submix8c

@sdfox7 - And why do you think I suggested getting that? Use the links inside and go to WebArchive to search for the particular file. What happens if they disappear direct? How will anyone know what the *original* direct link was? Amirite, or what?

Also, FWIW, if you go get the http://xdot.tk script and look inside it all the direct download links are there for EN. Pretty sure someone figured out a method of getting the non-EN files as well (on MSFN?).

Sure! I've said this before! http://xdot.tk Download the script, run it, download nLite (requires Net Framework), run it and add all of the files UDC downloaded. Next, reinstall. (dammit!) You can also burn the Integrated (via nLite) DVD and use it to "upgrade", thus retaining everything currently on your HDD. HTH

Hrmmmm... Now you're referencing yet *another* place! Please don't as *you* are confusing *yourself* and it interrupts my instructions. Stick with what I give (inluding links). Step#12 - DO NOT do it! This is for the TOTAL WIPE option I gave in the previous post. They went about it the hard way - one-by-one deletion rather than *my* method which is faster and does *all* partitions in one shot! Worse, the tell of a Non-OEM (i.e. Retail) "Clean Install" of Windows 7 and *not* going from Vista to Win7. IGNORE IT and regret you ever went there! Again, the "FYI" links (in previous post) informs you of *special* Dell (and other OEM's) way for the purpose of Recovery/Factory. The lik you gave (and the Clean Install links I gave) are *not* for you if you go the "keep original Recovery" route. Sadly, my daughter totally wiped her HP (Hewlett-Packard, different OEM) Vista Laptop HDD so I no longer have access to a scenario such as yours. What I *do* have is a Full HDD Backup Image (all 3 partitions, similar to yours) but it's Win7 Home Premium 64-bit (not 32-bit, like yours) that I *might* be able to double-check with. I fear telling you "how to retain Vista Paritions #1 and #3 while Clean Installing Windows7 to Old Vista Parition #1" lest you go searching and get further confusing information. I *will* tell you this - The *theory* is if you simply format your C-Drive (Partition #2) and boot from DVD and do "Custom"/"Clean Install" to it that you *should* be able to use Paritions #1/#3 to put it back to Factory, thus overwriting Partition#2 (Which *would* have Win7 *but* you want to go back). Side note - You're wrong! It's "Part 2, 13 of 15" and please not THIS little tidbit! Yours is *not* Retail, it's O-E-M (it says so in your EI.CFG). BIIIG Diiference! Sit tight. And again, don't go searching anymore. Leave that to me (and my own personal tests). (Seriously, I have some whack stuff going on right now, but I haven't forgotten you.) To anybody else reading this thread. Just... STAHP IT! No more "stay with Vista" or any other such nonsense. Indeed, "opinion" is waaaaay off-topic. Either help with this *particular* task or go to an "opinion" topic. This isn't it. 'K, thanx.

Betting he's seeing *old* INF (renamed) and *new* INF because SP4 installs Newer DosNet Framework. IOW, they're both Text "INF" Files. See this - http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/175135-how-to-verify-sp4-installed/

Do you have a Firewall on your PC? It has to be opened for the ports on your Internal IP. If you're using DMZ (not the same as Port Forward) on the Router/Modem then you have to open the Firewall ports on the External. I have no experience for single Modems. Mine is AT&T ADSL In (external dynamic IP) and Wireless.4-PortWired Out (internal Dynaimic DHCP-served). Yours assigns 10.x.x.x IP's? How is that possible (not normal - usually 192.168.x.x) unless you changed it? You have to be able to access the Modem and modify settings. Is it possible? If not, it's the Modem. As I said, I use NO-IP and it works fine. You *did* install the Program and run it, right? You also have to ensure your Setup is correct when you go into your Online Account.

Check your Modem/Router. You'll need Port Forwarding to start with (external to fixed Internal). Next, your ISP will/may provide a different (dynamic) IP occasionally (which is ok BUT...). Lastly, in the case of Dynamic IP (even with port forwarding) the Website in your IIS has to be Registered via Static IP (AFAIK) and the only way to get around that (Dynamic) is a Service like DynDNS or No-IP, in which case your Website will be "registered" as a Sub-Domain under theirs. Mine is "<something-something>.NO-IP.INFO". Otherwise, you *literally* have to use the External IP oustside of your LAN, maybe even *inside* it, depending on how your Modem/Router works. Been there, done that. Your only other alternative is Static ISP IP. HTH

It works differently than Win9x. It indiscriminaely replaces. Win9x does not (AFAICR) and provides a (sort of) GUI.

