Got XP OEM...
 

Which means I have no manual.Can anyone point me in the right direction before I install XP? :tu:

Yes,yes I know about backing up that which I want to keep and making a note about serial numbers and key codes.

Do I even need a manual?


As for sorting out my BB afterwards...Oh cr@p I'm not looking forward to this. :disturbd:

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Shouldn't be too hard Coggy, how are you connecting to BB? XP should pick up the networking device and configure it for you. I've reloaded XP a few times so far and it's run out of the box each time :)
Maunal wise you can learn most things as you go along (or ask here lol) and other than that the help files can be very handy ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If you are connected by Ethernet cable then the PC should just discover this and set it up, so hopefully no cr@p.

We'll send out a search party in 24 hours.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Don't suppose you have XP SP1 downloaded to your pc do you Coggy? It will save a lot of time running windows update when you finish :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

it might have sp1 on it , mine does :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I'm connected through the STB using the USB connection.

Should it make much difference?

Perhaps I should ask this in the BB section

Anyways I can always use the dial-up modem if I need to. ;)

Anyway I need to be backing up first.All my images and art work takes up about 3 Gb alone.

Thanks for the support.

Incog. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

USB connection may require the drivers before it will work but I don't know to be honest as I connect via ethernet here. If it does it will ask for them at some point during the setup procedures.
If you don't have SP1 incorporated into your OEM install then I would advise downloading it before installing XP again and then installing SP1 before you connect to the internet so you run less risk of problems. Personally I would stay off the broadband connection until a firewall and anti-virus software is running :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Why not go straight for SP2 ?

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Size of download and availability for starters, if she can get hold of it then fair enough :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Good luck! :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

It's worth the effort IMHO.. especially if the RPC vunerabilities are a concern.
The new firewall is a big improvement (not that it's great mind you).

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I think you need the NTL CD for the USB drivers, as you say it will ask for them, thats the CD you shove in.
With the BB connection turn on XP firewall and then open explorer and run windows update, XP firewall is certainly adequate to kick this off. Then think about AV and an alternate firewall (Zone Alarm AFAIR).

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

So let me get this right.

1 I install XP then download SP1 (or2) then reinstall XP?Or I download SP1(2) then save it to CD ROM then install XP then install SP1(2).

I don't believe it has the SP1 as far as I can see.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Well if she wants SP2 then
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...35-SP2-ENU.exe
but it is over 260MB Coggy so it will depend on speed of connection and how long you want to wait till you start your new installation up.
If you want the smaller SP1 download to start with then
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d.../expresso.mspx
30MBish :)
All you want to do is download whichever pack you want to use,
save it to your backup drive or CD,
install XP as normal,
once the install has finished run the SP pack from where you saved it :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If you have SP1 or SP2 .. put it on a cd before you start.. that will avoid getting online without any updates.

Of course, if you plan to install "over" your current XP installation rather than formatting, then you can just run the service pack from the harddisk afterwards.

Or there's always slipstreaming: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=16034
Which is easier still.. and should work with your OEM cd.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Erm not all OEM CDs work with slipstreaming and I would advocate not confusing Coggy too much at this stage and keep it simple so she can complete the task in hand ;) We can always guide her through slipstreaming afterwards so she has a CD prepared for next time :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Still got that!
Have an AV but it's a paid for downloaded one for which I seem to have lost the password.I've emailed the company for help.

I have ZAP so I'll be ok.

I so hate all this because there are some other paid for downloaded software I'll have to back up as well.

So it's going to be some time before I'm actually ready. :erm:

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Wow! I've got an answer from my AV(NOD32) providers straight away. :D Damn they are so efficient. :tu:

IT will take about 3 hours with Internet Download Accelerator for SP 2.

As I'm in no hurry as I have several hours of checking and searching to make sure I'm ready.

Plus my son has stuff he wants to back up. ;)

Anyway thank you for your support and help.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

what ya wanna do is know all the bits n bobs in your pc

sounds/lan/graphics/monitor etc and then have a quick look on all the makers webpage for XP drivers for them all - especially those that invlove u connecting to the web.

Also check for any bios updates for ur motherboard and cross ur fingers - oh and format in ntfs.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Yes I've got all the CD's with the relevant drivers on them.Helps that I bought a new printer,scanner,graphics tablet and wireless mouse in the last year so they should have the relevant XP drivers.I can download any others I'm sure.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Then you are pretty much set Coggy, finish your back ups and downloads, get everything saved to disk or CD and then start the install process up :)
Once the basic XP is installed you may want to install the drivers that it asks for and then SP2 while you are off your broadband connection to minimise risk. Once you have the service pack installed I would install your anti-virus and firewall software, shutdown the PC, re-connect your USB connection for broadband and then re-boot the computer :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Do you have ethernet? If so, it is pretty much a plug and go job once you have reinstalled Windows and everything else ...

