How To Perform A Windows XP Repair Install

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

Author: Michael Stevens MS-MVP 2001-2007
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Home ● Warning #1
MS-MVP ● Warning #2
OE Newsreader ● Warning #3
Move XP ● Skip to Repair Install
Format XP ● Submitted fixes
Clean Install XP ● Additional Links
XP Repair Install
XP FAQ It is extremely important that you backup important data that is not available from
Restore other media sources. This backup should be located on a separate hard drive, CD,
F.A.S.T DVD, network storage, etc. that will not be affected by the repair install.
Upgrade Issues
Access BIOS Please check out the warning links before attempting the Repair Install. It is to your
advantage you follow the suggestions to prevent data loss and especially if you also
Spell Check
have the capability to boot into XP, perform the steps listed in the Warning #1 ,
View XP Key
before proceeding with the repair install.
SW&Tools
Shareware After completing [if Windows is still accessible] the steps listed to prevent data loss
Computer Links in warning #1 and you did not remedy the no boot situation, you can use an OEM
WinLinks XP Pro or Home, "retail" XP Home or Pro full or upgrade version CD of the same
Motorsports version Home or Pro to perform a Repair Install. OEM Restore disks or hidden
Online Mags restore folders on the hard drive will not work for the Repair Install.
FTP Links
Donate A Repair Install will replace the system files with the files on the XP CD used for the
Contact Repair Install. It will leave your applications and settings intact, but Windows updates
will need to be reapplied.
A Repair Install will replace files altered by adware and malware, but will not fix an
adware, malware problem.
You can use the In place upgrade option to change a Product Key in the event you
entered a key that was already activated. The In Place Upgrade also produces the same
result as the Repair Install.
Alternate options to Change XP Product Key #18 on the FAQ list.
Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer

is newer than the version on the CD.
If you get a "Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (1 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

is newer than the version on the CD." message, if you continue, you will need to apply
the SP 2 updates after the repair install completes, plus you will need to take the
following steps to keep your system from being immediately infected with a virus.
1. If you connect directly to the internet without a router or hardware firewall,

disconnect from the internet by physically removing the connections cable, removing a
wireless card, or any other means of internet connection.
2. After the Repair install is completed, enable the XP firewall or install third party
firewall software or router before connecting to the internet.
If you get the "Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your
computer is newer than the version on the CD.". You should create a slipstreamed copy
of your XP CD by using the software and step by steps supplied in the links below.
Slipstream XP
Automatic Updates
If you cannot download Automatic updates after the Repair install , follow the steps in
the link below submitted by MS-MVP's Richard Harper and Ron Martell.
Automatic Updates stops working after a repair install of Windows XP
XP Repair install
Please read carefully and make sure you followed the warning links before initiating
the Repair Install. You can print a text version for reference. repair.txt
1. Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in the
system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system documentation
for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.
2. When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft

Windows XP to run on your computer:
To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.
3. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.

do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery
Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I
repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the
Recovery Console, press R".
4. Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows
installations.
5. Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the

repair. If Repair is not one of the options, END setup. After the reboot read
Warning#2!
6. Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press any
key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will continue as if it
were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain intact.
If you get files not found during the copying stage.
Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when
asked, enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can
activate after the firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections.
Right click the connection you use, Properties and there is a check box on the
Advanced page.
KB 833330u Blaster removal
What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and Its Variants
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011
7. Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation.

Please note that a Repair Install using an Original pre service pack 1 or 2 XP CD used
as the install media will remove SP1/SP2 respectively and service packs plus updates
issued after the service packs will need to be reapplied.
Windows XP Service Pack 1
Service Pack 2
An option I highly recommend; is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD

with SP1, SP2, etc. .
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good
Another Slipstream step by step Better
AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!
Step by Step on AutoStreamer
Printable Repair Install step by step. repair.txt
XP Repair Install in PDF XPrepairinstall

Warning! #1
Should you do a repair install and is it the best choice?

A Repair Install is not foolproof and should not be considered the cure-all fix for non-
boot situations.
The below procedure applies only if you can still boot into Windows.
To prevent loss of data and/or program settings, perform the following before the
Repair Install.
Manually delete the Undo_guimode.txt file from the Windows\System32 folder before
you perform any of the actions that are listed in the "Symptoms" section of this article.
To do this in Windows XP, type the following command at a command prompt:
del /a /f %windir%\system32\undo_guimode.txt
1. From the Start menu, click Run. See screen shot Image
2. In the Run dialog box, in the Open text box, type: cmd. Click OK.
3. Delete the undo_guimode.txt file. In the C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe
dialog box, type: del /a /f c:\windows\system32\undo_guimode.txt.
Press the ENTER key. See screenshot Image
KB Q312369
Check the link below for an option for recovering from a non-boot event.
Windows XP Crashed? Here's Help

A salvage mission into the depths of Windows XP, explained by a non-geek
by Charlie White
Also as a precaution the windows\system32\WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK should be

copied to a floppy before doing a repair install. For more information see Alex Nichol's
article on XP activation.
More articles to help prevent data loss.
Chris Quirke
http://cquirke.mvps.org/reinst.htm
Additional tips to perform before initiating the Repair Install.
You should complete the basic requirements of backing up all files and folders that
cannot be restored from other media. This includes passwords, applications purchased
and downloaded from the internet without CD support, financial records and folders,

digital images that cannot be replaced...............
Backup copies of your registry files (in the %systemroot%\Repair folder) are also
replaced after the in-place upgrade is complete. Copy these registry backups to
another location before you perform an in-place upgrade/Repair Install. You may
need to use them after the in-place upgrade is complete.
It would also be a good idea to run the Files And Settings Transfer wizard F.A.S.T
located on the XP CD.
If you made unorthodox registry changes with third party software, there is the
potential of data loss from a Repair Install. Another consideration of concern would be
a power failure during the repair install could render your system un bootable and
result in loss of data.
The likelihood of you losing the files and folders is probably of minimal risk, but you
have to expect the worst and make sure you are prepared for recovery.
If you are sure you have explored all other troubleshooting avenues, then proceed with
the repair install.
If you get a warning message: "Setup cannot continue because the version
of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD."
You get this message when you use a pre-SP 1, SP2 XP CD on an XP installation that
has been updated to SP1, SP2.
You have the options listed below.
1. Remove the SP 1, SP2 update if the option is available from Add/Remove.

2. Create a slipstreamed XP CD merging the SP1 or SP2 update.
2a Autostreamer for creating a slipstreamed CD the easy way.
3. Purchase an XP CD with SP2 included.
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or 2 (SP1, SP2)
Another Slipstream step by step
AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer
Warning!! #2
If the Repair Option is not Available
What should I do? Most important do not ignore the information below!
If the option to Repair Install is NOT available and you continue with the install; you
will delete your Windows folder and the Documents and Settings folders. All

applications installed that place keys in the registry will need to be re-installed and
will require the original install media.
You should exit setup if the repair option is not available and consider other options. I
have found if the Repair option is not available, you have a few paths I have listed
below to try before XP requires a Clean install.
Another option to consider (since the cost of 100 + gig hard drives has dropped to well
under $75) would be to disconnect the current hard drive and install a clean XP from
retail disks or restore media to a new hard drive. You can then connect the original
hard drive after configuring the jumpers to a slave drive. You can retrieve important
files. One thing to remember, if a hard drive has not been formatted or written over by
reinstalling, the data is accessible. The less you access a hard drive after a non-boot
episode; the better your chances of retrieving your data.
Very important!!
If you still have the ability to access the Windows XP installation, backup all important
files not restorable from other sources before attempting any recovery console or other
trouble shooting attempts.
Possible Fix by reconfiguring boot.ini using Recovery Console.
1.Boot with XP CD or 6 floppy boot disk set.
2. Press R to load the Recovery Console.
3. Type bootcfg.
4. This should fix any boot.ini errors causing setup not to see the XP OS
install.
5. Try the repair install.
One more suggestion from MVP Alex Nichol
"Reboot, this time taking the immediate R option and if the CD letter is say K: give
these commands
copy K:\i386\ntldr C:\

copy K:\i386\ntdetect.com C:\
(two other files needed - just in case)
1. Type: attrib -h -r -s C:\boot.ini del C:\boot.ini
2. Type: BootCfg /Rebuild
which will get rid of any damaged boot.ini, search the disk for systems and make a new
one. This might even result in a damaged windows reappearing; but gives another
chance of getting at the repair"

Try the link below if the repair option is not available.
Windows XP Crashed?
Here's Help. A salvage mission into the depths of Windows XP, explained by a non-
geek
by Charlie White
Feedback
Feedback on success or failure of the above fixes would be greatly appreciated.
Please submit your solution to fix the repair install option as not available. New
fixes submitted and verified will be posted with credit below.
Charlie Russel MS-MVP
Charlie Russel submitted this valuable information that if you have Symantec GO Back
installed, you will not get an option to repair install until you disable it.(you will get a
warning that you will lose your restore points.) You will then get the option to repair
install.
Please submit your fixes. webmaster@michaelstevenstech.com
Warning!! #3
Updates must be applied before connecting to the internet

after a repair install.
Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation. Please
note that a Repair Install using an Original pre service pack 1 or 2 XP CD used as the install
media will remove SP1/SP2 respectively and service packs plus updates issued after the
service packs will need to be reapplied.
Service Pack 2
Service Pack 3
An option I highly recommend; is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD with SP1,

SP2, etc. .
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good

Another Slipstream step by step Better
AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!
Additional Links
Chris Quirke's Blog XP Repair Install essential info
Dell Restore link
This article will answer your questions about the Dell restore partitions and what if
any options you have if they are corrupted, formatted or overwritten.
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/
Related Microsoft KB Articles
You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing or Upgrading
Windows XP (Q312369)
System Restore "Restore Points" Are Missing or Deleted (Q301224)
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)
This page was last updated on Monday, September 22, 2008 At 03:12:04 PM,
You accessed it on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 At 04:01:44 PM.

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Q6: Do Microsoft MVPs receive any payment from Microsoft?

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Q7: How long does the Microsoft MVP Award last?

A7: The MVP Award lasts for the duration of one year. During this
time, MVP Award recipients are free to refer to themselves as
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Q8: What does Microsoft expect of its MVPs?

A8: Because MVP status is awarded based on past contributions,
Microsoft has no expectations of MVPs beyond the expectations of
courtesy, professionalism, code of conduct, and adherence to the
community rules that we ask of all Microsoft community members.
These rules can be found on the Microsoft Communities Rules of
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Q9: How can I become a Microsoft MVP?

