system just hangs and does nothing. Should I reset the BIOS so that bootup is from the HD automatically?

I have successfully loaded and run XP from this disc in the past so I don?t know what I am doing wrong this time. Any suggestions?
Loading XP - problems - Adam {P}
Stupid question - when it restarts, you're not "Pressing any key to boot from cd" are you?


Loading XP - problems - Robin
Oh dear. If its a stupid question then perhaps I am being daft because, yes I am pressing any key to reboot from CD. Is there something else I should be doing?
Loading XP - problems - Adam {P}
Hi Robin,

You only have to press the key to boot from cd once. So when it copies the files over and restarts, it doesn't need you to press it again. If that's what you're doing then I'm 90% that's what your problem is. If not, I'm afraid I'm stumped.
Loading XP - problems - Stuartli
It sounds as though a Repair will be sufficient as XP is apparently already installed.

To save typing out all the info again (it's also listed in previous Computer Related questions) here's what to do (just set the Bios to boot from CD and have the XP disk ready to run):

www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Do NOT choose the Recovery Console but R for Repair after the initial prompts.

You will probably have to also reinstall SP2 and any updates since SP2 was released just over a year ago.

PS

You shouldn't have to press F8 - the boot from CD is/should be sufficient.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Loading XP - problems - Robin
I'll give this a go tonight. The software is not installed though: all it has done so far is copy files onto the HD. It has not yet installed anything, (ie the hour long install process) even though when the CD runs it says it has found another version of XP. I think it means that it has found ciopied files
Loading XP - problems - Stuartli
>>(ie the hour long install process)>>

A Repair should take about 38-40 minutes (+ SP2) - can't remember how long a new installation takes as it's around two years since I first did it.

Perhaps it might be worth reading this Microsoft Knowledge Base article first:

support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313348
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Loading XP - problems - Stuartli
PS

You need to boot from CD because the Repair (or installation) is being performed from the disk.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Loading XP - problems - smokie
If the installation was proceeding normally, I think it copies a load of files then asks you to remove the CD and boot from hard disk, whereupon it continues with the installation from the hard disk. That's from memory, so may be wrong.

If your hard disk isn't able to boot (hangs) then the Master Boot Record may be knackered. There is a utility to fix MBRs on the CD. Called fixmbr If I remember correctly...

Not sure a recovery can fix a partial installation can it?



There's a point towards the end of the installation where I kept getting to a screen saying a file is missing. Can't remember what it is, but if you leave it alone for 30 mins or so then Retry it will carry on... There is another fix which involves opening a CMD window but I can't remember it now. if you hit that problem, come back and I can research it.
Loading XP - problems - Robin
Thanks to all for the heplful advice. A combinatin of not pressng a key to reboot from the CD (doh!), use of fixmbr and a bit of reformatting led to a successful installation of Windows XP.

A virtual pint for Adam, Smokie and Stuartli.

Great stuff!
Loading XP - problems - Stuartli
The normal reason for undertaking a Repair rather than a full installation of XP is that it preserves the programs, applications, configuration etc that is already on the hard drive.

Another equally valid reason is if you install a new motherboard. XP doesn't always take to a new mobo, so immediately one has been installed an XP Repair should be carried out to preserve the hard drive's data etc.

I've only installed XP Pro once and, subseqently, had to Repair it twice; the first time for reasons which I've forgotten and the second was after acquiring a replacement Gigabbte motherboard. It all, thankfully, went very smoothly.
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re-setting log-in password - Nsar
My pc has a password I have to enter before I can boot up. I'd like to change it but have no idea how.
I'm running XP Pro
re-setting log-in password - Adam {P}
Go into My Computer, then Control Panel, and then User Accounts
it should be fairly obvious from there.
re-setting log-in password - Nsar
Cheers
CD-RW Drive not reading - VR6
Im having the following problem:

If I copy files from my PC onto a CD-RW via Nero or Rioxo software it works. However, if i try to copy them via Microsoft explorer, i get the Microsoft CD Writing Wizard but it will not copy the fies, it asks me to insert a writable CD. The CD drive doesn't even scan the CD.
CD-RW Drive not reading - Stuartli
I prefer the Nero way but if you go to XP's Help and Support with regard to CD recording and Windows Explorer, it states that you should open files and folders from My Computer (not Explorer).

If you key in "CD Recording + Windows Explorer" into Help and Support's Index, the procedure to follow is detailed.
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CD-RW Drive not reading - Stuartli
A small point. Most rewriters don't like more than one burning program installed...:-)

tinyurl.com/6nnxx

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CD-RW Drive not reading - VR6
Thanks for the above, but ive now tried going through My Computer with Nero uninstalled. Still no better. I can still copy using Rioxo software.

It was working last week, the only thing which has happened since then was XP automatically downloading a security update.

Im stuck for ideas on what it could be. I think the above rules out a hardware problem.
CD-RW Drive not reading - smokie
Not especially helpful, but if it works one way why bother that it doesn't work another?

