|
The Friendly Place to Get Help and Support! Here you will find free, friendly and courteous help and support for all your computing and photography needs. We also have forums where you can just relax and have fun, talk about anything you want to discuss within board guidelines, and share your interests and hobbies with others. Our portal (Home) page contains several activities and games where you can just relax. It also contains an ecard service. You are welcome to browse the forums to see what we have to offer, but you must register in order to participate. Some forums, games and activities are viewable only after you register. If you are new, click here to get started. |
 |
|
| Author |
Message |
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:17 pm Post subject: I need help to get the info for reformatting the hard drive |
|
|
I know I posted this last night and I can not find it to save my life. I have read everything twice.
I can not use IE and I can not get online support help from HP. It doesn't work. I do not have instructions on how to reformat my hard drive when I do the destructive system recovery. Can someone please contact Hp for me through their online support and ask them how I reformat my hard drive during the system recovery and send it to me in a word attachment please. I don't think if you send me the link that Firefox will allow me to go there. I think I always had to use IE. I agree with Repa that it needs to be done but I don't have any instructions on how to do it.
I have an HP pavillion 734n
With Windows XP and SP2 was installed
Well scratch this...I just looked at the cd's I got from HP. they say System Recovery Windows XP Edition Home. In the instructions it says that when I do a Full System Recovery, it erases everything AND reformats the hard disk. So if I am understanding this correctly, it will automatically reformat the hard disc ( it called it this) when doing a FULL system recovery. I have 8 discs. It says I have to reinstall all software not installed at the factory including the software that came on the CD's included in the accessory box and software installed since my purchase. This I knew, did it once before. Are they referring to the cd's for like the scanner and printer when they say "CD's included in the accessory box"?
I will get as much as I can backed up and get back online tomorrow before starting this. It's late and I am tired. The directions I read are the ones that were included with the recovery cd's when I ordered them for my particular pc. I'm glad it reformats it because I was getting worried.
thanks for listening and for helping. 
_________________
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -- Helen Keller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
janewm
Moderator
User is Offline
Joined: 01 Dec 2006
Posts: 1385
Location: Florida
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Linda,
I am not sure about the cd's in Accessory Box because I am not sure what they mean by Accessory Box. Sorry I can not help you there.
Just wanted to say I'll pray for you and your computer. Good Luck. I am sure it will work out okay.
Jane
_________________
"If you cannot find the Truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?" Dogen
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Repa
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 26 Nov 2006
Posts: 1901
Location: North Carolina
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:49 am Post subject: Re: I need help to get the info for reformatting the hard dr |
|
|
| willin_601 wrote: |
Well scratch this...I just looked at the cd's I got from HP. they say System Recovery Windows XP Edition Home. In the instructions it says that when I do a Full System Recovery, it erases everything AND reformats the hard disk. So if I am understanding this correctly, it will automatically reformat the hard disc ( it called it this) when doing a FULL system recovery. I have 8 discs. It says I have to reinstall all software not installed at the factory including the software that came on the CD's included in the accessory box and software installed since my purchase. This I knew, did it once before. Are they referring to the cd's for like the scanner and printer when they say "CD's included in the accessory box"?
|
Yes, Linda. Everything will be gone once you start the destructive recovery process, and you have to re-install everything that was on your computer, including your printer and scanner software. Backup all your data files, AVG installer app, favorites, email contacts in Outlook, etc., and then go for it! Sounds like the recovery disks HP provided you do most of the work for you wrt re-installing the operating system and whatever applications your computer originally came with, and provides you with prompt to guide you through the process. Read the instructions carefully and do what they say. Then, install AVG and update it, and then do the Windows updates before going anywhere else on the internet. Don't forget to install your router before going on the internet. If you have a problem with the router, call the vendor's tech support - they will guide you through setting it up and getting an internet connection over the phone for free. Good luck!
_________________
Repa
Older than dirt! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
novice57
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 390
Location: Nebraska
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:02 am Post subject: Restore |
|
|
Linda
The recovery disk from HP will be all you need to install the basic system configuration (XP). Any of the add on programs, utilities, and device drivers will require the use of their own CD's, or may be included in a CD pack that came with the system. The formatting will be done by the recovery disk at the right time and place in the process. This formatting simply erases the entire disk and places a file system on the disk that is compatible with your OS so that the loading process can proceed.
All applications and add ons that are not part of the OS are usually packaged on a separate disk (or disks) and require the OS to be in place on the drive before loading them. This is a good time to take stock of what you feel in useful and what is just fluff. The more applications and utilities that are loaded the more likely you are to encounter slow conditions after the install is complete.
