Installing Windows After You Format Your new Hard Drive
Whether you have Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP, installing Windows on a newly formatted hard drive is a pretty straightforward process. If you follow a few basic steps, you should have no problems.
Before installing Windows, be sure that you have everything necessary to complete the installation. Once it is started, you cannot change your mind and go back. Among the items you will need are:
1. To install Windows 95, 98 or ME you will need a boot floppy with CD support.
2. To install Windows NT, 2000 and XP as well as for the alternate method of installing Windows 98 and ME you will need to be sure that your CD Rom is set as the first boot device in your systems BIOS.
3. Your Windows installation CD.
4. Your Windows installation key.
5. Drivers (on floppy or CD) for all your devices such as modem, sound and video card, etc.
6. Installation software for any programs or games you are going to install.
7. A list of programs you had installed before the format with registration numbers where needed.
8. Your Internet provider’s settings and installation CD (if required).
9. Any data backups you may have saved.
If your computer came with a recovery CD all you will need to do is to follow the instructions included with it and install your software and backups after you finish.
If your computer did not come with a recovery CD, insert your Windows CD into your CD Rom
Installing Windows 98 or ME
The Windows 98 and ME installation procedure can be very similar to that of Windows 95 or you can follow the steps used in NT, 2000 or XP. The choice is yours. In other words, you will need to choose one of these three installation methods.
1. Boot your computer to a floppy, choose boot with CD Rom support, and, at the a: prompt, type “d:\win98\setup.exe” or “d:\winme\setup.exe” (where “d” is the letter of your CD Rom drive and minus the quotes) to start the setup program.
2. Boot your computer to the floppy, choose the “begin Windows setup” option and off you go.
3. Actually boot the computer to the Windows 98 or ME CD and the setup program will start, directly from the CD, without using a floppy. NOTE: This is the same method used that is used for Windows NT, 2000 and XP.
1. Answer the questions asked by the setup program and enter your Windows key where prompted.
2. Install the drivers for your hardware.
3. Install any additional software, especially antivirus software.
4. Install your data backups.
5. Program your internet connection, go online and update Windows and your antivirus software.
6. Have fun!
Installing Windows NT, 2000 or XP
The installation of Windows NT, 2000 and XP differs from Windows 95, 98 and ME in that you do not have the need to boot to a floppy. You must boot to the Windows CD. They also differ in that you will be given the option to repair your Windows installation, reinstall or install a fresh copy. You will also be given the option of deleting and/or creating the partition(s) on your hard drive as well as formatting them using either NTFS (NT, 2000, XP) or FAT32 (2000, XP). I recommend NTFS for security, stability, speed and smoothness of operation.
Should you choose to install a fresh copy of Windows, but not reformat your hard drive, the installation program will delete your Windows folder and recreate it in order to provide you with a clean installation. Also, the individual account folders in your Documants and Settings folder will be duplicated. This is done without deleting the old ones.
The advantage to this method is that you get a nice clean installation of Windows without losing data. You will still need to reinstall programs but the data should remain. (Even though your data should be ok, be sure you have backed it up “just in case.”)
All you will need to do is import your favorites and email from the old account folders to the new ones in your documents and settings folder.
The disadvantage to this method is that if there is corrupt data or a virus in other areas of the hard drive, such as the Boot Sector, File Allocation Tables (FAT) or in individual program folders, this method may not correct your problem.
Here are the steps for installing Windows NT, 2000 or XP as well as the alternate method of installing 98 and ME.
1. Boot the computer to the Windows CD and the setup program will start. This is directly from the CD, without using a floppy.
NOTE: You will need to insure that your CD Rom is set as the first boot device in the system BIOS. This is the default setting for most newer computers.
2. Choose whether you want to delete or create hard drive partition(s).
3. Choose the type of Windows installation;
* Repair your Windows installation using the recovery console
* Repair your Windows installation using automatic settings
* Reinstall Windows without format
* Install or reinstall Windows fresh with hard drive formatting.
NOTE: This is the choice you will use for a new installation.
4. Enter your personal information and Windows key where prompted.
5. Install the drivers for your hardware.
6. Install any additional software.
7. Install your data backups
8. Program your internet connection, go online and update Windows and your antivirus software.
PC-Mac Support , Windows & Apple & Android systems A+ PC-Mac Computer Technician, bdamusic@gmail.com Email me! 238-1777,Facebook http://tinyurl.com/36sqj5u PC & Apple service at your home: connect your PC or Mac to the Internet:install IP security cameras:install wireless network: Vitamin D surveillance software Reseller
Saturday, October 08, 2005
tips and suggestions to aid you in speeding up your computer.