A9: Individuals are nominated for the MVP Award by their peers or
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offline or online technical communities. Each nominee's contributions
are then compared to the other candidates' contributions for the
same year to determine who will receive the award.
Nominees are chosen from traditional and emerging community
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user groups, book authors, event speakers, Web boards, blogs, and
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languages, and share their expertise in over 90 Microsoft
technologies.
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MVP?
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Minors are defined as anyone who is not 18 years or older. To help
ensure their safety, the MVP program has implemented a policy that
all Microsoft MVPs awardees awarded as of April 2006 must affirm
that they are 18 years or older.
Q12: How do I get the contact information for Microsoft MVPs?

A12: While you can find a list of all current MVPs on our awardees
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For more information
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Michael Stevens Tech
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2001-2007 MS-MVP Adward Recipient
Home
MS-MVP Where do I find information on XP Service Packs ?
OE Newsreader
Move XP
Format XP Information on the XP Service Pack 2 and 3 can be found at
Clean Install XP
XP Repair Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
XP FAQ
Restore
F.A.S.T
Upgrade Issues
Access BIOS
Spell Check
View XP Key How do I format my hard drive with XP installed so I can
SW&Tools start over?
Shareware
Computer Links This question is frequently asked and raises a red flag that the
WinLinks user is in trouble and may need special help transitioning from
Motorsports the Win 9X/Me platform to XP. The first question that should be
Online Mags asked is what problem has prompted the need to start over. Usually it is
FTP Links not necessary to start from scratch with XP. You have a few options
Donate before using the hammer approach (aka format).
Contact
1. Your first option would be to try System Restore from Start> All Programs>
Accessories> System Tools> System Restore. Look for the last program;
update; etc. you installed before the problem occurred and select a restore
point accordingly.
2. Make a post to the Microsoft XP newsgroups explaining the problem in

as much detail as possible. I suggest you setup a newsreader instead of
using the web based format.
3. Do a Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ (1 of 2)10/15/2008 4:07:42 PM

4. Do a Clean Install using the XP CD.
5. See links from XP FAQ page for more format options.
How to Format XP.
If the system manufacturer supplies only a method to restore to original

shipped state located on the hard drive or restore CD's; formatting the hard
drive may remove the restore files and you should consult your system
documentation and web site.
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Setting up Outlook Express Newsreader
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Web MichaelStevensTech.Com
Using the web based access to newsgroups is a very difficult way to use high volume
newsgroups like the XP newsgroups. With several XP newsgroups average daily volume
well over 1000 messages, the web formats lack of the search ability severely limits the
usefulness of the newsgroups forum.
Home
MS-MVP Below are steps and tips on setting up the Outlook Express Newsreader for viewing and
posting to the Microsoft newsgroups.
OE Newsreader
Move XP
1. Open Outlook Express or if you have Outlook configured, open Outlook [see below
Format XP for enabling news for Outlook 2003.
Clean Install XP 2. From Tools menu, select Accounts.
XP Repair Install 3. Click the Add button and select News.
XP FAQ 4. This will launch the Internet Connection Wizard.
Restore 5. Type the name you want to appear in the "From" column in the Display field.
F.A.S.T 6. Type your email address, this can be any email address, but I suggest creating an
Upgrade Issues anonymous email account just for newsgroup posting.
Access BIOS
Spell Check (As a further warning, never use your real email address in the
configuration of your newsgroup reader or your signature.
View XP Key
SW&Tools
Alter the address with something obvious to someone with a legitimate reason to
Shareware reply, but so you will not have your email address harvested by spam harvesters.
Computer Links Use a prefix/suffix like no spam or bogus, etc. Change the part of the email address
WinLinks after the @ sign. This will lessen the possibility email will be sent to a real person.)
Motorsports
Online Mags Anonymous email accounts are available for free. Hushmail Secure Email is one
FTP Links of many examples available. For more examples do a Google search for
Donate "anonymous email"
Contact 7. Enter msnews.microsoft.com for the NNTP server. Since the Microsoft public
newsgroups do not require a password, leave the checkbox "my newserver
requires me to log on" unchecked.
8. In the Newsgroup Subscriptions dialog box, type microsoft.public.windowsxp. to
display all Windows XP newsgroups. Click the newsgroups you're interested in, then
click Subscribe.
9. When you have subscribed to the desired newsgroups, click OK
10. From OE Tools> Options> Read> Set the number of headers to retrieve to 1000.
Uncheck the checkbox to download all the messages in a newsgroup.
(recommended, but takes a considerable amount of time. OE
Newsreader will give a much higher estimate of the posts to download.
Estimate is over a million headers for the general group, but actual
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm (1 of 4)10/15/2008 4:07:47 PM

number is around 90 to 100 thousand.) The XP newsgroups have a very high

volume and average posts in some groups exceed 1000 posts per day, using the
default 300 headers to download would give only a fraction of the posts and replies
to the newsgroups.
11. From View> Current View select Show All Messages.
12. From View> Sort By select Sent
13. Optionally From View> Layout> Preview Pane, select open preview pane,
then 'below messages' or 'beside messages' and finally Show preview pane header.
This option allows you to see messages as you select them.
14. Use Help for more tips on configuring OE for newsgroups.
Cross-Posts
When posting the same question to multiple newsgroups, do so by cross-posting rather

than making individual posts to each group. By cross-posting, replies will show in all
groups regardless of the newsgroup the reply was made. Cross-posts should be limited to
topic relevant newsgroups with the usual accepted groups limited to (3) three per post,
but more or less can be posted to with most newsreaders. Screen shot images below
illustrate how to cross-post.
1. Reply to message.
Click image to enlarge.

2. Select Newsgroups.

3. Add Newsgroups.

4. Example of cross-post.
Additional tips for OE newsreader.
After the initial download of the headers, you should compact the newsgroups by right
clicking on a subscribed newsgroup and selecting Properties from the menu, then Compact

For Outlook 2003, the tool bar must be customized to enable a link to open Outlook
Newsreader. If you receive an error message or the news option is not available from the
customize menu option, uninstall Outlook and reinstall making sure you have closed
Outlook Express before reinstalling. If Outlook Express has been previously setup to
receive newsgroups, you may need to remove the newsgroup accounts to get Outlook
2003 to properly intergrate OE seamlessly into Outlook 2003.
When properly configured, opening OE newsreader from Outlook 2003 will show Outlook
Newsreader on the application title line.
Example of OE properly intergrated into Outlook 2003 shown below.
click the above image to enlarge.
Finally, there are other newsgroup applications and some are more specialized to specific
newsgroup tasks, but I find the Outlook Express newsreader especially well suited for
Microsoft peer support newsgroups. For downloading files and binaries, I would suggest
other newsreaders more suited for this task.
Printable text version. Right click text file and choose print target: oesetup.txt
MICROSOFT PUBLIC NEWSGROUPS
List of Microsoft Public Newsgroup links compiled courtesy of MS-MVP Jim

Eshelman.
Clicking the links will automatically create any necessary account configuration in
Outlook Express and take you directly to the Microsoft newsgroup you have selected — no
complicated technical configurations are needed! Over 2000+ newsgroups available.
Microsoft newsgroups rules of conduct. Useful tips on E-mail Addresses and Privacy.

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/conduct/default.mspx
More tips on OE
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/community/columns/OEtopten.
mspx
Alternative Newsreaders
Netscape NewsBin Pro v4.05

Agent Xnews
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Changing a Motherboard or Moving
Changing a Motherboard or Moving a
Hard Drive with XP Installed
Revised 4/19/05 to incorporate new procedure based on MS KB824125
Search
Michael Stevens
Web Tech
Important information to consider before attempting the move of XP to new hardware.
Please read carefully and follow through with the recommendations!
Home
If you found this web page before attempting to move a currently installed Windows
MS-MVP XP to new hardware. I highly recommend you either create an image of the hard drive
OE Newsreader or make sure you have all important data that can not be replaced from other media
Move XP backed up to XP compatible media before proceeding. Even under the best of
Format XP circumstances the chances of booting a hard drive moved from another computer is a
Clean Install XP crap shoot, and doing so without an image or backup is asking for trouble. I hope this
XP Repair Install advice does not fall on deaf ears.
XP FAQ
Restore Windows .QIC and CD-R/CDRW's using the packet writing format will need to
have XP compatible software installed to access the information. *
F.A.S.T
Upgrade Issues
Advisory: Changing a Branded OEM XP system motherboard to a non-factory
Access BIOS
replacement motherboard or moving a hard drive with OEM XP pre
Spell Check
installed to a non-OEM system is not advised. The new OEM EULA states: The sale
View XP Key
of XP OEM software is only allowed when accompanied with a complete computer.
SW&Tools Defined as "We grant you a nonexclusive right to distribute an individual software
Shareware license only with a fully assembled computer system. A "fully assembled computer
Computer Links system" means a computer system consisting of at least a central processing unit, a
WinLinks motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply, and a case." A non-password protected
Motorsports explanation can be accessed from the link below.
Online Mags
FTP Links OEM Microsoft Windows (including XP Pro and XP Home) Licensing
Donate Changes You Need To Know About!
Contact
Two problem areas exist.
1. Non-compliance with the OEM EULA.

2. The OEM's practice of using a set of restore disks or hidden restore folders on
the hard drive to satisfy Microsoft's restore requirement.
The first example can result in a denial of activation. The second means you have no
media (i.e. no XP CD) to use for the repair install if it is necessary.
Generic OEM versions would seem to classify the builder of the computer as the OEM
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html (1 of 8)10/15/2008 4:07:50 PM

and as the OEM can determine what upgrades are allowed. See this link to confuse you
even more. OEM
New OEM restrictions initially affecting the top 20 Direct multinational OEM's.
As of February 28th 2005, all COA keys affixed to the computer case will have
internet activation disabled. A mandatory phone call will be prompted to receive an
override key after answering a series of questions which manually verify them as
legitimate. >>More See 59 and 60>>> and More
This does not affect unbranded OEM versions purchased with authorized hardware
through legitimate vendors. Branded OEM versions [I.E. Dell, HP, Gateway, etc..]
purchased from eBay and other similar vendors will be affected and may lose the
ability to activate the questionable copies.
Also make sure you read through the entire OEM NOTES from the OEM XP system
motherboard link.
Since in my opinion the repair install or upgrade run from Windows is an

absolute necessity when changing a motherboard or moving a hard drive with XP
installed. I would not attempt booting into the new hardware configuration when the
option to do a repair install or upgrade run from Windows is not an option. If
you do make the choice to boot Windows XP without doing the repair install or
upgrade run from Windows, I once again highly recommend you create an image
of the hard drive or make sure you have all important data that can not be replaced
from other media backed up to XP compatible media.
Backups of Windows that create .QIC and CD-R/CDRW's using the packet writing
format will need to have XP compatible software installed to access the information. *
This article explains:
1. Preparing for a motherboard change with XP installed.
2. Changing/Replacing/Upgrading a computer motherboard currently running

XP.
3. Moving a hard drive with XP installed to a new computer.
4. Setting XP to new motherboard and hardware.
5. Activation
Preparing for the Change

As with all changes that have the potential of data loss, it is strongly recommended to
make a backup of all important data that cannot be restored from other media. You
should either create an image of the hard drive using third party imaging software,
tape backup, backup to CDRW, floppies or the Files And Settings Transfer Wizard
located on the XP CD. (F.A.S.T), etc. If you have information located in non-standard
locations, do not expect the backup device or software applications default settings to
backup the data. You will need to make custom adjustments to the backup settings.
Check the motherboard manufacturers web site for updated drivers and any drivers
that need to be loaded from a floppy at the beginning of XP installation.
Check the motherboard manufacturers web site for BIOS updates for the new
motherboard. As with all hardware, you should always check for updates. Download
and Flash the BIOS to the latest version before setting up your motherboard with the
hard drive setup with XP. BIOS
The Change of hardware
Changing the motherboard on a computer currently running XP
1. Start Windows and Logon as Administrator.