When I reload a system, I strip all devices away by unplugging them from the system (printers, scanners, etc). This allows the system to load the basic OS without the hassle of dealing with devices until I am ready. I then plug in each device individually and allow the OS to "find" it, having the driver disk ready. I don't load any additional print, scan or graphic applications that might be included with the drivers until all devices are configured. The first to be loaded should be your internet connection so that the installers can update their respective drivers as needed. "DO NOT SURF TO ANY SITE EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRED BY THE DEVICES AT THIS POINT."
I use at least two partitions when I load a system. The OS and it's respective device drivers are loaded onto the primary ( C:\) partitions and it doesn't need to be extremely large for this. Usually 15 gig will be enough but 20 would be better if you have a fairly large drive. This can usually be accomplished when loading the OS, but may also be done later if no option for this is presented to you by the installer of the restore disk. XP Pro has a utility for configuring partitions, but you must do a comprehensive defrag before using this option. A defrag should be done at each stage of the loading process anyway to maintain the best configuration possible.
After loading the device drivers and their respective applications I then load up my security apps. This is where you want to have the backup of your firewall, AVG and spyware scanner available (just the installer that you originally used to install the apps). Once these are loaded onto the system and properly configured you can then connect the system to your internet provider and update them. You should only then proceed with restoring the data (pics, favorites, contacts etc), allowing AVG to scan each file that is restored to the drive for infections. I place all applications except the virus and spyware scanners on a partition separate from the OS. When the apps are loaded onto a D:\ drive, they will then store their data in the folder that they create and this will keep your primary partition from being bloated and will make future troubleshooting much easier. Since all data not available on disks is stored on this partition, you can also make better backups by only backing up the data.
When your system is restored to a condition that is "pristine" ( as good as it's ever going to be again) set a restore point. This will allow you the luxury of having a perfect configuration at hand when an app's dll decides to go AWOL or a device driver gets corrupted. You should then use extreme discretion in the creation of future restore points, as the system will only keep so many of them before it deletes the oldest ones, and the oldest restore point will be the best one you could have available. I would rather re-install some apps and data from a backup than to destroy the "perfect" restore point that I created when I first loaded my system. This is the purpose of a restore point, not for restoring backups. Most people will set a restore point when they run into problems and then go about fixing the problem. This is just backward from the correct procedure, as it saves the system configuration that has the problem and tosses out an older restore point that is problem free. Your system will degrade naturally as data is saved and all of the junk that comes from being online is scattered across the drive. This is not what you want to introduce into a restore point.
When all of the applications and data are restored to your system you should do a final comprehensive defrag. Your system will now be surprisingly fast in comparison to it's condition before the restore and it will all be well worth the time and trouble invested. I like to do total restores of my Windows systems every six months even if I perceive no apparent problems. I hope this information gives you some help in accomplishing this. Good luck, and be sure to post back with the results, as we will all be thinking of you.
_________________
"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Jane, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.
Repa, thank you for caring and for all the support.
_________________
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -- Helen Keller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: Restore |
|
|
Keith,
You are just too super smart and some of this goes over my head. I didn't quote what I understood completely but I don't quite understand what I did quote. So here go the questions.
1-You said "All applications and add ons that are not part of the OS are usually packaged on a separate disk (or disks) and require the OS to be in place on the drive before loading them. This is a good time to take stock of what you feel in useful and what is just fluff. The more applications and utilities that are loaded the more likely you are to encounter slow conditions after the install is complete. "
I am assuming the 8 separate discs I bought for my system is what you are referring to as the OS? which I think means Operating System?
Each disc is only labeled by number. Disc 1, Disc 2, etc. I did have separate discs for my printer and later the scanner when I got it, I will have to get the other discs out to see what other discs were included with the pc when we bought it. I will post back as to what I actually came with my pc as I don't know what would be considered fluff. I don't want stuff I don't need or use. Will post back on this.
2-You said "When I reload a system, I strip all devices away by unplugging them from the system (printers, scanners, etc). This allows the system to load the basic OS without the hassle of dealing with devices until I am ready. I then plug in each device individually and allow the OS to "find" it, having the driver disk ready. I don't load any additional print, scan or graphic applications that might be included with the drivers until all devices are configured. The first to be loaded should be your internet connection so that the installers can update their respective drivers as needed. "DO NOT SURF TO ANY SITE EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRED BY THE DEVICES AT THIS POINT."
The instructions they sent me for the recovery said to unplug everything except the monitor and mouse. IT said unplug the scanner, printer as well the phone line which I had dial up last time I did a recovery so since I have a modem now for high speed service, I will assume I am to disconnect it from the back of the CPU before starting as well??
