jaclaz

No. There is no opening password, the protection is only about locked cells. You have to make up your mind, you can EITHER: open the spreadsheet OR: NOT open it if the latter you can't do ANYTHING with the "Manual" sheet in it (nor with the "Automatic" one, for that matters since you cannot open the spreadsheet at all). If you can open it, please read again my previous post, I guess I explained the idea: the "manual" is ONLY to "play" the "automatic" is to simulate what happens with varying partition sizes (number of Cylinders in a nx16x63 geometry) as seen BOTH by Partition Logic and RPM. You have only a very limited number of cells in which you can change the values, it shouldn't be difficult to get the hang of it. Simplified version: FORGET about the "Manual" sheet Open the "Automatic one" Input in cells U24÷U27 the value 4080. The "main part" of the sheet should represent the partitioning screen as "seen" in Partition Logic (bottom, with nx16x63 geometry) and in RPM (top, with mx255x63) Please READ the text in Partition Logic: (where y=x+1) Can you please put in the: 4080c,4080c,4080c,4080c and post the result in RPM? (both CHS and LBA) Then, try : 4079,8159,12239,16319 and post the result in RPM? (both CHS and LBA) jaclaz

Naaah , we don't have a lot of crocodiles and swamps in the middle of Europe and not even that many borders (corrupt or not ), real problem is elephant stampedes . jaclaz

For the record (and FYI), on a nx255x63 geometry: Last addressable Cylinder is n-1 Last addressable head is 254 Last addressable sector is 63 Cylinders are numbered strating from 0. Heads are numbered starting from 0. Sectors are numbered starting from 1. The general idea was: do "logical" tests report loop to #1 until a suitable solution is found NOT "change a value with a random (BTW wrong) one and see what happens. The only thing we need now is a method, and being calm. There may be a few tens reasons why RPM makes the partition "red", incuding rightful and wrongful ones. This: is perfectly normal. CHS sectors are numbered starting from 1. LBA sectors are numbered from 0 (actually the meaning of a LBA values is "Sectors before" or "offset of the sector") Now the issue at hand is the following: first partition (notwithstanding the fact that RPM sees it in RED) seems OK: it starts at a correct CHS address (0/1/1) it ends at a correct CHS address (30,463/254/63) it's CHS values are correspondent to LBA ones: (0+1)x(1+1)x63=126-63=63 (30,463+1)x(254+1)x63=489,404,160-63=489,404,097 following partitions don't. We have now an added info. The 1938020 end cylinder that was "needed". However let's try again. The original data you should have input was: Then, I asked you to input the SAME values, only using ALL primaries. What seemingly you did input is: Primary FAT32 LBA 485520c Logical FAT32 LBA 485521c Logical FAT32 LBA 485521c or at least this is what partition logic wrote to the partition table. Please find attached a small Excel spreadsheet. It consists of TWO sheets "Manual" and "Automatic". BOTH sheets are protected. In sheet "Manual" you can ONLY change: cells I10÷I13 i.e. the End Cylinder in mx255x63 (RPM) cells I24÷I27 i.e. the End Cylinder in nx16x63 (Partition Logic) The two sets of partition entries are independent, to allow playing a bit with values. In sheet "Automatic" you can ONLY change: cells U24÷U27 i.e. the "c" value you can input in Partition Logic this automatically calculates the data how it should be written by Partition Logic and how it should be seen in RPM. If ANY of the cells in column J (end head) becomes RED it means that the partition dos not end on cylinder boundary. (NOT "kosher"). Now, try some values in U24÷U27, remember that ANY value should be a multiple of 4080! Start with small values, creating 4 Primary partitions like: 4080 4080 4080 4080 Input these values in partition logic, then check how RPM reads them. Report. jaclaz CURRENT_PL_RPM.zip

Still : jaclaz

Yes , it is. The info may not be seemingly there, but it is . http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/MSWIN41.htm http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/ntFAT32BR.htm And : http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/FAT32brcomp.htm Hey, that's MS , you remember. Compare with the neat cmdcons trick : http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2362&st=6 but in this case they probably did it to keep compatibility with a number of utilities that only "understood" first sector. The ReactOS guys were probably "forced" to use yet another unused sector for the same compatibility reasons. jaclaz