2. Insert the XP CD in the CD drive.
3. Let Autorun start.
4. Click on Install.
5. Select the Upgrade [recommended] from the Windows Setup window
Installation Type list.
6. Click Next
7. Follow on screen prompts until computer restarts.
8. Turn off computer as it restarts.
9. Remove power cord from computer.
10. Open Case.
11. Use either an anti-static wrist band or make sure you touch bare metal before
handling or touching a component.
12. After labeling all cables and other power connectors; remove cables from
motherboard.
13. Remove old motherboard and replace with new motherboard.
14. Attach cables and power connectors by consulting the motherboard user
manual, and the labels you made when you disconnected them from the original
mother board.
15. Reboot and access BIOS
16. Depending on the BIOS and OEM manufacturer, set date and time [very
important], hard drive detection, CPU settings [if necessary] and boot order.
17. You will need to set the CD DRIVE before the Hard Drive in the boot order
when booting from XP CD to Repair Install.
18. For this Upgrade procedure, Ignore "Press a key to boot from CD" on restart.
19. EXIT and say YES to SAVE BIOS settings.
20. Reboot
21. Allow upgrade to continue.
❍ Setup installs the HAL [Hardware Abstract Layer]
❍ The IDE controller drivers [Hard Drive]

❍ Other drivers that the new motherboard must have.
22. Before connecting to the internet, read the Blaster worm warning !
and then click the browser back button to continue.
Moving a hard drive with a currently running XP installed to another

computer.
The following applies to currently working XP systems.
For moving a hard drive from non-booting XP system
1. follow steps 25-31 then proceed to

2. Option #1 Repair Install.
The following information works if the hard drive being moved is a single
partition or multiple partitions on a single drive on the computer or if XP is
installed on another hard drive [other than the primary master partition Disk 0]
and all hard drives from the system XP is moved; are also moved and cabled
exactly as the previous computer.
23. Follow the above steps 1 - 7 before shutting down Windows on the computer the
hard drive/s are to be removed.
24. Press Pause/Break as soon as computer reboots. Remove XP CD.
25. Turn off computer
26. If multiple hard drives are being swapped, write down and label how they were
configured. It is very important to preserve the cabling so all drives retain the
same drive letters.
27. Remove the hard drive or drives
28. Install hard drive with XP installed to new computer, making sure to duplicate
the cabling of computer hard drive/s is moved from.
29. Power on the computer and access the BIOS by pressing the key combination
prompted by the BIOS, configure as described in the steps #16 & #17 above.
30. EXIT and SAVE BIOS settings.
31. Press Pause/Break, Insert XP.
32. Press Pause/Break again to continue upgrade.
33. Before connecting to the internet, read the Blaster worm warning !
Setting XP to new hardware
Option #1 Repair Install to SET XP to New Motherboard
Option #2 IDE replacement and Safe Mode procedure to SET XP

to New Motherboard.
Option #1 Repair Install
Do Not BOOT into Windows XP on first boot after Motherboard or Hard

Drive change! If booting from CD is not an option, return to BIOS and

make sure booting from CD is the first boot option. Booting into Windows
is only an option when you do a direct replacement of the Motherboard,
otherwise it is like playing Russian Roulette. If you lose, it is fatal!
If your computer does not support booting from the CD, check your OEM or
Motherboard makers web site for updated BIOS.
Perform a Repair Install by following the step by step below.
1. When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options
below
2. This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:
To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
This is the option you want to enable to proceed to the Repair Install.
3. To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

For the Repair Install do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using
the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I
repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery
Console, press R".
To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.
4. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.
5. Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows
installations.
6. Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start
the repair. If Repair is not one of the options, read this Warning!!
7. Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press
any key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will
continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will
remain intact.
Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when asked,
enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can activate after the
firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the connection
you use, Properties and there is a check box on the Advanced page.
KB 833330 Blaster removal
What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and Its Variants
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011
Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation.

Please note that a Repair Install from the Original install XP CD will remove SP1/SP2

and service packs will need to be reapplied.
Service Pack 1
Service Pack 2
An option I highly recommend is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD with SP2.
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Option #2 Setting XP to new hardware.
This option should only be used when you have a complete backup of your data
that can not be restored from other sources.
The original source of the modified information below came from
TweakXP.com
Before you swap out the current motherboard go to device manager and select the
IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller and select your current storage controller. Right click,
select update driver and select install from a list or specific location. Click don't search
I will choose the driver to install and select the standard dual channel IDE controller.
This will prevent the inaccessible boot device blue screen.
With this method, booting the first time with the new motherboard should be done in
Safe mode. XP will install the drivers it needs and you can install the new
motherboard drivers. I would suggest accessing the motherboard web site to get the
latest drivers and bios updates rather than use the CD media included with the MB.
The CD is usually a couple of revisions behind the latest updates.
ACTIVATION
What happens when you change a motherboard or move a hard drive depends on
the accumulated changes made within a 120 day period since initial activation. As a
precaution the windows\system32\WPA.DBL and WPA.DBL should be copied
to a floppy before doing a repair install. For more information see Alex Nichol's article
on XP activation.
It also depends on the version of Windows XP intended for the move.
Retail versions of XP
Retail versions of XP can be moved from and reinstalled as many times as you want as

long as it is in compliance with the EULA. The EULA states: You may install, use,
access, display and run one copy of the Software on a single computer, such as a
workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation Computer")
OEM versions of XP
According to the OEM EULA, systems pre installed with OEM XP versions cannot
be transferred to another computer. This is defined in the OEM EULA.
OEM versions sold with a piece of hardware are tied to the original computer it is
installed on. From the link [clarification], hardware can be upgraded and only the
change of mother board will qualify as a non-original computer.
For clarification:
Contact
Microsoft Corporate and Legal Affairs

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
USA
What information are you required to give?
As long as it is only installed on one computer, nothing needs to be said other than it
was uninstalled from one computer and installed on another or the hardware was
upgraded on the same computer. You do not need to or have to provide more
information.
Why was activation added to XP?
The purpose of Activation is to make the general public aware it is a violation of the
Windows XP EULA agreement to install a single licensed copy to more than one
computer at a time. It was not expected to stop the ability to disable or work around
the activation.
You can effectively recover from most non-boot situations from the information
included in this web site.
Email replies will be accepted and answered when time allows.
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP SHELL


How do I format a NTFS

Clean Install | XP Repair Install | F.A.S.T. | Access BIOS| Upgrade Issues | ViewKeyXP
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How do I format a NTFS/Fat/Fat32 drive with XP

installed?
Move mouse over menu below to

display format options.
Identify the file system you are Search

using:
Michael Stevens
Web Tech
XP system disk using any file
format booting from XP CD:
If you have a problem and have exhausted all other options [read below] and
Format non-system hard drive currently have an XP CD (not Restore media supplied by the OEM) and simply
or partition using XP Disk want to Clean install XP, select the Clean Install link below with a step by
Management: step guide to Clean install XP.
XP system disk using NTFS If you want information how to format a hard drive with XP installed, see the
with Win98/Me boot disk: options from the menu on the left for your situation.
Format XP installed on a Fat/ Before formatting a hard drive, make sure you have backed up all the
Fat32 file system using a
important data and anything that cannot be replaced from other sources.
Windows 98/Me Boot Disk :
Need a boot disk? You can get images to create all types from www.bootdisk.
MichaelStevensTech
com.
All rights reserved.
Hint: It is usually not necessary to format XP to correct a problem. You
This page was last updated on
should first try to find a solution from the Microsoft Knowledge Base, the
undefined, undefined NaN, NaN At Microsoft newsgroups, manufacturer web sites or if you suspect a virus, get
NaN:NaN:NaN AM. the latest virus definitions from your AV manufacturer's web site; you can also
You accessed it on Wednesday, run one of the many free web format virus scans.
October 15, 2008 At 04:07:52 PM.
As a last option before resorting to a format and reinstall, a Repair Install will
Browser not supported or usually fix file corruption problems and leave your applications and setting
JavaScript disabled? Download intact. Updates not included on the XP CD used for the repair install will need
the Printable text version. to be reapplied and should be applied before connecting to the internet.
format XP Updates can be downloaded and burned to CD media prior to the Repair
Non-JavaScript version Format Install or clean install.
XP
The alternative to applying the SP updates after the repair or clean install is to
slipstream the updates into the XP CD.
Check for links in the Clean Install link below as they will be the latest updated
links for slipstreaming.
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How do I format a NTFS
The Repair Install is not a fix for and will not remove a malware or adware
problem, but it will restore files affected by the malware or adware
applications after they are removed.
The links below will help the reconfiguration of your computer.
Repair Install
Clean Install
XP FAQ
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XP Clean Install
Clean Install Windows XP
Search
Home
MS-MVP
OE Newsreader ● Click here to skip to "Steps to Clean Install XP"
Move XP ● Prepping for a Clean install
Format XP ● Microsoft XP boot floppies
Clean Install XP ● Specialized floppy boot disk
XP Repair Install
XP FAQ Why clean install?
Restore
F.A.S.T While a clean install is not always necessary, slightly better stability and performance
Upgrade Issues can be expected when XP is installed to a clean hard drive or partition.
Access BIOS
The XP upgrade is a vast improvement over previous Windows upgrades, and is usually
Spell Check
the best choice when transitioning from a previous Windows version to XP. I
View XP Key recommend the clean install approach as a last resort, not the first option.
SW&Tools
Shareware My recommendation is to prepare for a clean install, but first try the upgrade option. If
Computer Links in the unlikely event results of the upgrade are a failure, nothing is lost but the time
WinLinks spent doing the upgrade and evaluating the results. The preparation to clean install is in
Motorsports place and the upgrade experience will serve as a hands on tutorial to familiarize you with
Online Mags the XP setup procedure.
FTP Links
Donate What are the positives
Contact
Slightly better performance, a smaller footprint on the hard drive, knowledge that
nothing is carried over from a previous OS. There really isn't that much more than the
issues in the link I included below.
Known Issues for XP Upgrades
More KB setup related articles
What are the negatives?
You will need to reinstall all your programs, backup and restore your data and files along
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html (1 of 9)10/15/2008 4:08:01 PM