3-I am lost on this part. can you please explain it in more simpler terms for me please. "I then plug in each device individually and allow the OS to "find" it, having the driver disk ready. I don't load any additional print, scan or graphic applications that might be included with the drivers until all devices are configured. The first to be loaded should be your internet connection so that the installers can update their respective drivers as needed. "[b]DO NOT SURF TO ANY SITE EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRED BY THE DEVICES AT "
what do you mean by driver disc? Are you then saying to connect my modem for service FIRST before connecting my printer and scanner? at what point do I connect the router?
4-You said "I use at least two partitions when I load a system. The OS and it's respective device drivers are loaded onto the primary ( C:\) partitions and it doesn't need to be extremely large for this. Usually 15 gig will be enough but 20 would be better if you have a fairly large drive. This can usually be accomplished when loading the OS, but may also be done later if no option for this is presented to you by the installer of the restore disk. XP Pro has a utility for configuring partitions, but you must do a comprehensive defrag before using this option. A defrag should be done at each stage of the loading process anyway to maintain the best configuration possible. "
I have 80 GB of hard drive
I don't understand this at all.I have the 8 recovery discs and they just complete and then it tells you to add Disc 2, etc and on and on until you have loaded them all."A defrag should be done at each stage of the loading process anyway to maintain the best configuration possible. "
How can I stop to defrag when I'm in safe mode and it asks for the next disc? I don't know how to do this in between the 8 discs for the recovery. I really am very good at following instructions as long as I understand them and I still do not understand most of the pc language, it's like Greek to me.
5-You said "I place all applications except the virus and spyware scanners on a partition separate from the OS. When the apps are loaded onto a D:\ drive, they will then store their data in the folder that they create and this will keep your primary partition from being bloated and will make future troubleshooting much easier. Since all data not available on disks is stored on this partition, you can also make better backups by only backing up the data."
I think you are saying allow the OS, Firewall, I use Zone Alarm and antivirus, I use AVG and the spyware scanners, I will look at the list Repa made me are to be loaded on my C:\Drive BUT ALL other apps like my Microsoft Office, PSP7, Print Shop Deluxe, etc are to be installed on my D:\ drive???? If I am correct in understanding this, please tell me how I load these apps on my D:\ drive, when it asks where to install, do I just change it to D:\ drive and name a folder for downloads or what do I do? I didn't think there was enough space on your D:\ to load all your programs?
6- You said "When your system is restored to a condition that is "pristine" ( as good as it's ever going to be again) set a restore point. This will allow you the luxury of having a perfect configuration at hand when an app's dll decides to go AWOL or a device driver gets corrupted. You should then use extreme discretion in the creation of future restore points, as the system will only keep so many of them before it deletes the oldest ones, and the oldest restore point will be the best one you could have available. " So instead of making a restore point as I was always told to do before installing updates and new programs, are you saying don't and it will leave the initial restore point I set AFTER the recovery? I thought after time it didn't allow you to go back that far anyway?
7-You said "When all of the applications and data are restored to your system you should do a final comprehensive defrag. Your system will now be surprisingly fast in comparison to it's condition before the restore and it will all be well worth the time and trouble invested. I like to do total restores of my Windows systems every six months even if I perceive no apparent problems. I hope this information gives you some help in accomplishing this. Good luck, and be sure to post back with the results, as we will all be thinking of you."
Should I defrag in safe mode?
Hope I am not taking up too much of your time but I really need to understand what I am doing in order to learn. I don't want to just be told what to do, I want to understand what I'm doing. thanks Keith
Thanks Repa:)
_________________
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -- Helen Keller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
novice57
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 390
Location: Nebraska
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 6:43 pm Post subject: clarification |
|
|
Linda
I will try to be a little clearer in the details.
(1) All of the disks for the operating system should be considered as a single unit. The number of disks results from the size of the install and the limitations of the CD's. If you are given choices about installing applications that aren't part of the basic OS I would advise that you pass on all of them until the OS is installed. This will make your file organization much cleaner. Many PC makers use "bundles" of software that include things like AOL or MSN applications. These aren't part of the core OS and can be added later if you wish. You may not be given these choices and will have to delete some of these after the install, but before you defrag and make the restore point.
(2) Windows hardware detection will start bugging you about installing drivers for any device that it sees connected to your system as soon as you boot into the OS for the first time. You wil find it much more manageable if you can do this one device at a time and at your pace. This is accomplished by disconnecting all external devices from your system until you are ready to install them. The first thing that you should install is the hardware and drivers needed for your internet access. This is to allow the system (or you) to search for updates to the drivers. Outdated drivers can cause pain similar to a severe hangover. Since you don't have security in place yet it is important that you don't succumb to the temptation to take a break and check your email or surf the web.