How can your STB have a USB port? I thought they were all ethernet only :erm:

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Nope you are supplied with an ethernet/USB adaptor and Coggy has already stated USB as her connection medium ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

dont go on the web until u have afirewall installed :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I won't. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Dont forget your email folders, your passwords, your everything elses..:D

We will know why your not online for a while when we do not hear from you for a bit. :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

All my important password and serial keys codes emails are in my Gmail archives.Long as I remember the password to that I'm ok. :tu:


Incog. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

see ya coggy , i am sure it will go well :tu: :D :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Not finished backing up yet.Got to check every corner before I vacate. :D Make sure I don't overlook a masterpiece. ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Did it all go ok then Coggy?

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Not done it yet Paul.There was a little matter of sleep that intervened.

Got all my stuff backed up,chasing one license key but the big hold up is 4GB's of stuff belonging to teenage son.If he thinks I'm allowing it anywhere near my clean HD after the install he has another think coming.

I thought my 2 GB's of accumulated piccy's and art work was bad.

Shall have to poke him awake before noon and it won't be nice :D

Now if he has 4 GB's and I have 2 GB's and there's 6 GB's of free HD what the heck is filling up the the remaining 28 GB's of my 40 GB HD?

It's a puzzler.

Incog. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Good luck :)

And - possibly about 50 million system restore points ;) :D ( i mean with regards the 28gb of stuff) - or maybe crap loads of dll's that you never use :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

You can use some software called Tree Size to track down used-up disk space. You can download a freeware version at http://www.jam-software.com/freeware which I think should be enough, otherwise, you might need to use the shareware professional version temporarily to locate where it's all gone. It's a very handy tool :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I barely use system restore as it hardly ever works these days.It is one reason for moving on from ME because I got ME for the system restore and if it creaks too much too be used....

Anyway I keep the amount of HD space dedicated to restore low.

I think it is all those dll's as they are the one thing I dare not touch because I've no idea which are needed and which are not.

Microsoft really should invent a system that can tell you which system stuff to keep and which to chuck. :rolleyes: People might start to love them again. :D

Incog.Now I really must go and get my first cuppa of the day.I only stopped to check my mail and do some online banking. :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Why not? I don't have to keep it once I install XP. :D

On the other hand perhaps not.Better to wait. ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Most of the time hard drive space is chewed up be uninstall info, windows updates files, recycle bins set too large etc. My windows folder is now half it's size after a clean install :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Right I've installed it fairly ok.It did have SP1 with it-the sticker was hidden.

I've not got very far with installing anything after I discovered that my wonderful Genius Optical wireless mouse won't work because XP doesn't apparently support it. :mad: However it quite happily accepted my old mouse from my original windows 95 PC. :rolleyes:


Yes I have AV and ZAP installed so don't panic.That's what I did when I discovered I'd forgotten my PID number for my BB connection and I couldn't find the relevant letter anywhere.Thank to the nice scots chappie at CS who sorted me out. :tu:

I have installed Broadband Medic because the original install insisted I install the connect program or I couldn't register the BB.I then was forced into BBmedic.That's going as soon as I find my way around. :rolleyes: It's driving me mad already.

Now I have a real problem in that I cannot access Gmail where I've saved all my passwords and license keys. :rolleyes: Why I don't know.But that's another thread. :(

I will have fun trying to sort everything else out tomorrow.

Incog. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

GMail? Think thats Java based so what browser are you using and do you know if your firewall is blocking it at all? Should show up in the firewall log if it is :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Paul.You know you are an absolute darling.

I clicked on your Google siggy, got Google, googled Gmail and I'm there at my inbox. :ghugs: :kiss: :kiss: :kiss: and the :beer: :beer: :beer: are on me if I ever meet you face to face.

Coggy.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

A strange way to get to it but hey if it worked for you then great :) Well done Coggy. Any other problems and you know we don't mind helping LOL

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Correction: Javascript based. ;)
The firewall shouldn't really block it, apart from maybe popups.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

oh POOh!

I seem to have retained all the junk.27 GB's of it. :mad:

Will a reformat get rid of it all?My son says it will.

I was looking forward to a cleaner HD too.

Oh I'm going to bed-I'm totally p*ssed off :mad:

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

A format will completely scrub the drive of all files, so yes you will get rid of that 27GB junk file.
What options were you given when you re-installed it this time Coggy? Did you boot from the CD or run it within windows as those are two totally different situations.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Dunno Paul.I thought I'd gone for stamp all over the hard disk option but somehow I cocked it up. :rolleyes:

Drat I will have to reconnect the BB again.This new IP seems to be better too. MY BB seems a little quicker.

Isn't life fun with a computer? :cool:

Anyway I'm off to bed.I've got a touch of my whiplash back.