Upgrades
tips and suggestions to aid you in speeding up your computer.
Installing a Primary IDE Hard Drive:
Before beginning work on any computer system, it is important to make sure all of the power is off. Shut down the computer from operating system. Once the operating system is safely off, turn off the power to the internal components and flipping the switch on the back of the power supply and remove the AC power cord.
Open Up the Computer Case
Next the computer case needs to be opened up. The method for opening up the computer case will vary depending upon the case design. Most new cases use either a side panel or door while older cases may require the whole cover be removed. Remove any screws that hold the cover to the case and then remove the panel or cover.
Set the Drive Mode Jumper
Based on the documentation that came with the hard drive or any diagrams on the hard drive, set the jumpers on the drive. In most cases if the system only has a single drive connected to the cable, use the "Cable Select" option. If there is another drive that will be connected to the same IDE cable, used the "Master" setting.
Insert the Drive in the Case
It is now time to slide the drive into the case. For hard drives, typically there is a drive cage that hold them. If the cage can be removed from the case, do this now to make installation easier. To install it, simply slide the drive into a slot until the mounting holes on the cage match the drive. Fasten the drive to the cage with screws.
Attach IDE Cable to the Motherboard
Most ATA/66 and ATA/100 IDE cables will have a blue connector or a connector labeled "System Board". This will be plugged into either the IDE0 (Primary) or IDE1 (Secondary) connector on the motherboard. Typically the primary connector will be blue to signify that it should be used for a hard drive. The cables are typically keyed to only be inserted in one way but if the cable is not keyed, make sure that the red stripe on the IDE cable matches up to "Pin 1" on the motherboard.
Plug the IDE Cable to the Hard Drive
Attach the furthest connector on the ribbon cable to the hard drive. This connector will often be black or labeled "Primary". Make sure that the red stripe on the cable is placed at pin 1 of the connector on the hard drive. Most drives are now keyed so the cable will only fit in one particular way.
Plug the Power to the Drive
Locate a free 4-pin Molex connector from the power supply. This is plugged into the power connector on the hard drive.
Close Up the Computer
At this point the wiring and drive should be secured within the computer case. It is now time to replace the computer cover or panel to the cover. Be sure to fasten the cover to the case with the screws that were previously removed.
Fasten the Computer Cover
Power Up the Computer
Now that the case is closed up, power can be restored to the computer system. Plug the AC cord back into the power supply and be sure to flip the switch to the ON position.
It will be necessary for the computer BIOS to detect the hard drive the next time that it is powered up. Check with the manual for your computer or motherboard on how to detect a new hard drive. It may be necessary to change some of the parameters in the computer BIOS in order for it to detect the hard drive on the controller. The drive must also be formatted for use with the operating system before it can be used. Please consult the documentation that came with your motherboard or computer for additional information.
tips and suggestions to aid you in speeding up your computer.
Installing a Primary IDE Hard Drive:
Before beginning work on any computer system, it is important to make sure all of the power is off. Shut down the computer from operating system. Once the operating system is safely off, turn off the power to the internal components and flipping the switch on the back of the power supply and remove the AC power cord.
Open Up the Computer Case
Next the computer case needs to be opened up. The method for opening up the computer case will vary depending upon the case design. Most new cases use either a side panel or door while older cases may require the whole cover be removed. Remove any screws that hold the cover to the case and then remove the panel or cover.
Set the Drive Mode Jumper
Based on the documentation that came with the hard drive or any diagrams on the hard drive, set the jumpers on the drive. In most cases if the system only has a single drive connected to the cable, use the "Cable Select" option. If there is another drive that will be connected to the same IDE cable, used the "Master" setting.
Insert the Drive in the Case
It is now time to slide the drive into the case. For hard drives, typically there is a drive cage that hold them. If the cage can be removed from the case, do this now to make installation easier. To install it, simply slide the drive into a slot until the mounting holes on the cage match the drive. Fasten the drive to the cage with screws.
Attach IDE Cable to the Motherboard
Most ATA/66 and ATA/100 IDE cables will have a blue connector or a connector labeled "System Board". This will be plugged into either the IDE0 (Primary) or IDE1 (Secondary) connector on the motherboard. Typically the primary connector will be blue to signify that it should be used for a hard drive. The cables are typically keyed to only be inserted in one way but if the cable is not keyed, make sure that the red stripe on the IDE cable matches up to "Pin 1" on the motherboard.