(3) Almost every hardware device will have an accompanying disk that contains the drivers (software instructions to the OS) for it. Some may depend upon pre-loaded drivers in XP, but most will have a disk. Printer drivers are notorious for being loaded up with a proprietary graphic application. Pass on anything that isn't essential to making the device work until later. This is because of the way Windows places files on your hard drive and the resulting bloat that occurs when you are mixing drivers and applications. The router is essential to getting the system online and should be the first device connected and loaded.
(4&5) You are probably doing a single partition install and can ignore most of this. It would be a good idea to do a defrag when the OS finishes installing. This will organize the core files of the system and make it faster. To load to D:\ drive you would have to create the partition on your hard drive, and at this point, I would advise ignoring my ramblings about multiple partitions until you feel a bit more confident with your system. You obviously didn't have more than one drive partition before and it isn't essential.
(6) The system restore feature (I believe) will either keep restore points until the space limitation is met, or the preset number of points is reached, at which time it throws out the oldest restore point to make room for the new one. It has always been my contention that the oldest point is probably the one that would be best for most applications. It is a well known fact that Windows will deteriorate over time and that slows things down considerably. Using an old restore point may mean renewing a couple of your later applications or device drivers, but that is much preferred over restoring your system to an ailing state with no other recourse available except a destructive installation. No data is lost when using a restore point to correct a bad install of an app or driver and you will still have all of your files available to you. What gets lost sometimes is the file association that the OS needs to know what app to associate with a data type. This is not hard to overcome, and probably wouldn't even come up, except in odd cases. I always cringed when I saw advice about installing an app or some device that invariably included setting a restore point. If an app or device is that risky and you have done no research to know how it will effect the OS, then it probably shouldn't be installed. Your system is likely to only hold about 3-4 restore points before it starts culling them out and each of them is a bit less valuable than the one before it. This is why people sometimes find that they don't have a good point available to them if they have overused the feature.
(7) Defragging in safe mode is always preferable as the page file and device drivers have not been loaded. Windows will not defrag any file that is in use, so having a minimum of files active means that more benefit is realized from the defrag. Defragging in safe mode may mean that the defrag will take a bit longer, but it is worth it.
Please feel free to ask about anything that you aren't clear on. I really do want to help you with this process and will try to communicate in English rather than techese. I am really not as smart as you think, but I thank you for that anyway. I learned in the same way that you are learning now, and it was just as frustrating for me. Remember, any sufficiently advanced technology will appear to be magic to those not familiar with it.
_________________
"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hi Ted
Thanks for be so patient with me and willing to help me. It is very hard for me to understand tech talk and well I would have to beg to differ in your intelligence but I know we all had to start at the beginning so maybe one day I can learn a lot and help someone in my place down the road.
ok I am going to go through and list the number of the answers you gave me to ask questions or just to get verification if I am thinking correctly.
1- I don't remember it ever showing me or giving me any options of what is being installed from the 8 discs. I know once I get to the end I remember it gives a list of things that can be installed and I THINK you can choose but I know it didn't list anything like MSN or AOL which is bundled in the package because it shows up on my desktop, however I don't know how to stop it from installing these things.
2-I followed their directions last time and disconnected my printer, scanner and the phone line so I never got prompted about anything. I think you are just explaining to me WHY it's important to disconnect them. Am I correct? I will not go online no matter what except to get what I need for updates ONCE I am at the point to install AVG and Zone Alarm. I think I will have to go back in and turn off Windows Firewall so if you can tell me where to go to do this I would appreciate it. I thought I wrote it down but I can't find it.
3-I am to connect the router FIRST before starting to connect my printer and scanner?? I know that my printer and my scanner came with a disc. Won't I have to use these again? I don't recall having the option of NOT installing something with these discs.
4-I do see that I have a D:\ drive but it says HP recovery. I saw this by clicking on computer and it shows all my drives. I was totally lost on this section but I think understood the purpose. If only the OS, firewall, antivirus and malware programs were on the C:\ and all other programs were on another partition as you called it. It would make it easier to find a problem instead of everything being on one partition. Is that right? i still didn't understand HOW to do that though.
6-I have seen how certain restore points disappear. So if I don't make restore points before installing updates which I only take critical and security updates except I do take updates for my Microsoft Office. I take all them except some like I know I don't need like other languages, etc.
so if I wait and make a restore point after the recovery and installing all window updates, ZOne Alarm, AVG and whatever malware/adware programs Repa listed for me I should make a restore point BEFORE connecting my scanner and printer????? Should I also install Microsoft Office and take the updates as well before making my first restore point and BEFORE connecting my printer and scanner?