Goodnight. :kiss:

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Ok.
I've been doing some online research and it's just confused the cr'@p out of me.

How do I reformat and get rid of all the old cr@p now residing on my PC.

I seem to be on the FAT32 file system.

Anyone got a really good dummies guide to how to do this?

I think I did need a manual!!! :(

Incog.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Try this guide: http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/O...tallxppro1.htm

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Put the Win XP Cd into the Cd Drive. When windows XP CD tries to start up, cancel it, and close it. Reboot the computer. You should at startup see a message, before the windows logos start to appear along the lines of "Boot from CD". Accept that. (If you don't get that message your PC needs to be reconfigured in the BOIS to allow boot from CD).

When the CD starts you'll get a black screen with blue and white text along the bottom loading drivers. Eventually you'll get messages as to where do you wnat to load windows. Select the new install option, not repair. I suggest you delete the existing windows partion (You'll be warned about loss of data and stuff do all that - the last command of that process will be to press L). Then set up a new partition, formatted as NTFS, allow it to do the full, not quick format (Go away and come back half hour later, depending on your HD size). Then the rest of the install should just be following the prompts, and putting the codes and stuff in.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Have a nose around on Black Vipers site
edit.....Silver you git! :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

i think you can use the convert.exe and this will change the format from FAT32 to NTFS without you having to reinstall XP.

Yes you can, have a look here http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...onvertfat.mspx

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I think Incog wants to do as stated above and wipe the whole HDD. Is it an upgrade version of XP or a whole product?

If its the update then you generaly need to upgrade it over the old version and then do as you are about to and wipe the whole HDD - thats what I had to do with my Nans when I used the upgrade version.

Follow Movedgoalposts instructions and you shouldn't go too far wrong ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

No you dont, You can still start from a clean drive however it will ask you to insert the CD for the version your upgrading from before it will do the install.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Shall we ask Coggy what CD she has first?
Is it a full OEM CD with drivers etc or an upgrade CD?From what you have said before I'm guessing it's a full OEM CD with drivers and additional software.
If its an OEM CD then more often than not it's just a case of booting from the CD.
Put the CD into the drive, go into your start menu and choose "turn off computer" and from the next screen "restart".
Your PC should shut down and then go through it's restart procedure, at some point during this there is normally a message about pressing a key to boot from the CD.
Follow the instructions on screen and choose to FORMAT the hard drive.
The instructions here are good
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...p_sg_clean.asp
If you read through any of the posted instruction links and have any problems understanding them just post back and I'm sure we will all chip in to get you through it :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

:tu: Thank you for all your help.I followed MovedGoalPost's instructions and I'm back with 37.2 GB's of HD space free. :handshake :clap: :Sun: :kiss: :kiss:


Incog.

Now how do I get rid of Broadband Medic?More pushy software,The connect one was bad enough. :(

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

To answer your question Paul it was the full OS version.No messing about with upgrades here.



Now When I can I will green rep you Paul because of your help.Not been able to yet because I have to be a slut for a while. ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

done for you ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Should be in your list of programme under Add/remove" in the control panel ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Will it go willingly?It won't mess up anything in my settings to do so?

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Should just remove normally without fuss, if you get any errors on a restart just post them here and we'll help you forcibly remove the evidence ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Post Script.

I finally got my Genius Optical mouse to function(not a waste of £25 then) and my Genius Wizard Pen also. :clap:

However I think that I'm not going to get any XP safe drivers for my Hewlet Packard 8200 series CD Writer. :grind: Bluddy Adaptec and Roxio.

I guess this means I'll have to buy a new one.B*gger!


Incog.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If the driver works then use it.
Create a restore point, install and then see what happens.
I've got a number unapproved drivers on my machine working just fine.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

http://www.siliconguide.com/qa/forum/messages/207.shtml

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Shhhhhhhush!I'd rather have a newer one.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Fair enough :) - I withdraw my suggestion - it was - um REALLY CRAP anyway :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

What?The suggestion or the CD Writer? :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Um BOTH of course - this is why you GOTTA get a new one ;):D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

What do you think of This one

Or this

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If I was choosing one of those 2 it would be the 2nd one (the iomega) - but only 'cos I've had good experience with iomega stuff.

I know it's more - but how about a DVD writer - just think of the amount of stuff you could back up in one go with one of those...

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

OT: Thats the problem, most manufacturers don't supply the OEM disk they give you a crappy restore disk which XP upgrade just doesn't like!

Edit - Glad to see you're all sorted anyway Incog ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

It just flatly refused to let me install it.Frankly it's not worth the hassle. :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I'll use my son's DVD writer if I need to.Unfortunately it's in his brand new superduper Cube that he had for his birthday.