Plug the IDE Cable to the Hard Drive
Attach the furthest connector on the ribbon cable to the hard drive. This connector will often be black or labeled "Primary". Make sure that the red stripe on the cable is placed at pin 1 of the connector on the hard drive. Most drives are now keyed so the cable will only fit in one particular way.
Plug the Power to the Drive
Locate a free 4-pin Molex connector from the power supply. This is plugged into the power connector on the hard drive.
Close Up the Computer
At this point the wiring and drive should be secured within the computer case. It is now time to replace the computer cover or panel to the cover. Be sure to fasten the cover to the case with the screws that were previously removed.
Fasten the Computer Cover
Power Up the Computer
Now that the case is closed up, power can be restored to the computer system. Plug the AC cord back into the power supply and be sure to flip the switch to the ON position.
It will be necessary for the computer BIOS to detect the hard drive the next time that it is powered up. Check with the manual for your computer or motherboard on how to detect a new hard drive. It may be necessary to change some of the parameters in the computer BIOS in order for it to detect the hard drive on the controller. The drive must also be formatted for use with the operating system before it can be used. Please consult the documentation that came with your motherboard or computer for additional information.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
How do I create a bootable floppy?
Windows XP lacks the start-up disk feature of earlier Windows versions.
How do I create a bootable floppy I can use if XP fails to boot?
Windows 9 x and Me let you create a floppy disk you can use to start your system in case anything goes wrong with your hard drive. The start-up disk boots your PC into MS-DOS and contains various diagnostic and repair tools.
Windows 2000 and XP take a different approach to booting in PC emergencies than 9 x and Me do. Some of their solutions don't even require a floppy. For instance, if Windows 2000 or XP hangs while loading, simply reboot and press F8 as your PC begins to reload the operating system to see a menu of boot options (you may have to press F8 twice to get the full menu). Your best option for restoring your PC is probably to select Last Known Good Configuration. If this choice doesn't work, try selecting Safe Mode. Keep in mind that your mouse won't work on this menu; you must use your keyboard's arrow keys.
Such nonfloppy restoration methods rely on Windows itself, however. If Windows won't even start to boot, you'll need a boot disk. Here's how to make one:
Start with a blank, formatted floppy disk. It may seem counterintuitive, but this disk shouldn't be bootable. If you need to format a floppy, simply insert the disk into its drive, double-click My Computer, right-click the floppy drive icon, select Format, and then click Start.
Next, open your C: drive in Windows Explorer. If Explorer displays a warning, click Show the contents of this folder. To display the particular files you need, select Tools, Folder Options, then click the View tab. Make sure Show hidden files and folders is selected, and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). At the warning, click Yes, then OK.
Copy the files boot.ini, ntdetect.com, and ntldr to your floppy. Remove the disk, open the write-protect switch in its bottom-left corner, and label the floppy "Boot Disk." Return to the Folder Options dialog box and recheck Hide protected operating system files and folders (Recommended).
Place this floppy in the drive and reboot your system. Your PC will bypass the basic boot files on your hard drive, but it will otherwise load Windows normally.
http://www.bootdisk.com/
DOS/Windows9X/Me/NT/2K/XP Excellent Bootdisks
If you are unable to boot up your Windows XP PC (XP Home or XP Professional), it may be because the boot sector has become corrupted (yet the operating system and data may still be OK). If that is the problem, then the free boot disk downloads here will enable your PC to ignore the hard disk boot sector, and instead use the boot sector on this boot floppy in order to still boot successfully into Windows XP.
Resolving Boot Issues with a Boot Floppy Disk
You may be able to use a Windows XP bootable disk to start the operating system on a computer running Windows XP.
Use the procedures in this article to work around the following boot issues:
• Damaged boot sector.
• Damaged master boot record (MBR).
• Virus infections.
• Missing or damaged Ntldr or Ntdetect.com files.
• Incorrect Ntbootdd.sys driver.
How to use System files to create a boot disk to guard against being unable to start Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314079
If your computer uses an Intel x86-based processor, and the startup record for the active partition or files that you must have to start Windows become corrupted, you may not be able to start your computer. This article describes how to create a startup disk. With a startup disk, you can start your computer if the startup record becomes corrupted.
Create a Windows startup disk when you first install Windows on the computer. This disk is different from an MS-DOS startup disk. Unlike MS-DOS, the whole Windows operating system cannot fit on one floppy disk. A Windows startup disk contains only the files that you must have to start the operating system with the remainder of the Windows system files installed on the hard disk drive.