7-when you refer to device drivers, you do mean like a printer and scanner, correct????
Just to confirm this again. DO I disconnect the modem for my high speed internet service OR can I just click the standby button which basically prevents service before doing the recovery?? IF I do need to disconnect it when disconnecting my printer and scanner, at what point do I connect the modem back? To confirm, Repa said connect the router first, so wouldn't I connect the router and then connect the modem or release the standby button After I connect the router?
I surely do not mean to ask the same things over and over but I really want to learn and understand it.
Thanks so much Keith and God bless you for taking time to help me.
_________________
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -- Helen Keller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
novice57
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 390
Location: Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:31 am Post subject: Questions |
|
|
Linda
The purpose of this board is just what we are doing here, so don't worry about taking up my time. All I can ask is that you apply what you learn to what you do on your system after it is up and running again. Reloading Windows is a good thing to do occasionally anyway and you will see a remarkable difference in how the system works when you get thru it.
The D:\ drive that you found on your system is the actual installation image placed there by HP when they loaded the drive. This image is in a format that you can't read from within windows. It is like a photograph of your drive data, bit by bit. Even if you could see it, you would have to be some kind of savant genius to understand the ones and zeros. I have only know two people in the world that could read this data in its raw form and one of those was found to have a brain tumor that gave him the ability. Sadly, it also killed him.
I believe that you would be better off to not undertake the learning curve associated with creating drive partitions just yet and should simply forget that I mentioned it. I did post about this in the "computer discussion" forum if you would like to learn more, but it would be best to keep the restore process as simple as possible right now. I occasionally forget that I am not conversing with my team or one of my kids when I talk computerese, so forgive me if I have caused any confusion. It certainly doesn't mean that you are lacking any knowledge that your experience level would give you. Just getting here and reading this makes you more technically able than about 90% of the world, so don't sell yourself short because of my knack for making assumptions that aren't based in fact.
The Windows file system is one huge hodge-podge of data with little organization inherent within the structure. Loading a graphic application in the middle of an installation will only make this bad system worse and shorten the time until you have to do this all over again. You don't have any choices available for those things that M$ and HP includes with the installation files, but you can better organize the process by taking a few precautions. Unplug the peripheral hardware to avoid being forced into a process where you seem to be required to do a bunch of things at once when you first boot into the restored Windows OS. When you do add the hardware back, only install the basic drivers required to operate the devices and let the applications (like HP's photo processor) wait until later. By doing this, and defragging the hard drive when you finish loading the OS, and the devices and their drivers, you create a "layered" file system that will be less prone to crashes, will boot up faster, and will be easier to troubleshoot in the future.
The best approach to explaining the process involved may be a step by step list of the procedures. I will attempt to do this, but my thought process is much like the Windows file system these days, so forgive me if I ramble. The instructions assume that you have scanned the drive for virus and spyware infestation.
(1) Make coffee. (Margaritas are not an acceptable substitute and should be saved for the celebration following the install).
(2) Reboot the system with the system restore disk and check that the system searches the CD or DVD drive for bootable media. If the bios isn't set to boot from the CD / DVD you will have to go into it to make that change. This is another learning curve that I wouldn't want to introduce if it isn't necessary, so a simple check can be made by booting up with the restore disk in place. As long as the system boots to the disk instead of the hard drive you are good to go and can remove the disk and reboot into Windows. If the system doesn't see the disk, or won't boot to it, then we will have another topic of discussion to undertake before proceding.
(3) Backup any files that you will need for later restoration of important data. You can use the "export" feature of IE and Firefox to save your favorites to a file on the drive that you can copy to a CD. I don't use a "system based" mail system, so I am a little vague about saving your address book and other mail data. I would assume that there is an "export" feature available for these as well, but a simple copy / paste will suffice if no other method is available. These can also be burned to the CD. Don't be afraid to create a folder for each different item that you want to save and name that folder appropriately to make it easy to recognize it later. You will also want to include all installation files from apps that you downloaded. If these have product keys or passwords associated with them you should create a "new text' file within the folder with a right click and list the needed info there. Remember to name these correctly as well and save them before exiting the folder. The "save as" choice will facilitate the naming.