XP Clean Install
with custom tweaks.
There are exceptions where a clean install can impair the performance over a well
prepared upgrade. The exceptions being systems with proprietary hardware and system
utilities like laptops and some OEM desktops.
Hint: When you experience a situation where the hardware or software worked when you
upgraded, but is no longer functional after clean installing. You can restore the original
OS along with the software/drivers that work and then use the retail Home or Pro,
upgrade or full XP version to install XP. This will be as close to a clean install as possible
without actually clean installing.
Preparation
Does your system meet the minimum requirements?
Run the Upgrade Advisor from the XP CD, or download from Microsoft.
Upgrade Advisor
Even though XP will recognize most of the hardware and peripherals the clean install
does NOT furnish all the latest drivers. For instance, without downloading the
appropriate drivers from the card manufacturer's web site; Graphics cards will not be
enabled for OpenGL.
Does your system allow booting from the CD? Check your BIOS by noting during boot
up the Key Commands needed to access the BIOS, this will be a text message usually at
the bottom of the screen. If your system has a splash screen with the OEM logo hiding
the boot up screen, press ESC as soon as you start boot up. When you get to the BIOS,
access the screen that allows you to change the boot sequence. Set it to boot from CD
before hard drive in the boot sequence. Some systems can change the boot sequence
without accessing the BIOS, laptops for the most part do not need to access the BIOS.
If your computer does not support booting from the CD, check your OEM or
Motherboard makers web site for updated BIOS. If the system is old enough it doesn't
support booting from CD, you should carefully evaluate your options. Sometimes the
complete replacement of the system will be a better investment than the likely need to
upgrade hardware and software to run XP.
If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.
Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft. Home and Pro plus the SP1
version of Home and Pro can be downloaded from the link below.
XP Boot Floppy Set
Another option to the floppy disk set
from

XP Clean Install
Dr. D's
Windows XP System Setup Disk Look for bootdisk essentials
Allows you to boot from a single floppy disk, partition and format the drive and then
begin the XP installation from CD
Note:
A lot of people appear to be unaware of the fact that you do NOT need the 4 or 5 setup
disks in order to install Windows 2000 and XP. A common Win98 boot disk such as the
Boot Disk Essentials diskette below can be used to install these OS's. This is what the
Win XP System Setup Disk above does.
Here's how to do it:
1. Start the computer with your chosen boot disk.
2. Change to the cdrom drive.
3. Go into the \i386 directory on the cdrom.
4. Run WINNT.EXE to begin the install process.
The above was copied from Dr. D's web site.
If a bootdisk other than the essentials is used, smartdrv.exe must be added and
loaded manually before running WINNT.EXE
If the system you have files and setting on the drive is the one you are clean installing,
you should run the Files and Settings Transfer wizard* on the XP CD before
running setup. Also backup anything you do not have other media to restore from. This
also includes software downloaded from the internet that is only accessed from the hard
drive. Make sure you have all passwords and serial numbers backed up. If possible it
would be a good idea to use Imaging software like Ghost or Disk Image to create an
image of the partition before clean installing. The two mentioned have the ability to
restore individual files from the images.
*See the link below for the ultimate user friendly illustrated guide on the valuable XP
transition tool F.A.S.T by MS-MVP Gary Woodruff
http://aumha.org/a/fast.htm
You will need to have a qualifying Win98/Me/2000 CD to insert if you are using an
upgrade version of XP to clean install. OEM restore disks will usually not fulfill the
qualifying requirement. If the restore disk has a i386 folder, it will usually work.

XP Clean Install
As a final preparation tip, download critical updates and burn to CD or obtain update
CD's from Microsoft before running the XP setup.
Since XP is now on Service Pack 2, if your XP CD does not include SP2, I highly
recommend creating a slipstreamed XP CD with SP2 to use for the Clean Install.
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer
Get Windows XP SP1a on CD
Service Pack 2
Windows Security Update CD below is shipped free of charge.
Microsoft Windows Security Update CD
Steps to Clean Install XP
If the above instructions for configuring your system to boot from CD or you have
acquired the necessary boot floppy/floppies; you can now boot the computer and
follow the on screen prompts.
Have your Product Key available, typical install is around 30 minutes. If setup seems to
hang, wait at least 10 minutes + before restarting system. You should experience
momentary screen blackouts.
1. Power on the computer. Press the Pause/Break key as soon as you see text on the
screen.
[If you currently are running in an OS of any flavor, insert XP CD and restart computer.
Skip to #3 if system is configured to boot from CD.]

XP Clean Install
2. Insert XP CD into CD drive. Press ENTER to resume booting from the XP CD. (BIOS
must support booting from CD and boot order must be set so CD boots before hard
drive. If computer does not support booting from CD go to 2a for floppy install).
2a. Floppy install: Boot from Win98/Me/Special XP install floppy disk with
smartdrv.exe added to the boot disk; or the Win XP set of 6 floppy disks.
3. Look for message "booting from CD" usually located at the bottom of the screen. If you
have a factory splash screen, press ESC to unload it.
3a. Floppy install: From the A Prompt; A:\type: smartdrv.exe. then press
ENTER. If you are using the XP boot floppy setup disks skip to step #5.
4. Press any Key when you see the prompt to 'Press Any Key"
4a. Floppy install: CD to the location of the CD-ROM drive with the XP setup files; CD
to the i386 folder where you will type: winnt.exe to start setup.
5. Setup will start copying files, if you need to install any third-party or RAID drivers press
F6 at this time. the copying of files can take awhile.
6. Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER.
To see images full size, place mouse cursor over image and click/double click or press
the left button and open.
7. Press F8 if you agree to the license.
8. Setup will scan for previous Windows installations
9. If you are using the upgrade version of XP on a computer without any version of
Windows currently installed, this is where you will replace the XP CD with your
qualifying CD, XP setup will scan the qualifying CD and instruct you to replace it with
the XP CD to continue XP setup; otherwise, you will not see this screen. Clean install
qualifying media can be any of the following Win NT3.51, 4.0, 2000, Win 95, 98, Me and
XP Home when upgrading to XP Pro.
10. Choose the location to install.
10a If this is a clean hard drive, you can choose to create a partition in the un-
partitioned space. At this point, you can allow Setup to use all the space or set a size for
the partition.

XP Clean Install
10b If the hard drive or partition has a previous installation of XP you want to remove,
choose to delete the partition by pressing "D". You will then be prompted to create a new
partition in the empty space. This will remove all data from the deleted space.
If setup returns a message the partition contains the setup files and cannot be deleted
use the info from this link: Delete NON-DOS Partition
10c If you intend to use multiple partitions, or dual boot, this is where you specify the
size of the boot partition and or setup location for XP. If you are planning to dual boot
XP, I would create a small 100 meg DOS partition for the first primary partition, then an
8 to 10 gig partition for XP. You can partition and format the remaining space after XP is
setup from Disk Manager. If you do not intend to dual boot, you can either use all the un-
partitioned space, or create an 8 to 10 gig partition for XP and leave the rest free to
partition later.
If a fat32 partition larger than 32 gigabyte is desired, the hard drive or partition will
need to be created before running XP setup. XP will not create a fat 32 partition larger
than 32 gig, but will support one previously created.
11. Choose the file system from this screen. If dual booting and you created the small 100
meg partition, make it a fat partition. NTFS is configured at the optimal file size during
the initial setup. See this link for more on NTFS
If you have more that one partition or hard drive on your system, make sure you are
formatting the correct partition/drive.
12. This is where you reinsert the XP Pro Upgrade CD if necessary.
13. Press Enter to continue.
14. Setup will show a progress box and reboot when copying files is complete.
15. When you see the "Press any Key to Reboot" do not Press any Key. If CD boots anyway,
remove CD and reboot.
16. From this point, you will follow the on screen prompts.

XP Clean Install
17. If you live outside the US, you will probably need to modify the default settings.
18. Personalize your XP Enter your Name and Organization.
19. Enter the Product Key. The Key is located on the back of the CD folder in the Retail
versions, and on a holographic label with the OEM versions purchased with a piece of
hardware. Write this key down and secure it in a safe place in case the original is
misplaced or destroyed through natural causes.
20. Choose a name for the computer, this should be a unique name for the computer,
especially if it is to be connected to a network. In Pro, you are given the option of
creating a password or leaving it blank.
21. Set your Time Zone and Time and Date.
22. Setup will scan for network.
23. If detected you will have the choice to choose a typical configuration or custom. Choose
typical if you are unsure.
24. For home you will choose your workgroup, if a network is already established and you
intend to connect to it, use the existing workgroup name, otherwise, I suggest using the
default.
25. For Pro, the same goes for Pro as suggested for Home, but you will have the choice to
join a Domain, if you do not have a Domain or do not know leave blank.
26. Setup will continue and reboot when completed ignore the "Press Any Key".

XP Clean Install
27. The XP loading window will now display after reboot.
Note: All XP SP2 versions now show the same XP loading screen. Windows XP is
displayed for both Home and Professional.
28. You will see a change display settings, say yes, and accept the setting if you can see the
screen after accepting.
29. You will see a welcome screen, press next and unfortunately you have to wait for the
dialog to finish.
30. Set up your internet or network connection.
31. This is the Activate, Register screen. You must activate within 30 days of installing XP,
but you do not ever have to register, Registration is completely optional and if you do not
register, no personal information will be transmitted during activation. If you register,
then activation will transmit that information along with the activation. The first
Activation is usually done over the internet if the computer is connected to the internet,
otherwise, it can be accomplished by copying the alphanumeric string from the
activation screen and make a phone call to the phone number [Usually Toll Free]
supplied on screen. The activation center will then give you a slightly longer number to
input into for activation. I suggest you do not activate immediately in case you need to
make hard ware changes, or install to a different system within the thirty days, and you
will be reminded on boot up until you do.
Blaster worm warning: Enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet.
Do not immediately activate over the internet. You can activate after the firewall is
enabled.
To enable the XP firewall: Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the
connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page.
32. Setup users screen. Set at least one user for yourself or the person that will be using the
computer.
33. Thank You
34. Logon to XP and apply Service Pack and Critical updates from Windows Update before
installing any software or hardware.

