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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: E who wrote (26643)	4/15/2002 1:32:53 PM
From: nnillionaire	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110590

E, I bought a Dell Dimension 4100 (P-4 desktop) running Windows ME last August. Two weeks after taking it out of the box, the Windows ME O/S software became corrupted after I installed some program updates. This sounds like your situation. Dell also had me overwrite the hard disk and reinstall all the software. Big pain in the neck, but it worked. I, too, questioned why Windows would not become corrupted again (since I did reinstall everything that I previously had on the HD.) The response from the Dell tech focused on the stability/instability of Windows code. I would recommend that you take the new hard drive, since it has been offered. You are going to have to reinstall all of your software regardless of whether you overwrite the existing HD, or install a new one. Finally, you might consider that this is an excellent time to consider for a fresh install of Windows XP (or Linux).

To: E who wrote (26643)	4/15/2002 1:38:34 PM
From: Gottfried	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110590

E, given that the diagnostic test showed the HD to be OK, I'd use the system restore CD to reinstall all software that came with the computer when new. [Some of your software was probably corrupted]. Then you may have to reinstall programs you added. I did this a few months ago and it took maybe two hours. Make sure you have bookmarks, e-mail addresses and other important info backed up. You said >she said they'd either write zeros or give me a new hard drive.< If you reformat [write zeros], all information on the HD will be lost, so you have to reinstall programs from the system restore CD anyway. I think your restore CD will give you several options. Why not look and see what they are? Gottfried

To: E who wrote (26643)	4/15/2002 3:54:36 PM
From: thecow	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 110590

E Since you've run the diagnostic programs and they show your hard drive to be ok it looks like you have to go the new install route. Why not let the tech bring you a new hard drive and install it and maybe you can talk him into going through the install for you. It should be just like a new computer. He might even be able to pinpoint the noise source before you have to go through this. What operating system do you have? Having him install the os for you will have him there if you need help installing drivers for any of your hardware. Back up your email messages, email settings, favorites, any personal files such as those in your my documents folder. Write down your user names and passwords for any sites you need those for. Do you have a zip drive or a cd writer? What isp do you use? If you need any help on how to back up these things let us know.

To: E who wrote (26643)	4/15/2002 5:35:15 PM
From: PMS Witch	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110590

Also, if I put the same software back, won't this problem recur? You won't be putting the same software back. You'll be reloading your software from distribution CDs. When finished, you'll have system files that are factory fresh and error free. You can then begin the inevitable process of corrupting Windows all over again. But there's an answer... When you have your system running perfectly, make a copy. When it becomes a mess again, restore it using this copy. Cheers, PW. powerquest.com #reply-10467738 Installing OS #reply-11324608 Drive Image #reply-11365527 Drive Image #reply-11894130 Starting over #reply-14015293 Drive Image recommendation #reply-14016199 Drive Image test #reply-14215415 Back-up considerations #reply-14871252 Re-installing Windows #reply-14968193 Product key #reply-15359794 Image before installing new software #reply-15363821 Image vs. Back-up #reply-15688284 Record Windows settings #reply-14813130 Yet another DI post