(4) Gather together all required disks and installation material that you will need to re-install your devices and applications. These will include any updated drivers that you have gotten from the vendor's sites. Go back to the sites and download them again if required, saving them to the drive in a folder that you can find again. Burn these to a CD, just as you did the other data. Be very awake for this step, as it is the most overlooked and the most critical of all. Preparation is the key to success here, but very few (myself included) manage to get thru an install without forgetting something. One of my distinguishing features is the dent in my forehead that exactly fits the heel of my palm. Pay special attention to any drivers and material needed to install your internet connection. Many have had the same provider so long that they no longer have a clue what is required to set up the connection from scratch again. Contact your ISP if necessary for this and make them partner with you in your endeavor. Don't add anything to your configuration at this stage. If you don't have a router now, wait until you have re-established the connection before taking on another task. Nothing is gained by adding more confusion to this process at this critical time.
(5) Disconnect all devices from your system except the monitor, keyboard and mouse. As with any such process, it is advisable that you shut down the system completely and touch the case with one hand while working with the connections with the other to avoid shock to the components.
(6) Boot to the CD to install the OS and follow the instructions for a complete re-installation. XP will try to entertain you during this process by parading an endless dribble of propoganda about how easy it is to use. This is a good time to refresh the coffee, but keep an eye on the system for any input that may be required from you. When XP has finished the install it will congratulate you on your participation and ask you to remove the disk and reboot. Do so to humor it and keep it feeling friendly for later on.
(7) After the OS has loaded and settled in, go into the control panel and choose "add / remove programs". Remove any applications that aren't critical to the basic operation of the system and that you can re-install later. Not knowing what is installed with the HP disk puts me at a bit of a disadvantage here, but just use your best judgement. You will be prompted to reboot again. Do so and note what is loaded into the task tray (next to the clock). Right click anything that shows there for more information. Anything not connected to your video card, sound card, and other basic system functions may be fodder for deletion later.
( 8 ) Reboot into "safe mode" by pressing f8 repeatedly as the system boots. Once in safe mode, do a defrag and reboot again.
(9) Reconnect your internet connection hardware and install any drivers necessary to get the connection active. Check that the connection is live and fully functional, but don't go beyond your ISP, or a known safe site on the internet. Reconnect each of the devices and install the required drivers for them one at a time. Do not install any utilities or programs yet. Your printer is likely to want to install the print / photo application, but confine it to the bare minimum needed to make the device run. This may already be included in XP and no additional drivers wil be needed for now. Simply printing a test page will tell you if the drivers are loaded. If so, skip the disk. Your scanner disk is also prone to prompt you for the installation of an application. Scanners use very generic drivers that are included with XP and shouldn't require anything further. Don't worry about any settings yet.
(10) Click "my computer" and right click on the C:\ drive. Choose "properties" from the pop up and click it to open. A box will appear showing a graphic representation of the drive. Next to the graph is a button marked "disk clean up". Open this and then check anything there that has any volume showing. Click "other options" and then "Windows setup". From here you can choose what options you want to keep from the setup. Highlighting a line and clicking "details" will expand that category and present you with more options. Make any changes that you wish to and then click OK to back out. If you are in doubt about anything there just accept the defaults. Keep clicking OK to back out of the utility until you are back at the graph of your drive. Close the window.
(11) Reboot into safe mode and defrag again. (Boring aint it?)
(12) Reboot into regular mode and reinstall your firewall, virus and spyware utilities by restoring the installation file from the back up media or from the proper disk, following the instructions and rebooting if required. Let them update themselves from their respective websites if they attempt to do so. If they do not. click the update button from each respective control panel and be sure that the update installs correctly.
(13) Reinstall any applications that you want from their disks. Follow any supplied written instructions or look over the "read me" file that is included with almost any application disk. Almost all applications will want to start when Windows starts, but this is a bad practice. There should be a choice provided for this in the installation process and in almost all cases except for security software you should not let them start up with Windows. A few seconds delay is a small price to pay for a lean running system. You may be prompted to reboot after each install of an application and you should do so when asked.
(14) Go back to "my computer" / right click "properties" and navigate back to "disk clean up". Check any items that show a volume again and click "OK" and back out to the desktop.
(15) Reboot into safe mode and defrag again.
(16) Reboot the system and restore any data files that were backed up from the old installation. Make sure that your firewall, virus and spyware scanners are active and doing their thing in the system tray. Make any tweaks to program settings that you are comfortable with and check the basic operation of your devices by scanning and printing a test page etc.
(17)Be amazed at how fast your system is.
_________________
"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks Keith
I appreciate you going through this again in more simple terms for me.