XP Clean Install
35. Install your anti-virus software.
36. Install all applications and setup your email.
37. Restore from Files and Settings transfer after reinstalling all applications.
Printable version of
Clean Install:
clean.txt
but you have accessed it on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 At 04:07:55 PM.

XP FAQ
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Michael Stevens
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1. What are the minimum requirements to install XP?
2. How do I format a NTFS, Fat/Fat32 drive with XP installed?
3. How do I remove XP and install Win9X/Me?
4. How do I install from DOS using a Win 98/Me startup disk?
5. How do I get around the 32 GB limit XP imposes for Fat 32 hard drives?
6. How do I "deactivate", move to another computer or sell a previously activated XP?
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XP FAQ
To navigate this 7. Windows XP additional license pricing

FAQ :
8. Selling/Transferring License Ownership
To Expand : Click
on subject text 9. Can I install IIS on the Home version of XP?
To Collapse : Click
10. Backup on the Home edition of XP is not installed by default.
subject text
To Collapse All:
11. After upgrading to XP you get the message cannot find the file \\.\DRI_KBFiltr when
Refresh page. booting HP laptop.
Non-Java Script 12. How do I access Safe Mode?

FAQ version
13. How do I find the XP version info and EULA?
14. I need to contact Microsoft to replace a CD, Lost Product key, License
15. I have multiple PC's can I download XP SP1 to install across a network or burn to CD?
16. What does SP1 for XP fix?
17. I have an OEM version of XP, what makes it cheaper than the retail versions?
18. I need to change my XP Product Key
19. Remove a Dual Boot
20. I have two installations of XP on the same partition.......
21. Recovery Console SP2 revision

XP FAQ
22. How Do I Edit The Boot Menu
23. How do I change Registered Owner Name?
24. How do I tell if I have the 32 or 64 bit version of Windows XP?
25. How to Uninstall Windows XP and Revert to a Previous Operating System
26. How do I turn off Windows Automatic Updates?
27. Do I need Service Pack 1 installed before applying Service Pack 2
28. My Browser Has Been Hijacked.
29. Setup cannot continue because .....newer...version.
30. Can I burn an ISO image with XP native burning software?
31. Does Windows XP have a spellchecker for Outlook Express or Wordpad?
32. How do you Remove Windows 98 uninstall files?
33. How do I setup a hard drive larger than 137 gig?
34. How do I activate after the 30 day grace period?
35. How do I verify faulty device drivers?
36. SP2 Blocking Tool Expires April 12th 2005, does it affect me?
37. How to tell if XP is activated.

XP FAQ
38. How to Remove Windows XP Uninstallation Files.
39. Setup stops responding with 34 minutes remaining
40. How can I tell if my copy of XP is real?
41. Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool (1.5.0540.0) returned the message, "Blocked VLK"
beside the heading Genuine validation status.
Copyright © 2005 MichaelStevensTech. All rights reserved.
Michael Stevens MS-MVP

XP Repair Install | F.A.S.T. | Access BIOS| Upgrade Issues | ViewKeyXP

Restore XP
Home Restore XP
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Michael Stevens
Web Tech
Restoring XP to its original state is dependent on how XP was installed.

MS-MVP
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If XP came Pre-installed from a computer OEM [Original Equipment
Move XP Manufacturer] with the option to:
Format XP
Clean Install XP ● Restore from a recovery procedure you can select from the boot up
XP Repair Install menu that will allow either a selective restore, or a format and
XP FAQ restore to shipped state.
Restore
F.A.S.T Warning!
Upgrade Issues Because some restore procedures completely wipe out the entire
hard drive and delete added partitions and the data on them. If you
Access BIOS
only have the option to restore to shipped state, make sure you
Spell Check
backup your important data, contacts, photos, anything that cannot
View XP Key be restored from other media locations to a location not on the
SW&Tools current hard drive. Do not backup to another partition created by
Shareware third party software on the original hard drive.
Computer Links
WinLinks
Motorsports ● You can restore by booting from the OEM restore CD disk media
included with the system. As in the above recovery procedure, it can
Online Mags
sometimes allow selective restore or format and restore to original
FTP Links
shipped state.
Donate
Contact Same Warning applies from above.
● Some OEM's include along with restore media to restore back to

original shipped state; a BIOS locked XP CD capable of loading the
Recovery Console, or doing a Clean install or a Repair Install.
This CD can also be used to slipstream Service Packs into original

XP CD. In some instances this may require activation by phone. If
phone call activation is required tell the activation center you
upgraded your computer to the service pack with a slipstreamed
OEM XP CD supplied by the vendor.
● The OEM vendor is only obligated to provide a means of restoring to
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/restore.htm (1 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:12 PM

Restore XP
original shipped state. The OEM has the choice of how to provide
this restore procedure.
Consult your documentation shipped with the computer, OEM

specific Help files from Start> Help and Support or the OEM web
site.
Microsoft does not mandate any specific method; it is decided by the

OEM.
● Some OEM's give instructions on how to burn the XP setup files to a

CD. Look in the manual included with the computer or in a special
OEM Help and Support folder.
Note: Also look for the folders i386 or Options as they will contain
the files needed to create a bootable XP CD. You can find
instructions on creating a bootable CD from the files in i386 or
options from this web site.
http://bink.nu/
Purchased Retail or OEM with hardware:
If you purchased the retail or OEM version you will have the option to
restore by doing a Repair Install or Clean Install
Michael Stevens MS-MVP 2001-2007
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/restore.htm (2 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:12 PM

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Using the Files And Settings Transfer wizard [F.A.S.T]
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Michael Stevens
Web Tech
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard helps you move your data files
and personal settings from your old computer to your new one,
Home without having to go through much of the same configuration you did
with your old computer. For example, you can take your personal
MS-MVP
display properties, folder and taskbar options, and Internet browser
OE Newsreader
and mail settings from your old computer and place them on the new
Move XP one. The wizard will also move specific files or entire folders, such as
Format XP My Documents, My Pictures, and Favorites.
Clean Install XP
XP Repair Install Notes
XP FAQ
Restore ● To open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, click Start,
F.A.S.T point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to
Upgrade Issues System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer
Access BIOS Wizard.
● For more information, click Related Topics.
Spell Check
View XP Key The above is copied from XP Help and Support.
SW&Tools
Shareware Revised with SP2 additions: Detailed illustrated article on the use
Computer Links of F.A.S.T. by Gary Woodruff, MS-MVP
WinLinks
Motorsports More F.A.S.T links:
Online Mags
FTP Links List of Programs Whose Settings Are Migrated When You Use the
Donate Files and Settings Transfer Wizard 304903
Contact
Article by By Sharon Crawford
This page was last updated on undefined, undefined NaN, NaN At NaN:NaN:NaN AM.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/fast.html10/15/2008 4:08:14 PM
Win 98/Me/2000 to XP Upgrade Issues
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Home
MS-MVP Win 98/Me/2000 to XP Upgrade Issues
OE Newsreader
Move XP 1. HOW TO: Troubleshoot Windows XP Setup Problems When You
Format XP Upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me
Clean Install XP 2. Cdplayer.exe Still Present but Does Not Work Correctly After Upgrade
XP Repair Install from Windows 98 or Windows 2000
XP FAQ 3. Computer Stops Responding After Upgrade from Windows 98 or
Restore Windows Me
F.A.S.T 4. Dial-Up Networking Connections Do Not Work After Upgrade to
Upgrade Issues Windows XP
Access BIOS 5. Error Message When You Upgrade to Windows XP: Migisol Caused an
Spell Check Error in KERNEL32.DLL
View XP Key 6. Error Message: Setup Cannot Continue. Please Contact Microsoft
SW&Tools Technical Support. (Error: 3E6h)
Shareware 7. Error Message "Setup Cannot Upgrade..." When You Upgrade to
Computer Links Windows XP Professional
WinLinks 8. Error Message After Upgrade to Windows XP: The Following File Is
Motorsports Missing or Corrupted: Windows\System\Vgaoem.fon
Online Mags 9. Error Message: The System Has Recovered from a Serious Problem
FTP Links 10. Internet Access Is Restricted After You Upgrade from Windows Me
Donate 11. Missing Data or Program Settings After Upgrade to Windows XP
Contact 12. Missing Data or Program Settings After You Upgrade to Windows XP
13. Modem Does Not Work After You Upgrade a Hewlett Packard Pavilion
Computer to Windows XP
14. "NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message When You Upgrade or Install
Windows XP Over Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Millennium
Edition
15. Passwords Are Unexpectedly Assigned to User Accounts After You
Upgrade to Windows XP
16. Previously Installed SBLive! Accessories Do Not Work After Upgrade
from Windows Me to Windows XP
17. Setup Error Appears During an Upgrade from Windows 98 or
Windows Me to Windows XP
18. "Setup Was Unable to Load File" Error Message When You Upgrade to
Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html (1 of 3)10/15/2008 4:08:17 PM

19. "Stop 0x0000000A Irql_Not_Less_or_Equal" Error Message During

Windows XP Upgrade
20. Upgrade to Windows XP Does Not Retain the Mapping of Two Keys on
the Gateway Enhanced Keyboard
21. Windows XP Setup Halts When You Start Installation from Within
Windows 95
22. Windows XP Setup Stops Responding (Hangs) During the "Preparing
Installation" Phase
23. Windows XP Upgrade Advisor Warning About the IrDA Protocol
24. Audio Devices Listed as Unknown Hardware in Device Manager After
Upgrade from Windows 98/Me to Windows XP
25. Uninstall Option Not Available" Error Message When You Upgrade
Your Computer to Windows XP
Windows 2000 to XP Known Upgrade Issues
1. Cdplayer.exe Still Present but Does Not Work Correctly After Upgrade
from Windows 98 or Windows 2000
2. Passwords Are Unexpectedly Assigned to User Accounts After You
Upgrade to Windows XP
3. "Setup Unable to Gain Access to Your Existing Boot Configuration
File" Error Message During Upgrade
4. Stop Error When You Upgrade from Windows 2000: Bad_Pool_Caller
0xC2
5. "STOP: 0x1000008E In EMUPIA2K.SYS" Blue-Screen Error Message
Appears After Upgrade from Windows 2000
6. "STOP 0x000000ED UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME" Error
Message During Windows XP Upgrade
NT 4 to XP Known Upgrade Issues
1. Windows Upgrade Advisor Quits Abruptly During System