I don't use the Windows method so I'm not sure about this, but I thought you out stuff into the folder to copy and then had to tell it to copy it to CD once you were ready...?
help! - Imagos
Some of the ad's to the left are just boxs with red cross's in them, get this a lot on webpage photo's and GIF's not just here, for example ebay hits counters are just the same, a red cross in a box.

anyone know how to get over this?
help! - Baskerville
It sounds like you've done something to prevent images loading, possibly those from secondary sites. There is a check box for this in the Web Features part of Firefox's preferences panel. If it's not that then you need to check you don't have an extension installed that is doing it (uninstall them one by one), or that you haven't edited something out by mistake while tweaking it manually. It's not FF itself, by the way, as both my work machines display the images in question.

Another alternative is that your wife has set up a forcefield blocking gadget and car-related advertising in an attempt to keep you out of the workhouse in your old age.
Broadband Usage - Robin
Hi,

having just spent the evening reinstalling Windows XP (with the help of the BR) I now have a Broadband connection. It is one of those with a monthly limit. Does anyone know of a piec of software that one can use to monitor periodic usage?
Broadband Usage - smokie
There are lots of them so long as you are connecting from just one PC.

Go to www.tucows.com and search for meter.
Broadband Usage - Stuartli
>>Does anyone know of a piec of software that one can use to monitor periodic usage?>>

homepages.paradise.net.nz/link/tbm/

Small download, daily and monthly usage.
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XP boot up problem - Robin Reliant
For quite a while now, every time I start my pc it gets past the screen where you can get into the BIOS etc, then caeses to load and presents me with a list of options, Safe mode, Reboot etc etc.

When I highlight and click the Start Windows XP option it then continues to load normally. This is continuing despite a full re-install from the recovery cd that came with the pc, done purely as a housekeeping measure.

Any ideas?
XP boot up problem - smokie
Does it shut down normally? That screen will appear when it has been preceded by an abrupt close (maybe pulling the plug)
XP boot up problem - Robin Reliant
Shutdown is completely normal.
Broadband and ZoneAlarm - Robin
Oh dear - more PC woes. I have just installed Wanadoo's broadband service. I have ZoneAlarm Pro on my PC and they seem not to like each other. If ZA is running then I cannot even conenect to the internet. This clearly sounds like i have the settings on ZA wrong. There is more to it than that though.
I installed Win XP, then ZA then a virus checker (AVG). Then I installed the modem and switched it on. No problems- superfast access to the BR. However, ZA then decided to update itself. After this, no more internet (all websites come back as not available and if I disconnect the modem then I cannot reconnect). However, uninstalling ZA aand resarting the PC does not help. To get back on the internet I have to reinstall the modem software. SO at the moment I have a connecton but no Firewall. (well, I may have the firewall in XP working but I'm not sure)
Any one got any ideas how to resolve this?
Broadband and ZoneAlarm - Stuartli
I presume that you have granted permission for your browser and e-mail programs to assess the Internet in ZoneAlarm?

The firewall in XP (a less secure substitute for ZA) is assessed from Security Center (Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools or Control Panel>Windows Firewall) and can be Enabled or Disabled there. Only one firewall should be running.

I would suggest downloading the latest version of ZA (6.0.667.000) which I suspect you had already done.

Use Add/Remove Programs to uninstall the present copy of ZA and then reinstall, selecting Clean Install, and when configuring ensure that Automatic Updates is Disabled from the Overview tab>Preferences tab.

Updates are only issued every two or three months and you'll soon get to know when a new one is released. You wouldn't come to any harm in the meantime if it's a little while before updating.
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Broadband and ZoneAlarm - Stuartli
PS

I notice you have ZA Pro (the Pro started on a new line) so not sure if you are able to download latest version compared to free version.

I find that ZA free does everything that I require and that is with broadband use.
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Broadband and ZoneAlarm - Robin
Ahem - coughs in an embarrassed way. I think I have found the problem and it is not ZA. My PC has a number of USB ports on different parts of the back and front cases. I noticed that when I connect my memory stick (via an extension cable) to the PC the modem hangs. I think it might be significant that the memory stick and Modem USB sockets are right next to each other. I now have the 2 connected to different parts of the back case and everything is fine.

Thanks for your help Stuart. Cheers
What antispyware tools? - Baskerville
A mate of mine has just started with broadband this week. On my advice he's hiding Windows XP Home behind a Netgear router/firewall and running AVG anti-virus and Zonealarm. He's also using Firefox for its spyware-reduction features.

As it's going to be me who makes sure this machine stays clean as far as possible, and not being a Windows user myself, I wondered what anti-spyware/adware software he should be running. I know MS does an antispyware tool, but is it going to remain free? And since MS also just bought Claria/Gator, notorious maker of spyware for the masses, can it be trusted? I guess I'll need to sort him out with more than one tool for this anyway as historically some were better at detecting some things than others, but which ones play nice together?
What antispyware tools? - smokie
Doesn't really matter if it's going to remain free, the MS spyware tool is free now. If they start charging in future then millions will have to rethink their strategy. Remember people will knock it cos it's Microsoft but it does for me. I use that, and Avast virus stuff, and an old product which blocks certain registry changes until ytou confirm you want them applied (WinPatrol). It isn't infallible though.
What antispyware tools? - borasport20
"Ad-Aware','Spybot Search and Destroy' and 'SpyWare Blaster' are what I use, having seen them recommended here before.
At home, they run with XP Home, AVG, Zone Alarm and I have no noticeable conflicts

hth


What antispyware tools? - Stuartli
The MS Anti-Spyware utility is very efficient.