To create the startup disk, follow these steps:
1. Insert a blank floppy disk in drive A, and then format the disk by using Windows XP.
2. From the root folder of the system partition of your hard disk drive (for example, C:\-), copy the following files to the floppy disk:
Boot.ini
NTLDR
Ntdetect.com
You may have to remove the hidden, system, and read-only attributes from the files.
3.Restore the hidden, system, and read-only attributes to the files on your hard disk if you removed these attributes.
4.If the Bootsect.dos file or the Ntbootdd.sys file resides in the system partition, repeat steps 2 through 4 to copy these files to the boot disk.
If you format a floppy disk in Windows XP, the startup record points to the NTLDR file. When NTLDR runs, it loads the available operating system selections from the Boot.ini file. If you select Windows, NTLDR runs Ntdetect.com, and then passes control to Osloader.exe. If you select MS-DOS or OS/2, NTLDR loads Bootsect.dos.
How do I create a bootable floppy I can use if XP fails to boot?
Windows 9 x and Me let you create a floppy disk you can use to start your system in case anything goes wrong with your hard drive. The start-up disk boots your PC into MS-DOS and contains various diagnostic and repair tools.
Windows 2000 and XP take a different approach to booting in PC emergencies than 9 x and Me do. Some of their solutions don't even require a floppy. For instance, if Windows 2000 or XP hangs while loading, simply reboot and press F8 as your PC begins to reload the operating system to see a menu of boot options (you may have to press F8 twice to get the full menu). Your best option for restoring your PC is probably to select Last Known Good Configuration. If this choice doesn't work, try selecting Safe Mode. Keep in mind that your mouse won't work on this menu; you must use your keyboard's arrow keys.
Such nonfloppy restoration methods rely on Windows itself, however. If Windows won't even start to boot, you'll need a boot disk. Here's how to make one:
Start with a blank, formatted floppy disk. It may seem counterintuitive, but this disk shouldn't be bootable. If you need to format a floppy, simply insert the disk into its drive, double-click My Computer, right-click the floppy drive icon, select Format, and then click Start.
Next, open your C: drive in Windows Explorer. If Explorer displays a warning, click Show the contents of this folder. To display the particular files you need, select Tools, Folder Options, then click the View tab. Make sure Show hidden files and folders is selected, and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). At the warning, click Yes, then OK.
Copy the files boot.ini, ntdetect.com, and ntldr to your floppy. Remove the disk, open the write-protect switch in its bottom-left corner, and label the floppy "Boot Disk." Return to the Folder Options dialog box and recheck Hide protected operating system files and folders (Recommended).
Place this floppy in the drive and reboot your system. Your PC will bypass the basic boot files on your hard drive, but it will otherwise load Windows normally.
http://www.bootdisk.com/
DOS/Windows9X/Me/NT/2K/XP Excellent Bootdisks
If you are unable to boot up your Windows XP PC (XP Home or XP Professional), it may be because the boot sector has become corrupted (yet the operating system and data may still be OK). If that is the problem, then the free boot disk downloads here will enable your PC to ignore the hard disk boot sector, and instead use the boot sector on this boot floppy in order to still boot successfully into Windows XP.
Resolving Boot Issues with a Boot Floppy Disk
You may be able to use a Windows XP bootable disk to start the operating system on a computer running Windows XP.
Use the procedures in this article to work around the following boot issues:
• Damaged boot sector.
• Damaged master boot record (MBR).
• Virus infections.
• Missing or damaged Ntldr or Ntdetect.com files.
• Incorrect Ntbootdd.sys driver.
How to use System files to create a boot disk to guard against being unable to start Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314079
If your computer uses an Intel x86-based processor, and the startup record for the active partition or files that you must have to start Windows become corrupted, you may not be able to start your computer. This article describes how to create a startup disk. With a startup disk, you can start your computer if the startup record becomes corrupted.
Create a Windows startup disk when you first install Windows on the computer. This disk is different from an MS-DOS startup disk. Unlike MS-DOS, the whole Windows operating system cannot fit on one floppy disk. A Windows startup disk contains only the files that you must have to start the operating system with the remainder of the Windows system files installed on the hard disk drive.
To create the startup disk, follow these steps:
1. Insert a blank floppy disk in drive A, and then format the disk by using Windows XP.
2. From the root folder of the system partition of your hard disk drive (for example, C:\-), copy the following files to the floppy disk:
Boot.ini
NTLDR
Ntdetect.com
You may have to remove the hidden, system, and read-only attributes from the files.