Compatibility Check and No Report Appears
2. You Receive a "Windows Setup Cannot Continue Without Service Pack
5 or Greater Installed" While Upgrading to Windows XP
Thanks to LabMice for compiling this list of known MS-KB XP upgrade issues. Please
visit the LabMice web site.
More KB setup related articles


How to access/enter Motherboard BIOS

Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS

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Michael Stevens
Web Tech
The information below can be used to access the BIOS from all the major suppliers of BIOS
chips and the Computer Manufacturers that use them.
During the initial boot of a computer the BIOS supplier will be displayed. If OEM logo splash
screen is displayed, press ESC key to see the boot up information. Press the Pause/Break key if
text displays too fast.
The major BIOS suppliers are listed below and can be used to search for special BIOS updates
not supplied by the Computer vendor.*
During the initial boot, if a beep or combinations of beeps is emitted from the motherboard
system speaker , the system speaker must be connected to mother board to hear
beep codes )[consult motherboard manual for speaker connection
configuration], click on the Computer Hope (tm). (Copyright 1998-2006) link below to
find the beep code definition.
BIOS System beep codes
For a very comprehensive and visual look at the BIOS, follow the link below from Eric Legge's
www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ web site.
The BIOS: the 'Basic Input Output System' Setup Program used in a computer
Warning: Making changes to BIOS settings can have adverse effects on the way a
computer performs. Use caution when performing BIOS modifications.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm (1 of 4)10/15/2008 4:08:19 PM

Bios Suppliers Keyboard Commands
ALR Advanced Logic Research, Inc. ® PC / F2

PCI
ALR PC non / PCI CTRL+ALT+ESC
AMD® (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.) F1
BIOS
AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.) BIOS DEL
Award™ BIOS CTRL+ALT+ESC
Award BIOS DEL
DTK® (Datatech Enterprises Co.) BIOS ESC
Phoenix™ BIOS CTRL+ALT+ESC
Phoenix BIOS CTRL+ALT+S
Phoenix BIOS CTRL+ALT+INS
Computer Vendor Keyboard Commands
Acer® F1, F2, CTRL+ALT+ESC

ARI® CTRL+ALT+ESC, CTRL+ALT+DEL
AST® CTRL+ALT+ESC, CTRL+ALT+DEL
Compaq® 8700 F10
CompUSA® DEL
Cybermax® ESC
Dell BIOS web site search links For models not listed below.
Dell® 400 F3, F1
Dell 4400 F12
Dell Dimension® F2 or DEL
Dell Inspiron® F2
Dell Latitude Fn+F1 (while booted)
Dell Latitude F2 (on boot)
Dell Optiplex DEL
Dell Optiplex F2
Dell Precision™ F2
eMachine® DEL , F 2
Fujutsu Manuals & BIOS Manuals & BIOS Download
Gateway® 2000 1440 F1

Gateway 2000 Solo™ F2

HP® (Hewlett-Packard) F1, F2 (Laptop, ESC)

IBM® F1
E-pro Laptop F2
IBM PS/2® CTRL+ALT+INS after CTRL+ALT+DEL
IBM Thinkpad® (newer) Windows: Programs-Thinkpad CFG.
Intel® Tangent DEL
Lenovo(formerly IBM) Lenovo BIOS Access page
Micron® F1, F2, or DEL

Packard Bell® F1, F2, Del
Seanix DEL
Sony® VAIO F2
Sony VAIO F3
Tiger DEL
Toshiba® 335 CDS ESC
Toshiba Protege ESC
Toshiba Satellite 205 CDS F1
Toshiba Tecra ESC then F1 or F2
Toshiba Notebook [Newer models] 1. Turn on computer by Holding down power
button while pressing the ESC key.
The machine will beep, then display:
Check System, then press [F1] key.
2. Release ESC key
3. Press F1 key
BIOS FAQ - For frequently asked questions on Notebook BIOS FAQ – For frequently asked
BIOS… questions on Notebook BIOS....
click here click here
Warning: Computer vendor and Mother DrDflash Boot Disk For BIOS Flashing - No
Board manufacturers customize their BIOS to Drivers: Save this file to your hard drive, insert a
the individual specifications of the mother blank floppy in the floppy drive and double click
board. Care must be taken when applying a the drdflash.exe file to create the boot disk.
BIOS update. A BIOS update should be applied Follow the onscreen prompt and after creating the
to the exact make; model; version; etc. boot disk; copy the files for flashing the BIOS to
specified in the update description. the boot disk.
Applying the BIOS update to the wrong BIOS Not all Motherboard and BIOS manufacturers
chip can render the system unbootable and require a bootable floppy disk to create the BIOS
could necessitate a Mother Board or BIOS chip boot floppy disk. Gateway for example specifies a
replacement. blank IBM formatted disk and creates the
bootable floppy from the downloaded BIOS
NOTICE: The information supplied on this update file. Make sure you check out all the
web page is compiled from published sources available flashing information from the vendors
publicly available in digital and traditional web site before flashing the BIOS.
printed media and may be used as needed.
If the direct link above is no longer valid or you would

Copying of the web page source code is not like to know more about the downloaded file, you can
permitted without consent of the author.
find a wealth of information and boot disks for all
occasions at: Bootdisk.com Due to the high
MichaelStevensTech
volume of traffic to Bootdisk.com, if you can make a
donation to help with the web hosting, it would be
much appreciated by the owner of the web site.
I have no affiliation with Bootdisk.com.
Although I do enjoy helping users with their unique problems, I would request that you exhaust all the links supplied as options
to your basic BIOS questions I supply on my web site.
If you do not find a specific solution from a link in my BIOS page, look for a link to the manufacturers web site and look for your
specific make; model; revision; etc. This information should also be included in any correspondence directed to me.
Try a Google search for the motherboard manufacturer and exact model if the information is not listed above.
Please contact me with any bios access information you feel I need to add to my BIOS ACCESS page. I supply the information as
a public service, and rely on feedback as one of my major sources update information.

Getting spellcheck to work in Outlook Express XP
Spell check not working in XP Outlook Express
Don't have
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Office, Word,
Works, etc.? Web Michael Stevens Tech
Outlook Express requires a word processing or stand alone spell checking

application installed before spell checking can be enabled.
Home
MS-MVP Problem area: Outlook Express Spellchecking is not functional after
installing an enabling application (i.e. Office, Word, Works Suite that
OE Newsreader
includes Word, etc.), try the steps below.
Move XP
Format XP
Clean Install XP !!!When tweaking your system files and/or registry, always set a new
XP Repair Install restore point before making changes.
XP FAQ
Restore
F.A.S.T To follow the the steps below, you need to change the default Windows setting for
Hidden Files and Folders.
Upgrade Issues
Access BIOS
● From the Explorer Menu bar Tools>Folder Options> View Tab or
Spell Check ● by going to Start> Control Panel> Folder Options> View Tab.
View XP Key ● Uncheck the boxes that hide files. Click for Example
SW&Tools
Shareware
Computer Links
WinLinks
1. Open Explorer> Go to [Drive XP is installed]:\|Program Files\Common Files
Motorsports
\Microsoft Shared\Proof
Online Mags
FTP Links
Donate 2. Delete CSAPI3T1.DLL (If not found continue to next step)
Contact
3. Put in the Windows XP CD
4. Go to Start>Run
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/spellcheck.htm (1 of 4)10/15/2008 4:08:23 PM

5. In the Open box type msconfig and then click OK
6. Click on the "Expand File" button located in the bottom right corner of the System
Configuration Utility

7. In the "File to Restore" box, type in CSAPI3T1.DLL
8. In the "Restore From" box type in there "?:\i386 \CSAPI3T1.DL_" without the
quotes and substituting your cd-rom drive letter in place of the ?
9. In the "Save file in" box type "[Drive XP is installed]:\Program Files\Common Files
\Microsoft Shared\Proof" without the quotes
10. Click on the Expand button
If you have trouble expanding the file.

Download it from HERE
11. Go back to C:\Program File\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof
12. Rename CSAPI3T1.DL_ to CSAPI3T1.DLL (I was told to do in lower case but

everything else was in upper case-it didn't matter which way I did it still worked)
13. Go into Outlook Express, open Tools - Options and then go to the Spelling tab. Put
a check mark in "Always check spelling before sending."
14. Feedback from sources that have tried the fix suggest you may need to reboot the
computer to complete the fix.

15. Test by creating a new e-mail message sent to yourself and spel sume wirds
incorrektly. 8-)
I would like to thank RC for the basic text of this article. Chris and Ron for
suggestions
If the above procedure doesn't fix the problem, check the links below for alternate
fixes.
Major Geeks
Ron Bogart
Eric Miller's User Tips
Tech-Pro
MS KB Q178238
Kelly's Korner
WD97: Spelling, Grammar Not
MS KB q224176
Available : KB 257643

XP Repair Install | F.A.S.T. | Accessing BIOS |Upgrade Issues | ViewKeyXP
Spell Check | XP FAQ |Computer Links | WinLinks | Share Ware | MotorSports
Online Mags | FTP Links | Donate | Contact

ViewKeyXP
Retrieve your XP Product Key [CD Key]
Search
Important information you must read to determine the validity

of the key retrieved by the key finder utilities and system resource
Home utilities listed in the links below.
MS-MVP
OE Newsreader 1. If your system came pre-installed with XP, the Product Key that any (free
or paid for) key finder or system resources utility retrieves most likely will be
Move XP
the Generic Key the OEM uses to install and NOT the Product Key you need
Format XP
to reinstall.
Clean Install XP 2. If you successfully reinstalled XP since the initial OEM setup(i.e. The first
XP Repair Install time you booted the computer), the Product Key if requested and input
XP FAQ from the key located on the case or generic OEM sticker label will be the valid
Restore Product Key supplied with the computer.
F.A.S.T 3. If XP was not reinstalled the retrieved Product Key will be the generic
Upgrade Issues Product Key used by the OEM and will return an invalid message when used
Access BIOS to reinstall from the OEM disk. The correct Product Key will be the one from
the sticker on the outside of the case.
Spell Check
4. The Product key is not hard coded [i.e. does not have a singular unique
View XP Key
identity] to the Windows XP CD or any other version of Windows installation
SW&Tools disk media.
Shareware
Computer Links If the above applies to your situation continue to the information and key retrieval
WinLinks resources listed below.
Motorsports
Online Mags The utility "ViewkeyXP" showcased by the web page title no longer works with
FTP Links XP SP 2 and has been removed, but there are multiple key retrieval options that will
Donate accomplish the same thing. You can apply the same instructions to the key retrieval
tool links below. This also includes the system resource links, but you will need to
Contact
access the information from the system resource utilities tabbed folders.
After you download the utility file below, you can simply select open and then click on
the file to view your encrypted Product Key. If you would like to save the file to your
hard drive, select save and designate the location. You will need to remember the
location, I avoid saving downloaded applications to a My Documents folder and
create a folder named download where I direct my downloads to download sub
folders. This protects the files from accidental loss if the system must be reinstalled
and not repair installed.
Download ViewKeyXP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm (1 of 3)10/15/2008 4:08:25 PM