AS I have to pass checkpoints and produce a visa every time I visit his room it's not a place I visit often or willingly. :D

I think I'll have to wait until the external ones are a lot cheaper-by then however I'll be needing a new PC.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

just out of curiosity, Incog, why do you prefer the external option? :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If I buy an internal one who's going to fit it?

Anyway I was stung last year when my husband brought home an internal DVD CD writer which I did pay a small sum for.I thought it was a DVD writer but it just plays DVD's .However my husband kindly installed it.

It worked for a month then packed in.No amount of mucking about in BIOS and installing in safe mode helped to reinstall it.I tried everything I could think of.

It took me another 6 MONTHS to persuade him to restore connection to my original DVD ROM during which time the only back up CD drive I had was my external HP CD Writer.However he has refused to remove the DVD,CD Writer point blank so I have no space left foranother drive unless he does.......

So like I said who's going to fit it?

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

If you live anywhere near sunny sandy I'd do it for you, just 'cos you is nice.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I'm as darn sarth as one can get without being on the Isle of Wight. ;)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

It's easy to fit it though- just make sure the jumper is set right (it will tell you in the manual) and then just unscrew and disconnect your old one, then do the reverse on the new one.

Then you need to enter your BIOS by pressing probably Delete just after you turn it on (repeatedly so you don't miss it) and turn the relevant drive detection onto Auto if it isn't already :)

Windows should see it and install the driver automatically.

Trust me, this is the easiest upgrade you could do (well, ones that involve opening up your PC anyway) :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

right - i see the dilemma - although I think you would be surprised how easy it would be to do it yourself. I won't labour the point, as it does depend on how your case is designed - some 'low profile' desktops or 'mini towers', can be fiddly, to say the least.

- but as you have a drive already fitted, a new one would use exactly the same connectors as the old, half the work - i.e connecting to the motherboard - has already been done.

entirely up to you, of course :)

<edit> I see nffc was thinking along the same lines, while I was typing :)

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the Iomega if only because the software supplied isn't anything to do with p*xy Roxio.

Stupid company with a*sey software that may or may not work depending on it's mood but loves to splash it's banner adverts every where without giving one the option to turn the darn things off. :mad:

Incog. :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Now don't hold back tell us what you REALLY think :)

By the way - you DO know that Roxio are responsible for the built in windows XP cd writing software :D

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Oh yes and isn't that something to be proud of LOL :p:
Sometimes there are ways to turn of the splash screens on startup, more often than not it takes an additional command to do it though. I know the Zone alarm spash screen used to annoy me till I turned it off.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

so I can't get any of the drivers for the Roxio supported CD writer that I have to work with XP despite the fact that they have written the software for XP?

NUTS!

You know I didn't believe that rumour that M$ worked hand in hand with the software and hardware developers to ensure that anyone installing XP would HAVE to buy errr upgrade new software or hardware.I'm beginning to wonder if it may be true after all. :scratch:

Incog.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Well now I've hit another snag.

Despite all my best efforts XP won't recognise my HSP56MR modem and I just can't find any drivers that it WILL accept.There are plenty of downloads I just can't get XP to recognise or install any of them.

Yes I know I have BB and excellent it has been (apart from the odd email gripe) extremely reliable and only gone down a couple of times since getting it.BUT I want an alternative,just in case,just for emergencies dial up modem.I have one I just can't get XP to recognise it and accept any drivers for it. :mad:

Frankly despite all the attempts to make XP idiot proof they have made it impossible to get anything done in my opinion.Seems to me most ordinaryfolk would just give up and get a new one that XP accepts.Well I did that with my CDRW and that's enough expense thank you M$.

So can anyone help me or do I just have to accept that my modem is too out of date?

Incog.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

To be honest - I've got a drawer full of incompatible modems that I've taken out of systems that I've updated to XP.....

I would probably get that place that is going to sort your cdwriter out to put a new one in while they are fitting your usb2 card.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

Yes it definitely sounds like a conspiracy doesn't it?Hardware firms must rub their hands with glee at the thought of a new M$ OS. :(

I think it must be a good idea to get to the point where you HAVE to update all your hardware before installing a newer M$ OS.Lucky I have upgraded Printer,scanner,Tablet and mouse this past year or I might be reconsidering a step back in OS. :(

Incog.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

I realise this is a bit late for you....

But if anyone else is looking at upgrading to XP

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...g/advisor.mspx

I'd download this and run it first.

It should (note i said SHOULD) tell you what IS and ISN'T going to work on your system after the upgrade.

Re: Got XP OEM...
 

What exactly happens when you try to install the drivers and how are you installing them? As long as the drivers are for XP or 2000 then the modem will be ok.
Don't worry if XP complains the drivers are unsigned or may not be for that modem, install them, try the modem via its tab in the control panel to see if it responds and if it works then fair enough, if not then we can try another driver :)
Have you tried this driver Coggy?
http://members.driverguide.com/drive...driverid=43296