3.Restore the hidden, system, and read-only attributes to the files on your hard disk if you removed these attributes.
4.If the Bootsect.dos file or the Ntbootdd.sys file resides in the system partition, repeat steps 2 through 4 to copy these files to the boot disk.
If you format a floppy disk in Windows XP, the startup record points to the NTLDR file. When NTLDR runs, it loads the available operating system selections from the Boot.ini file. If you select Windows, NTLDR runs Ntdetect.com, and then passes control to Osloader.exe. If you select MS-DOS or OS/2, NTLDR loads Bootsect.dos.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Aopen to launch Mac mini look-alike PC for Christmas
you can dress up a pig in a fancy outfit,but it still smells like a pig!
imitation is a form of flattery,but they miss the point, what makes Apple's Mac mini sell is the superior operating system,OS X
BUT the Linux version looks interesting.. There also will be a Linux version, which will sell for $399
Aopen to launch Mac mini look-alike PC for Christmas
September 29, 2005 - 13:41 EST
Chicago (IL) - Aopen today confirmed that it will introduce a mini PC closely resembling the design of Apple's Mac mini in time for this year's Christmas season. The device will sell in two versions for $399 and $499 and deliver more performance than the Apple original, the company promises.
It's no secret that the Wintel industry has been caught by surprise by the success of Apple's Mac mini and has been working overtime to catch up. Numerous prototypes of Mac mini clones have appeared in keynote speeches and tradeshow floors over the past 8 months. Now the first production-ready model has been announced.
aopen2 Aopen said it will ship its mini PC code-named "Pandora" to US retailers in time to make the Christmas season. While there were no details available on product specs, the prototype shown for the first time at Computex in May of this year, integrated a Pentium M processor, 256 MByte of system memory as well as a 40 GByte harddrive. According to Aopen, Pandora will be "smaller" than Apple's Mac mini, which currently ships with a 1.25 GHz G4 processor, 512 MByte memory, a 40 GByte harddrive and a mobile Radeon graphics chip with 32 MByte of memory.
In contrast to Intel's Mac mini clones, the Pandora most likely will include a single-core 90 nm Pentium M chip with Dothan core. Intel most recently demonstrated a bright yellow device, code-named "GoldenGate," during the Fall developer Forum in August of this year. The mini PC was equipped with a next-generation dual core Pentium M processor that will be announced during the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2006.
Analysts earlier this year had doubt, whether Aopen may be able to match Apple's $499 price point - and as it turns out, the company will sell complete systems without a monitor for exactly that price with Windows pre-installed. There also will be a Linux version, which will sell for $399, according to Aopen.
imitation is a form of flattery,but they miss the point, what makes Apple's Mac mini sell is the superior operating system,OS X
BUT the Linux version looks interesting.. There also will be a Linux version, which will sell for $399
Aopen to launch Mac mini look-alike PC for Christmas
September 29, 2005 - 13:41 EST
Chicago (IL) - Aopen today confirmed that it will introduce a mini PC closely resembling the design of Apple's Mac mini in time for this year's Christmas season. The device will sell in two versions for $399 and $499 and deliver more performance than the Apple original, the company promises.
It's no secret that the Wintel industry has been caught by surprise by the success of Apple's Mac mini and has been working overtime to catch up. Numerous prototypes of Mac mini clones have appeared in keynote speeches and tradeshow floors over the past 8 months. Now the first production-ready model has been announced.
aopen2 Aopen said it will ship its mini PC code-named "Pandora" to US retailers in time to make the Christmas season. While there were no details available on product specs, the prototype shown for the first time at Computex in May of this year, integrated a Pentium M processor, 256 MByte of system memory as well as a 40 GByte harddrive. According to Aopen, Pandora will be "smaller" than Apple's Mac mini, which currently ships with a 1.25 GHz G4 processor, 512 MByte memory, a 40 GByte harddrive and a mobile Radeon graphics chip with 32 MByte of memory.
In contrast to Intel's Mac mini clones, the Pandora most likely will include a single-core 90 nm Pentium M chip with Dothan core. Intel most recently demonstrated a bright yellow device, code-named "GoldenGate," during the Fall developer Forum in August of this year. The mini PC was equipped with a next-generation dual core Pentium M processor that will be announced during the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2006.
Analysts earlier this year had doubt, whether Aopen may be able to match Apple's $499 price point - and as it turns out, the company will sell complete systems without a monitor for exactly that price with Windows pre-installed. There also will be a Linux version, which will sell for $399, according to Aopen.
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