ViewKeyXP
ViewKeyXP no longer works on SP2, use this link to Keyfinder.zip
New version Keyfinder 2.01
Information on new version and official updated versions can be obtained from
Magical Jelly Bean
To viewKeyfinder from Internet Explorer; click this link [Keyfinder] and select
open from the file download options. Vista makes you jump thru a few more
hoops to view without saving Keyfinder.zip to your hard drive, but it will
open without saving the file to the hard drive. To save to disk; choose save. If
using Netscape, in the save window, right click with mouse pointer over keyfinder.
exe and select open from the menu.
Other resources to view your XP Product Key.
Advisory: There is no need to pay for a resource to find the Product Key, even one
listed in the ad links on this web page. If the key retrieved is the one used by the OEM
to install the original system, that will be the only key retrievable. Paying for a key
retrieval tool will not retrieve the valid key.
View Product Key XP
RockXP: Retrieve, change, Product Keys and more.
Everest: from Lavalys The successor to AIDA32.
AIDA32: Still available, but no longer updated.
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
Belarc Advisor Free Personal PC Audit (version 6.1f).
Related articles to change a key when the invalid message or situation

listed below is relevant to your configuration.
● "Blocked VLK" beside the heading Genuine validation status"
● For whatever licensing reason using one of the listed methods from
the link: " I need to change my XP Product Key" will probably work
if you have a valid product key and access to Windows media
necessary for the process.
● If you have no physical XP media or only restore media, the retrieval
software will have limited use.
● Do not pay for a key retrievable utility for any reason, reinstalled,
upgraded or clean installed XP since purchasing or building the
computer. No paid key retrieval tool will retrieve a valid key from a

ViewKeyXP
OEM installation that used a generic key.

XP Tools
MS Windows XP Compatible Software Tools
A collection of Windows XP compatible software.

Some freeware, some shareware and some software you must purchase to use.
Adware, Spyware and Scumware free at the time of listing.
Search
12 Ghosts Backup IrfanView
Home Adobe Reader LView Pro

MS-MVP
OE Newsreader Alex Feinman ISO Recorder MoveOnBoot
Move XP
Format XP Auto Spell Checker for OE Nero Burning ROM
Clean Install XP
XP Repair Install AnyDVD Newshound
XP FAQ
Restore AutoStreamer NirSoft
F.A.S.T
Upgrade Issues Application Mover 2.6 nLite
Access BIOS
Spell Check BartPE NTFS Data Recovery
View XP Key
SW&Tools Outlook Express Backup Expert 1.33 Offline NT Password reg editor
Shareware NG
Computer Links OpenOffice
WinLinks BootIT NG
Motorsports PDF Producer
Online Mags CDBurner Pro
FTP Links PixelToolbox
Donate CloneCD
Contact Power Toys for XP
CloneDVD
PSPad
CleanCenter
Recover My Files
CPUID
Resource Hacker
Cute CD DVD Burner 1.9.5
Restart 1.54
DeepBurner
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/software_tools.htm (1 of 5)10/15/2008 4:08:31 PM

XP Tools
DeepRipper RootkitRevealer
Desktop DNA Send To Toys 2.3
DVD Shrink Spell Checker for OE (free)
Easy Desk Software SuperShredder (free)
Explorer XP Ultimate Boot CD
File Recovery 3 Ultra-ISO
Find NTFS WinRAR
TheFreeCountry.Com WinZip
FrontPageExpress XP SysPad
GAG yenc32
HyperSnap-DX ZipGenius 5.5.1.468

XP Tools

XP Tools

XP Tools

Best of the Net Shareware
Shareware
Search
Home
MS-MVP Tucows Jumbo
OE Newsreader
Move XP CWS Winsite
Format XP
Clean Install XP Rocket Download Pass The Shareware
XP Repair Install
XP FAQ Tom's Hardware Guide Win32bit.com
Restore
F.A.S.T Media Builder ZD.Net
Upgrade Issues
Access BIOS Shareware Junkies Freeware32.com
Spell Check
View XP Key Shareware.com
SW&Tools
Shareware
Computer Links
WinLinks
Motorsports
Online Mags
FTP Links
Donate
Contact
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/computer.html (1 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:35 PM

Best of the Net Shareware
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/computer.html (2 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:35 PM

Computer and Related Web Sites
Home Search
MS-MVP
OE Newsreader
Move XP
Format XP
Clean Install XP
3Com : Communications giant that merged with U.S. Robotics.
XP Repair Install
XP FAQ Abit : Motherboard manufacturer.
Restore Acer : Computers and hardware.
F.A.S.T Adobe Systems : Tech help, drivers, etc.
Upgrade Issues Acronis : Partitioning, boot management, privacy, data migration, and other
Access BIOS system software.
Spell Check Adaptec : Adaptec Home Page, SCSI cards, Ethernet etc.
View XP Key Ahead Software : CD recording software, Nero CD burning application.
SW&Tools Aida32 : Diagnostic utility
Shareware Allaire : Cold Fusion, Homesite, Spectra and more.
Computer Links AMD : Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
WinLinks Anawave Software Inc. : Home of Gravity News reader and more.
Motorsports AOPEN : Motherboard manufacturer.
Online Mags Apple : Apple home page
FTP Links Artisoft : Modem sharing software
Donate Asus : Asus Mainboard Home page. Specifications, descriptions, etc.
Contact ATI Technologies : leader in the design and manufacture of innovative
visual processor solutions.
Aztech : Aztech Labs WWW site.
AZZA Board : AZZA motherboard, product descriptions, bios updates,

availability, etc.
Be: OS
Boca Research: Modems
Borland : Online
BulletProof Corp : Makers of JDesignerPro the Java Intranet Application
Development System
Canon Computer Systems : Driver updates and support.
CeQuadrat : Cd Recording software company acquired (7/8/99) by Adaptec.
Compaq : Compaq Online
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Conner Peripherals : Hard drive information and drivers update files etc.
Corel : Corel Home Page. Draw, Word Perfect, etc..
Creative Labs : Soundblaster AWE 16 &32 upgrades &tech support
Deerfield.com : "Deerfield.com is dedicated to providing Internet users

around the world with cutting edge Internet software products and services
that Leverage Internet Connectivity." Products include Wingate, FTP-servu
and others.
Dell Computer Systems : Dell Computer home page
Diamond Multimedia : Video driver upgrades and other Diamond product
info.
Digital Equipment Corp. : Digital Home page. Product descriptions and
technical information.
D-Link : Networking hardware.
Dspeed Network : Dspeed Networks is an ISP (Internet Service Provider) on
the cutting edge, specializing in DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service.
ECS : EliteGroup, manufactures of motherboards, VGA cards, desktop and
notebook computers.
Electroson : The Electroson has been merged with Gear. Creators of Gear
Software for CD-R recording.
Electronics Arts Online : Electronic Arts (EA) is a independent interactive
entertainment software company.
E-Machines : E-Machines home page.
Epson : Epson.........Best known for their printers.

FIC : First International Computer Co, Mainboard, Notebook and Network
computers.
Fore Front Software : Makers of Web Whacker, Web Printer, and more.
Fort'e,inc. : Agent and Free Agent news readers....Best of the news readers...
Fujitsu : Fujitsu home page, Product and technical information, driver
updates, etc........
Gateway 2000 : Gateway 2000 Home page
Ghost.com : from Binary Research
Gibson Research Corporation : GRC is the home of Spinrite and the

ShieldsUp security checking web site
Gigabyte : Motherboards
Hayes : Hayes Modems Home Page.
Hewlett-Packard : Product support for the wide range of Hewlett Packard
products.
Hitachi : Hitachi homepage.
HI-VAL : Hi-Val, Inc.Multimedia Solutions. CD-R etc.
Homesite : The Best HTML editor out there.

IBM : IBM Web Site for their product line

id Software : Quake and Doom Creators
InContex :Web site analyzer and InContex Spider
Intel Corporation : Info on their new products and specs.
Intuit : Intuit Home Page the makers of Quicken financial software. Technical
support and updates can be found here.
Iomega : ZIP, DITTO, JAZ, all you need to know about their systems.
Upgrades
ITServ Inc : ITServ is a leading developer of Internet communications

software and hardware applications.
JVC : The JVC Information Products Company of America
KDS : Korea Data Systems KDS is the top manufacturer of monitors and
multimedia PCs in Korea. You can get the latest .inf file for Windows
9X..................
Kingston Technology : Kingston Technology is the world's largest
manufacturer of memory products for servers, workstations, desktops,
notebooks, and other electronic devices and also manufactures a wide range of
Storage, Networking, Processor upgrade and other peripheral products..
Lexmark : Lexmark Home Page. Technical information and drivers for the
Lexmark line of printers.
Linksys : Linksys networking peripherals.
Litestep : LiteStep is a Windows 95/98/NT shell replacement that resembles
an X-Windows window manager.
Logitech : Mouse, Scanning devices, Trackballs, Joysticks, driver updates,
product info...................
Lotus : Lotus Home Page. Information and support for Notes and the rest of
their extensive line of software. Very nice and informative.
Lucent: Lucent Systems Technology K-Flex 56K modem chips

Macromedia : Shockwave, Flash, Dreamweaver, cutting edge technology.
McAfee Home Page : Virus Tools
Matrox : Video Accelerator boards
Maxtor : Maxtor's online Internet resource center. Maxtor is one of the
world's premier manufacturers of hard disk drives for personal computers.
Micron : Micron Electronics Home page.
Microsoft Corporation : Where do you want to go today? Well you have to
go here.
Microtek : Scanners
MoreInterop.com : Resource site that provides information and the
Microsoft – Novell partnership
NDC : National Datacomm Corp.
NEC : NEC home page

Netgear : Networking products.