No problem , though there is still a proplem jaclaz

What normally Seagate does is: get drives to be refurbished refurbish drives Since they have NO obligation whatsoever about your DATA they will (99% probabilities): put your drive on a stack get ANY drive from the stack, check it, test it, refurbish it, REALLY low level format it, install to it the new firmware, apply to it a "refurbished label", send it to you If you obtain that your drive is treated (Free of charge) by their Data recovery division i365 they will (99% probabilities): get your drive on a stack get your drive from the stack, check it, test it non-destructively, make sure your data is readable, apply to it the new firmware, make sure your data is readable, send it to you When you send a drive there are the ADDITIONAL risks of it: being damaged during shipping being lost during shipping being stolen during shipping ( x 2 times as the drive goes to Seagate and back) You choose , but now you know the risks involved and a not-so-random estimation of probabilities of what may happen. jaclaz

You should post this under "News": http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=7739&st=92 http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=7739&st=100 http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/index.html#ntfat32 http://mirror.href.com/thestarman/asm/mbr/index.html#mswin41 Well, NO. Giving up is NOT an option. I know I am grumpy, but if I ask you to use 485520c, why don't you use it? DO just the first partition and use for it 485520c (and not ANY other number). Then, post TWO screenshots of the drive in RPM, one like the ones you already posted (CHS) and one showing the LBA (press F4). Then, try creating the other three partitions ALL as primary (it is likely that the "shift" is caused by the Extended) Then, post TWO screenshots of the drive in RPM, one like the ones you already posted (CHS) and one showing the LBA (press F4). jaclaz

...and proplem to problem? Possibly the original source : http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/223632-cant-launch-any-excel-files/ jaclaz

Exactly. Point is that in many places (wrongly) the deal is not (as it should): There is still the (wrong) conception linked to "factory worker": This also doesn't help much in distinguishing "good" IT admin from "bad" ones (in the sense of "smart/capable/efficient" vs. "unknowledgeable but hard working"). jaclaz

Well well: using IE on Win 3.x using IE to access the "ShieldsUp!" page you are lucky that we live in the 21st century, if you did the same in say the 14th you would have probably been processed (and condemned) for blasphemy! Things to try: Opera! (3.62 should be the "right" one - though NOT free as recent versions) http://www.oldapps.com/opera.php?old_opera=12 stay clear of grc.com Let's say that the consensus on Steve Gibson's work is NOT unanymous , expecially when it comes to internet security http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/steve_gibson/ jaclaz

Also, there are other ways: http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=9830 jaclaz

The problem lies in this. Obviously the data is shown in cylinders (noone ever talked of bytes). In a "normal" VM with attached a "normal" hard disk image (8 Gb) in size, partitionlogic behaves correctly, proposing "127 cylinders before" on second iteration. Some simple CHS math: (127)x(254+1)x63=2,040,255 Sectors x 512 bytes = 1,044,610,560 bytes i.e. roughly 1 Gb or 1,004 Mbytes, i.e. the 1000m BUT from your previous screenshot, partition logic detects your hard disk (INcorrectly) as having a geometry of nx16x63 INSTEAD of the "right one" of mx255x63 So, numbers change: (2031)x(15+1)x63=2,047,248 Sectors x 512 bytes = 1,048,190,976 bytes i.e. roughly 1 Gb or 1,048 Mbytes, i.e. the 1000m RPM detects the drive as having mx255x63 geometry thus all the values set by partition logic are "crazy" from a CHS point of view. To have a "robust" (meaning both CHS and LBA correct) partitioning, using this approach we have some limitations. Since 16x255=255x16 we need to find Cylinder numbers on a 16 head device that "fall" on the same boundary on a 255 head one. Since 255 and 16 have no "common divider" we have a "minimal step" of 255x16=4080. In other words: 4080x16x63= 4,112,640 x 512 = 2,105,671,680 i.e. roughly 2 Gb and: 256x255x63= 4,112,640 x 512 = 2,105,671,680 i.e. roughly 2 Gb This is the "minimum" partition size you can have and all partition sizes must be a multiple of this. Following the idea of 4 LBA FAT 32 partitions, let's see which can be the "right" number(s) for each in partition logic. Let's see: RPM "allows" for: 121,600x255x63= 1,953,504,000 sectors the screenshot from partition logic is not too readable and some numbers are "strange", but it looks like reasonable: 1,938,000x16x63= 1,953,504,000 sectors But we need 63 sectors for MBR+hidden sectors (Track 0) and 63 sectors for the Extended partition. So you could use: 63<-MBR+hidden sectors 485520<-first primary partition 63<-Extended 485520<-first logical volume inside extended 481440<-first logical volume inside extended 481440<-first logical volume inside extended 3954<-unused You should get the primary partition and one of the logical volumes: 485,520x16x63=489,404,160 x 512 = 250,574,929,920 bytes or 30,464x255x63=489,404,160 x 512 = 250,574,929,920 bytes and the other two logical volumes: 481,440x16x63=485,291,520 x 512 = 248,469,258,240 bytes or 30,208x255x63=485,291,520 x 512 = 248,469,258,240 bytes So, now you have to use the "c" instead of the "m" and: Primary FAT32 LBA 485520c Logical FAT32 LBA 485520c Logical FAT32 LBA 481440c Logical FAT32 LBA 481440c from #2 always using the "sectors before supplied by partition logic. Once done that, in RPM you should have all partitions going to the right boundaries, i.e. for each partition starting head only 0 or 1 and Ending Head only 254. I hope that the above is clear. jaclaz