1- I would be bouncing off the walls if I drank coffee as I never really have and I gave up tea too for the most part and only drink my milk and lots of water and the Margaritas, well actually even one Margarita would quickly prevent the recovery because I would probably pass out with one sip..lol I have not drank any alcoholic beverage since I was in my 20's..lol with the exception of one wine cooler ONCE over 10 years ago and well I was quite funny...lol Low tolerance to alcohol I guess. However, when this is all said and done I can dream of doing both... 
2-What do you mean by the "restore disc"? I'm lost on this. I only have the recovery discs.
3-I did all this last night. I have the disc to re-install Microsoft Office again. I wish when I had downloaded and installed programs in the beginning I had known to put them all in my download folder but I didn't. I have since learned to be more careful of where things are going since I understand more thanks to HP, reading and mostly all of you!
4-Lost on this one. I will go through and make sure I have all that I need and pray I don't forget anything. I have no idea what driver updates you mean. I know that when I took some Window updates it had some driver updates I took a couple of years ago but don't know how to find them and i can't acesss IE to take any updates at all. I have the disc that came with my printer and scanner. I had the disc to reinstall MSN when I had it BUT not sure how it works with High speed internet through my cable company. I still question and wonder if I should use yahoo or something besides Outlook express. I can't use Hotmail as I can't see it and it won't ever allow me to get attachments or send them so I don't like it. Any suggestions on this??? I know you or Repa posted that I should set up an acct with limited access, no admin rights to use when surfing the internet but not sure what to do about my email. All my email has always come to my acct with Admin rights. this is probably where I really messed up. As you said, people we know and trust can still send infected emails. So advice on what to do about an email acct to use. If using Outlook Express puts my pc at a higher risk, I want to do something different. So please advise me.
5-Thanks for the tip on touching the case with one hand to avoid shocking my components. See, I would not have done this or known too.
6-This is the easy part other than waiting. I could indulge myself in a very large glass of ice tea..lol I have always talked nice to my pc and will continue to do so..lol
7-It will load Freedom Security, Weather bug and game channel which I never used and not sure what the game channel is. I play word games at MSN and that's it. I never have had anything in my task tray except the clock, my printer icon, Zone Alarm and AVG. Now this may change once I install the programs Repa posted for adware/malware.
8-Will do!!!!
9-At this point, wouldn't I connect the router before connecting the modem? I don't understand again what you mean by installing the drivers after connecting my devices which would only be my printer and scanner. So are you saying I will not have to use the disc again for these 2 devices?
10-I will follow this step and post IF I have questions WHEN it's safe for me to get on the internet.
11-will do and yes it is and it always took all night long literally!!
12-I can handle this.
13-I can't remember much about when everything was installed the first time and what choices it gave, will have to see this time however my pc ALWAYS is very slow to start as it is loading a lot of something.
14 & 15- Will do
16-Can't I put the disc in for everything I backed up and scan each folder with avg and my adware/malware programs before downloaded them to my pc?? This would be like my favorites, can I scan the saved file for my email as well? Repa told me how to back up Outlook Express.
17- PRAISE GOD!!! and thank you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be doing the happy dance literally.
_________________
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -- Helen Keller
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
novice57
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 390
Location: Nebraska
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:31 pm Post subject: clarifications |
|
|
(1) I guess too many all night sessions over a keyboard have made me an addict. I wouldn't advise that you use any substance that you can't tolorate, but this can be a boring process, in spite of the anxiety attached to it. That never completely goes away either. I still have moments when I hold my breath and close my eyes.
(2) These terms are interchangeable in my vernacular. It's probably wrong, but that's how I use them. lol
(3) Sometimes it's best to just go get the application again from the website. This assures you of having the latest version. Just be sure to make a list of the apps that you want to get after the system is up and running again. You can go down the list and Google the app names. When using Google to research an application always check for the date of the results. Many very old web pages are hanging around out there and it wouldn't be unusual to download something that was written for Win 98, or even DOS if you don't check closely.
(4)The driver updates can be done after you restore the system if necessary. Windows update will let you know what drivers are not compatible with the version of XP that you have, but it is best to obtain the drivers from the website of the maker of the hardware. This is particularly true with video cards and sound cards. Microsoft can barely do what they do without getting into hardware functions as well.
The disks for your printer and scanner should be left to almost the last item on the list. They have a lot of stuff that isn't necessary to the basic installation and will autoload it if you allow it. The idea here is to create as lean an install as is possible with XP and then add to it after defragging the hard drive. This compacts the OS files into the front area of the drive and forces the application data to load separately when you get to it. If this isn't done in this order, Windows will scatter data randomly all over your hard drive and create a HUGE registry hive to reference each data location. This is something that you are then stuck with for as long as the system stays up because the defrag utility in Windows won't compact system files. The registry file handling system has been Microsoft's weak point since Win95 and they have only made it worse since then.