Netscape : Netscape web browser
Novell Inc.: Home Page takes you to information about the companies
products and services.
NTi : NewTech Infosystems is a premier developer of CD-Recordable
software.
Nusoft : Image, OCR software.
nVIDIA : Video Processing Solutions
Old Computers.com : Database for old computers.
Oracle : Oracle Home Page

O&O Software : Recovery software
Packard Bell : Packard Bell Home Page. Lot's of information here.
Padus : "Creators of DiscJuggler, professional-quality CD duplication
software for the Windows 95/98 and NT operating systems."
Palm : Palm PDA and Palm OS.
Panasonic : Panasonic Systems division of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co,
LTD. CD drivers, etc.
Pegasus : Accounting and business software.
Philips : Philips Magnavox Consumer Products
Plextor : CD-ROM/CDRW
PowerQuest Corporation : Makers of Partition Magic, Drive Image, etc.
Now part of Symantec
Procom : Storage devices CD-R CD-ROM
Psion : Psion palmtop computers
Qualcomm : Qualcomm's Eudora Place email at it's best.
Quantum Corporation : Hard drive setup info.
Raxco : Disk utilities
Redhat : "Red Hat Software is a computer software development company
that sells products and provides services related to Linux, a freely available
UN*X-like operating system."
Relisys : Current Relisys product lines consist of flatbed scanners, monitors,
and Unix & Windows terminals.
Rockwell :
Roxio : Adaptec's software division, now the home of Easy CD Creator, ETC.
RTX : Microsoft, Panasonic and Skype are some of the world brands who have
chosen RTX for wireless solutions.
Samsung : Samsung Home page.
SanDisk : SanDisk is the world's leading supplier of flash data storage
products in consumer, OEM and industrial markets.

SANtools : Software for configuring, monitoring and tuning your disk

subsystems.
Sausage Software : Software from the Hot Dog people.
Seagate : Hard drive information and setup info. Jumper settings etc.
Silicon Graphics : High end UNIX based graphics systems

Shuttle : Shuttle main boards home page.
SiS : Silicon Integrated Systems Corporation (SiS).
Smith Micro Software : Quick Link Fax Voice Mail
Sun Microsystems : Java Stuff. You can get the Java Files here.
SOHOware : Small Office Home Office networking.
Sonic : CD & DVD burning software, now the parent company of Roxio.
Sony : Everything to do with Sony
SOYO : SOYO motherboards, Barebone systems, and other peripherals.
Starfish Software : Starfish Software is the home of Sidekick PIM,
Dashboard, and other software applications.
StarTech : Specializing at manufacturing hard-to-find parts.
SuSE : One of the better Linux distributions.
Symantec : Tech support for Norton Utilities, Navigator, Anti virus, WinFax
Pro and the rest of their extensive line of apps.
Sysinternals : The Systems Internals Web site provides you advanced
utilities, technical information and source code related to Windows 95 and
Windows NT internals that you won't find anywhere else.
Tekram : "Product lines, ranging from engineering-oriented products to
value-added oriented ones, include Main boards, Storage Controllers, Network
Peripherals, and Multimedia."
Terabyte : Hard drive management software and boot manager to partition
and multi boot your computer.
TGTsoft : StyleXP
Toshiba : Toshiba Home page. Drivers, Tech, and product info.
Turtle Beach-Voyetra : Audio hardware and Software solutions.
Tyan : Tyan is a leading manufacturer of Motherboards.
UMAX : Umax Scanners
US Robotics/3Com: Tech support, Product information
V-Com : System Commander, PowerDesk, Fix-It Utilities, etc..........
Veritas : Home and Data protection. Backup software.
ViewSonic : Monitors, projectors, Pocket PC.
Visioneer : Imaging hardware.
Voyetra-Turtle Beach : Audio hardware and Software solutions.

VXI Corporation : VXI Corporation manufactures the world's highest

quality and broadest range of voice recognition headsets.
Wacom : Wacom Graphics Tablets
Wang Technologies :
Western Digital Corporation : Hard drive setup and support files. Jumper
settings and installation info.
Whitepine : CU-seeME
Wingate : "WinGate, the award winning proxy server and firewall software
package, allows an entire network to share a single Internet connection." A
product of Deerfield.com.
WinZip : Windows GUI Zip utility.
Wolfram Software : Mathematica
World Wide Web Consortium : W3C Web standard for HTML
Zenith Data Systems :
Zoom : Zoom Telephonics

Spell Check | XP FAQ | Computer Links | WinLinks | SW&Tools | Share Ware |

Windows Resources
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FTP Links Hardware Central TroubleShooters.com
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Windows Resources
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Access BIOS Chevrolet Motorsports Penske Racing
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View XP Key Daily F1 RacingSchools.com
SW&Tools DealerNet Race City
Shareware Drag Race Central Red Bull Motorsports
Computer Links DragRacingOnline Renault Motorsports
WinLinks DragRacingUnderground Ricky Rudd
Motorsports Bill Elliot RKsport
Online Mags ESPN Road and Track
FTP Links F1.Racing-Live.com Roy Hill Drag Racing School
Donate f1.on.net Roush Fenway Racing
Contact Ferrari Route 66
John Force Racing Boris Said
Ford Angelle Sampey
Formula One.Com Don Schumacher Racing
Joe Gibbs Racing SlotNet
GM Goodwrench Snap-on Tools
Jeff Gordon Speed Channel
Robby Gordon SPEED Inc
Havoline Racing Speednet
Frank Hawley Racing Schools The Sporting News
Hendrick Racing Tony Stewart
Hot Rod Target Chip Ganassi Racing
IHRA Tasca Motorsports
Indystar.com The Drivers Room
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/motorsports.htm (1 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:48 PM

MotorSports
IRL Texas Motor Speedway

Jegs Toyota Motorsports
Johnson & Johnson Racing Undergroung Racing
Jim Hall Karting School Valvoline Racing
Kalitta Racing Michael Waltrip Racing
KB Racing Williams F1
Linksheaven Wind Tunnel
zMAX
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/motorsports.htm (2 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:48 PM

Zines on the Web

XP Repair Install | F.A.S.T. | Access BIOS |Upgrade Issues | ViewKeyXP
Spell Check | XP FAQ |Computer Links | WinLinks | SW&Tools | Share Ware
Magazines on the Internet
Anchor Desk: Anchor Desk from ZDNet..

Byte: Computer
Cosmopolitan: Women's Fashion, Love and Romance advice.
DesignerCity: Fashion
The Detroit News: Online newspaper
ELLE: Women's Fashion
ELLE: (French) Women's Fashion
ELLE: (German) Women's Fashion
ELLE: (Japanese) Women's Fashion
Epicurious: food
Epicurious Travel: food travel

Esquire: UK
FAD Magazine
Fashion UK
Flare Online
FocusOnStyle.com: Online fashion magazine covers tops trends, fashion shows
and offers expert advice to have fashion, beauty, and style work for your lifestyle.
Forbes: The online version of the financial and lifestyle magazine founded by the
late Malcolm Forbes.....
GQ On-line: Men's Fashion
Harper's Bazaar: Women's Fashion

Hot Wired: Wired Magazine Online
Hypermode: Domaine name for sale
Iconique : online fashion, lifestyle, beauty,trends and art magazine
IL by ELLE: (French)
International Male: Men's Fashion
Marie Claire:Women's Fashion
Out.com
Paper Magazine: Fashion
PC Computing: Computer
PC World Online: Computer
Peluquerias Hair Styles
People: People Magazine online
PHOTO: (French)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/Zines.html (1 of 2)10/15/2008 4:08:51 PM

Zines on the Web
Popular Mechanics
Popular Science
Premiere: Entertainment
Radio Control Car Action: Radio control car racing magazine
Salon: State of the Art Editorial E-Zine
Slate
Tatler
Third Age: The Web for grownups
Time Magazine Daily: News
Time Out net
Urban Desires
VIBEonline
Wildpark: (German)
Women.com: fashion
Women's Wear Daily: fashion
Women's Wire
WORD
YOU Magazine
Please email webmaster@michaelstevenstech.com if you find broken links.
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Michael Stevens Contact Information

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http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/mscontactinfo.htm10/15/2008 4:08:56 PM
XP In Place Upgrade
XP In Place Upgrade
To perform an in place upgrade of XP, follow the
steps listed below.
1. From Windows insert the XP CD into the CD
player.
2. Choose install
3. Select upgrade
4. Follow prompts and when asked for Product
Key, supply a valid Product Key.
5. Continue setup to completion and activate
over the internet if necessary.
6. All updates and hot fixes will need to be
reapplied.
For more detailed information
preview.aspx-scid=kb;en-us;Q315341
This page was last updated on undefined, undefined

NaN, NaN At NaN:NaN:NaN AM.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xp_in_place_upgrade.htm10/15/2008 4:08:58 PM

How To Perform A Windows XP Repair Install

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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

Web Michael Stevens Tech

Alternate options to Change XP Product Key #18 on the FAQ list.

Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (1 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

1. If you connect directly to the internet without a router or hardware firewall,

Automatic Updates stops working after a repair install of Windows XP

This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

3. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (2 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

If you get files not found during the copying stage.

KB 833330u Blaster removal

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011

7. Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation.

Windows XP Service Pack 1

An option I highly recommend; is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD

Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good

Another Slipstream step by step Better

AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!

Step by Step on AutoStreamer

Printable Repair Install step by step. repair.txt

XP Repair Install in PDF XPrepairinstall

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (3 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

Should you do a repair install and is it the best choice?

Windows XP Crashed? Here's Help

Also as a precaution the windows\system32\WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK should be

More articles to help prevent data loss.

Additional tips to perform before initiating the Repair Install.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (4 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

digital images that cannot be replaced...............

You have the options listed below.

1. Remove the SP 1, SP2 update if the option is available from Add/Remove.

Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or 2 (SP1, SP2)

Another Slipstream step by step

AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer

Step by Step on AutoStreamer

If the Repair Option is not Available

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (5 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

Possible Fix by reconfiguring boot.ini using Recovery Console.

1.Boot with XP CD or 6 floppy boot disk set.

2. Press R to load the Recovery Console.

5. Try the repair install.

One more suggestion from MVP Alex Nichol

copy K:\i386\ntldr C:\

(two other files needed - just in case)

1. Type: attrib -h -r -s C:\boot.ini del C:\boot.ini

2. Type: BootCfg /Rebuild

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (6 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

Try the link below if the repair option is not available.

Feedback on success or failure of the above fixes would be greatly appreciated.

Charlie Russel MS-MVP

Please submit your fixes. webmaster@michaelstevenstech.com

Updates must be applied before connecting to the internet

Windows XP Service Pack 1

An option I highly recommend; is creating a Slipstreamed XP CD with SP1,

Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) Good

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm (7 of 8)10/15/2008 4:05:46 PM

Another Slipstream step by step Better

AutoStreamer mirror link for AutoStreamer Best!!