However, good though AVG anti-virus is (and I used it for a number of years) I would recommended that you change it to Avast! (www.avast.com) which is equally as efficient, but has the wonderful bonus (for the uninitiated) that it updates itself automatically when you go online.

It also provides a vocal indication of any updates and a screen pops up as well with the details.

Further, with regard to Firefox, which I also use. May I suggest that you add its e-mail companion, Thunderbird, to the lineup?

In both cases, in contrast to the constant requirement to keep on top of security issues with both IE and OE, they are very much safer and updated versions are infrequent.

The suggestion made by BoraSport with regard to ZoneAlarm, Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.6, SpywareBlaster and Search and Destroy (all free) is also very sensible (I use them all), but it must be emphasised that they have to be kept updated on a regular basis to ensure they can perform their dedicated tasks efficiently.

If ZoneAlarm is installed (strongly recommended) you should Disable the Windows Firewall from Security Center as it is not as effective as ZA.
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What antispyware tools? - Stuartli
PS

You can import Outlook Express settings, configuration, address book etc into Thunderbird either when installing it or afterwards from T'bird's Tools>Import.
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What antispyware tools? - No FM2R
I don't use anti-virus software on my own machines, its a pain in the butt.

Mind you, I don't download loads of rubbish from the internet or open attachments which are either unexpected or from someone I don't know.

A firewall is essential though and I like ZoneAlarm - that'll stop most things. Not only that, but it tells you what's going on. That can be useful.

I use spybot as well - again because it tells you what is going on as well as preventing stuff.

I also run Ad-Aware, MS Anti-spyware and monthly or so online checks with Panda. I couldn't tell you the last time that any of them turned up anything, but it was a long time ago.

IMO Firefox and the like are only perrceived to be safer becuase by and large nobody bothers to have a go at them. That will change and then there will be the concern that they don't seem to keep such an eye on leaks as Microsoft do.

Finally I keep nothing on the computer alone if I care about it. You could take a sledge-hammer to any one of mine and all I'll sugffer is the pain of having to get another one. If you keep the only copy of something important and it gets stuffed up then you only have yourself to blame.

I don't really do backups, other then when I'm bored. Except that I keep one whole copy in case I do have a sledge-hammer moment because its easier than having to wade through the details of configuring a machine how I like it, and I have CD copies and external disk copies of my photographs.

Final piece of advice would be what you use a computer for - if you are not happy for an e-mail or document of yours to be printed, have your name written on it, and then be nailed to a noticeboard, then don't do it at all, because that can happen.
What antispyware tools? - Stuartli
>>or open attachments which are either unexpected or from someone I don't know.>>

If you use Outlook Express and want the safest possible protection permanently Disable the Preview Pane - you can still check e-mails out by highlighting an e-mail, right clicking on it and selecting Properties.

The Details tab and Message Source will reveal all and, if anything is doubtful, keep clicking Cancel and then delete the e-mail using the Toolbar's Delete button. Delete again if required from the Trash folder.

Merely clicking on e-mails with the Preview Pane open may/can instantly set nasties into operation....:-((
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What antispyware tools? - Baskerville
Thanks for all the responses and the software titles--time to get busy downloading. I've already suggested Thunderbird for email, but this is a family that uses webmail (a corporate system and Hotmail) quite happily even on dialup, so I'm not sure I'll persuade them to change.

Thanks Stuartli for the tip about Avast! I went for AVG simply because I used to use it, but automatic updating is a good thing. Next time I'm round there I'll set it up.
What antispyware tools? - borasport20
Thanks Stuartli for the tip about Avast! I went for AVG
simply because I used to use it, but automatic updating is
a good thing. Next time I'm round there I'll set it
up.


It must be possible to configure AVG to auto-update, because mine does most times I log on !


What antispyware tools? - Stuartli
>>It must be possible to configure AVG to auto-update, because mine does most times I log on!

Yes, it is. But it's at a fixed time and, to work, your system has to be switched on during that period. Hence it's preferable to update AVG manually and at least one computer forum I regularly visit has members who advise whether there are new AVG, SpywareBlaster, S and D etc updates available. The news then gets passed on to other users in turn.

Avast! simplifies the task as it's automatic, either when you switch on the system for the first time in the day or updates that are released subsequently later in the day.

It's also very quick to download compared to AVG. I've nothing against AVG, but I originally started to use it on friends and family's systems because it removed one element of potential danger if viruses etc were not nabbed in time and decided to use it myself as well.

PS

You set the AVG update time to suit your computer usage - the fixed time is not decided by Grisoft...:-)
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