Actually doorknobs can be useful, a few examples : hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpRSEJY0cTI hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TvhG_B5d20 hxxp://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=34036139 jaclaz

In my experience "doorknobs" tend to have problems in managing a knife/cutter, a soldering gun, a multimeter, etc. Not wanting in any way to put down anyone , only trying to point out the "easiest" ways.... Sure , I may be cheap (please read as "am") , but I know where my towel is. Yep, that's point #14 of the read-me-first in a nutshell. jaclaz

Sure , it's called "ask to a professional" BUT requires materials that are hard to find (banknotes, in a rather huge amount). Come on, use your own little gray cells, if there was an easier way, why do you think we are hanging to this one? For the record, this lacks totally of logic: This is logical: Anyway, it's not really difficult, you just need some patience and time, and be calm. If you have a friend with a minimal experience in electronics/electricity that can help you there won't be ANY problem at all. @Bloubul Obviously the idea of suggesting to a "doorknob" using a DKU-5/CA-42 cable is making things really difficult. As written n times by now, a technically knowledgeable peep won't have ANY problem using, in order of difficulty: a "proper" converter with KNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. a "proper" converter with UNKNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. ANY converter with KNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. ANY converter with UNKNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. a "known to be not fake" DKU-5/CA-42 cable with KNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. a "known to be not fake" DKU-5/CA-42 cable with UNKNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. ANY DKU-5/CA-42 cable with UNKNOWN connections, voltage requirements, etc. WITHOUT ANY converter and just build one from a handful of scrap parts he has in his basement What you suggested to Coffecup is #7 in the above list. Difference between the cost of #1 and #7: absolute maximum 30 US$ usually much less, around 5÷8 US$ EXAMPLES of #1: USB to TTL 3V: This is the most expensive I have ever seen in my life (NOT recommended): http://cgi.ebay.it/CAVO-USB-3V-TTL-per-HD-Seagate-7200-11-VER-PRO-rs232-/190426361136?pt=Accessori_per_Radioamatori&hash=item2c564bad30 This is the "average": http://cgi.ebay.it/TTL-INTERFACCIA-Seagate-7200-11-RS232-BSY-FIX-FIRMWARE-/170541063840?pt=Accessori_per_Radioamatori&hash=item27b50a1ea0 This is cheap: http://cgi.ebay.it/2-x-PL2303-USB-TTL-RS232-Serial-Port-Converter-Adapter-/220663946707?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3360989dd3 jaclaz