I advise you to forget about MSN unless you are paying them for access. Actually, I just advise against loading MSN, especially if you are paying for it. Your cable access will do everything you need done and you can still use MSN mail by simply entering your account name and password. You can use any page on the internet as "home". I switch between Google and Yahoo for my home page to ward off some boredom. I also use different home pages for the different browsers and OS's that I use so that I have a reminder of which OS and browser I am using. Trying to get Microsoft updates from Firefox is frustrating (and impossible) so I must be reminded to use IE. It's even more embarrassing to go to the update site while running Ubuntu or Fedora.
Outlook will load automatically when you install Windows. Of all of the things that I dislike about Microsoft, Outlook on the home PC is at the top of the list. The app was written for interoffice mail and has no business touching the internet. Virus' would be reduced by an easy 50% if this program would disappear. I wouldn't advise taking on this change right now, but you should think about switching to Yahoo or Gmail in the near future. Both offer huge storage limits and will have no problem with attachments. All mail is scanned for virus infection before it is sent and anything you save to your drive is scanned before it is downloaded. Attachments can still be a problem, but not like they are for Outlook. It is easy to transfer addresses to either and the additional security and ease of use make either a winner. If you insist upon a system based mail application, I would advise that you download Thunderbird. It would present no learning curve and is much more secure. This can all be decided upon after your system is restored and you have settled in a little bit.
Setting account privileges is something that you can also deal with when you get everything running at top speed again. We will do much of this later on. Don't try to take on more than the basic installation of the OS and any critical applications and needed hardware right now. Once that is done we can do the other stuff at a pace that will allow you to grasp the why as well as the how. This will make you more confident and you will be posting advice on the board in no time.
(6) Talking nice to your PC is likely to be at the root of your problem. They are not built for this and don't know how to react to it. Pick a spot about 2/3 of the way up the case on the side that you can reach with your dominant hand. At least once a week give it a resounding smack on that spot. This will assure that you at least have it's attention when you sign in. Do not attempt to use this procedure on dogs or husbands tho, as one will bite and the other will leave. Which is which will depend upon your personal situation and your choice of dogs. Only use your non-dominate hand on these. lol
(7) While I have no personal experience with it, I am told that Weatherbug acts much like spyware. It also is a bit of a resource hog and will slow your system and is always checking in for updates. Your experience with it may be different, but I would wait until the system is completely restored to allow it to load, Delete it from the add / remove program list if necessary and install it later on if you wish. The initial purpose of installing a minimum of applications before doing the defrag should be your priority for now. The same is true for any application that installs with the restore disks that you can reload later.
(9) IF you now have the router in your configuration then go ahead and hook it up again to get the internet up and running. If you are adding the router to your configuration then I would advise doing so afterwards. The router should hold it's information and Windows will see it when you first boot up and allow it to assign an address to your network card. This is mostly done behind the scenes with little input required. The same is true for your cable modem. The system will assume that both are required, although the system really doesn't interact with the modem that much. The router handles most of the traffic from the browser to the modem without letting the OS see all that it does.
Printer and scanner drivers are quite basic and Windows will take care of this so fast that you will hardly see it happen. The drivers only become necessary in the event that you have a off brand printer. It is still a good idea to have those available, just in case. The scanner drivers are generic to all input devices and no disk will be required for it. The disks that you have for these most likely contain the applications that you use for more advanced printer and scanning functions and should be loaded after the last defrag. Once again, the purpose is to install a bare minimum of stuff until the OS is settled in on the drive and properly defragged to the front sectors.
(16) Yes, that will work great.
(17) 
PS: You might want to add a final defragg to the instructions as the last item to do. This will assure that your drive is properly organized and will speed up all of the functions considerably. Once you get back online I expect a full report of the adventure. Not having a life requires me to live vicariously thru others, so I will be looking forward to full disclosure.
_________________
"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
novice57
Site Admin
User is Offline
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 390
Location: Nebraska
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 7:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
Linda
Yes, I use recovery disk and restore disk interchangeably. Don't worry about the details too much for right now, as the purpose of the installation procedure is to get the system to a "minimum" state of operation. The router can wait until later, as the destructive restoration will wipe out any settings anyway, making anything done with it now a waste of effort. Once the system is up and running again we will look at the applications that are installed and you can decide what to keep. The instructions will allow you to choose what to install instead of what to uninstall, a much cleaner way to work.
Good luck
_________________
"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
willin_601
Royal Geek
User is Offline
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Iowa
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 9:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are GMT - 7 Hours
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Affiliates and Friends:
    
  
| |
|