NO! There is NO "boot file" written to the bootsector. A bootsector is written to the bootsector . The XP CD is a no-emulation El-Torito Boot CD. It uses a bootsector that is 2048 bytes in size, sometimes called "Arnes Boot Record" or "Microsoft Corporation.img". This CD bootsector invokes: \I386\bootfix.bin (the thing that shows on screen "press any key to boot from CD" \I386\SETUPLDR.BIN (the actual "boot file") Quick reminder of booting sequence: "Full" XP on any device: (MBR ->)bootsector->NTLDR->BOOT.INI->NTDETECT.COM->rest of XP XP install on ANY device BUT CD: (MBR->)boosector->SETUPLDR.BIN->NTDETECT.COM->*.SIF->rest of install XP install on CD/DVD: bootsector->\I386\bootfix.bin->\I386\SETUPLDR.BIN->\I386\NTDETECT.COM->*.SIF->rest of install *.SIF means both: WINNT.SIF (if present) TXTSETUP.SIF @morguex A bootsector is NOT a "file", just like you don't see (unless you use an hex/disk editor) the bootsector of a partition or of a floppy. (but it doesn't mean it's not there). You need to extract the bootsector from your original bootable CD and provide it to the burning app. A suitable tool is, besides the already cited ones, Bart's BBIE: http://www.nu2.nu/bbie/ Another small tool is here : http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=12406 jaclaz

I don't want to seem more grumpy than I usually am, but this: DOES NOT mean: Which is what you seem like having understood: Now that we are beyond the USB driver problem (BTW first point in the list): Can you re-partition it from partition logic EXACTLY as I suggested you to: And post how it is seen in RPM and freeFDISK (please note that we need to also see the "inside" of the Extended partition if FDISK/freeFDISK). Right now there is something "wrong": first partition seemingly is out of cylinder boundary RPM shows a second Primary partition FreeFdisk shows an Extended (but the inside of it is unknown) I need to see what happens with the sizes/types I suggested, there are REASONS for them. jaclaz

For that kind of price I think I can hire someone to type for me . A few nice keyboards (and NO, not that many custom keys): http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/keyboards.htm this might just do : http://www.usermode.org/photos/munich2008/p34.jpg These are actually available: http://www.umd.com.au/itd/products/tipro_free.html jaclaz

Yep , waiter come taste this soup.... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094898/crazycredits Ahaaa... jaclaz

Really? Should someone post it under "News"? http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=110814&st=20 jaclaz

@dencorso Partition logic uses LBA, first sector is sector 0. @piikea With all due respect, it's not like being "brain surgery". Boot the partition logic. Select the right disk. Delete all. You should see ONLY one line with written in it "empty space" selected. Create. Choose primary. Strating sector: 0 Ending: 1000m Partition type 06 (FAT16) Write changes. Format (FAT 16). Set active. Write changes. First line will look like 1 FAT16 fat 0-127 1004 primary/active Select second line (empty space). Create. Choose Logical Starting sector : 128 Ending: 3000m Partition type 0c (FAT32) Write changes. Format (FAT 32). Now you have THREE lines, select last one, (empty space). Create. Choose Logical Starting sector : 511 Ending: 50000m Partition type 0c (FAT32) Write changes. Format (FAT 32). You now should have: a primary around 1 Gb FAT 16 an extended partition (which you don't see in partition logic listing) containing: a logical volume around 3 Gb FAT32 a logical volume around 50 Gb FAT32 What happens now when you look at in in FDISK? Do the three volumes above get a drive letter in DOS/Win9x? Can you (re-)format each of them from DOS/Win9x? If everything is OK, re-do with more senseful sizes for the partitions (I personally ALWAYS have a primary FAT16 - which I can also hide - and one primary ONLY) on ANY hard disk I use, as it may become useful, but of course you can create everything FAT32, up to 4 primaries or only logical volumes. jaclaz

Not really. Just for the record: http://www.docx.net/ http://www.docx.net/how-to-convert-docx-to-doc docx has NOTHING to do with doc, it's basically XML inside a zipped container. Just in case: http://www.nativewindsofmontana.com/software/docx2rtf.html jaclaz

I thought you were doing a PXE install (RIS). What you are doing is PXE booting a PE then start a "normal" winnt32.exe install from the PE (which is another thing). Which EXACT winnt32.exe command line are you using? Which EXACT kind/type of PE is it? jaclaz

A word of caution. BE VERY, VERY cautious when using "OLD STYLE" software with newish Vista or 7 natively partitioned hard disks and/or using more thanone OS on those drives... See here: http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=21186 http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=9897&hl= There are CONCRETE possibilities to mess things up. There is NO difference WHATEVER if the OS is 32 bit or 64 bit, the actual OS may make a difference, besides, obviously, the MBR vs. GPT partitioning scheme. jaclaz