No. There is no "best version". I use Ghost, but that's not free. CloneZilla is (as is many others). Cloning/Imaging isn't done on a Running OS. It's done via a Bootable Media. That makes the OS irrelevant. HTH

No prob. It's not that complicated. It just *looks* complicated when you see the step-by-step (as given in links). I simply filled in a couple of "oops, missed that" parts. BTW, the seller wouldn't care about anything else because of "natural assumptions" and "You bought it, now it's in your court." l8tr g8tr. And hope you feel better.

HUH???? Do you Google/Bing/Yahoo/etc.? (sheesh!!!) hdd backup image "windows 98"CloneZilla...

Slower. It does it via a Software Interface. However, using an ISO instead of VM-Attached USB or Physical CD, it will be much faster (HDD speed), kind of like copying Install to a pre-formatted HDD and running it from there instead. Still, the Interface will cause some delay in speed. Try googling for VM's or "Virtual Machines". You'll get the skinny directly from the Vendors. Each have different capabilities and many are free, including the one supplied with/for Windows7. Odd that you ask that here when the WWW is rife with this information. Do some research and if you don't understand then we can expand on it.

I'm confused. AFAIK, it *does* need a Driver, just not a 3d Party. Built-in USB's are also via a Root Hub. When you plug another Hub in, it becomes another "chained" Hub. I have a 3-port Extension Hub and even though you state "passive" it definitely shows up in Device Manager (note the word "extension"). A hub is a hub is a hub (Root, of course) and THEN the "ports" are listed (as part of the Hub). It sounds like there may be a problem more with the USB Stick / Transfer.

OK, we'll go with Clean Install. Some background first. NOTE! I've begun the Test Scenario and currently have an unactivated Clean Install of Vista Home Premium with SP1. I'll proceed with the Win7 Install per your Clean choice and explain. Please wait for yet another scenario/choice. To continue... You have confirmed your DVD is exactly the same as mine except a different EditionID (shown in EI.CFG). Yep, you have also the Recovery Partition. Here's what you have - - Partition#1 - A "Special" Dell Boot Partition with so-called Utilities. They stink, IMHO, but it's necessary for Recovery. - Partition#2 - The actual Recovery Partition. When you use a "special" Boot Sequence. Mine (was) "CTRL+F11" after initial BIOS Detection and during the Dell Logo. You have to be quick, otherwise you have to reboot. This boots you into Partition#1. You'll have some Options, one of which is Restore Your OS (or something like that). Then it flags *this* Partition#2 as the Boot and then Reboots to it. - Partition#3 - Your Running Vista OS. #1 is hidden from normal Explorer view. The "CTRL+F11" (for XP) flips a special Flag in Dell's Special MBR that allows for all of the nonsense. Here's some background. Also note the second link. It's specifically for Vista and uses the standard "F8" but nonetheless utilizes the same nonsense. My daughter had a similar setup on her "bought used" HP that some genius had put a bogus Windows7 on. I had to manipulate the MBR to get it to the Restore partition to recover her to the Original Vista. Go figure... Scroll down to "Appendix" and observe the Notes. http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/ This is how Vista works as opposed to XP. http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/vista/ #2 (as stated) is the Vista Restore/Recovery one and (usually) all files/folders on it are "hidden". If not, no biggie. Observe the explanation in the second link above. Your Vista DVD (when you boot to it) will undoubtedly allow you to do either Restore From HDD (since the Recovery exists) -or- allow to do it from DVD -or- (having a completely wiped HDD) allow to restore JUST the C-Drive since the #1 and #2 would not be present. Dell (and other OEM's) don't (normally) allow for a Complete HDD Restore of all 3 partitions. This is how those characters get away with charging you for Technican Assisitance. Their methods are similarly used for newer PC's pre-installed with Windows7. UEFI (no need to explain, just extra info) on later Windows7 PC's have even *more* extra partitions. You seem to have you External HDD hooked up in the screen shot. No big deal, but you do *not* want it connect during Install. Your second screen shot oddly implies what I had stated in previous scenario of *not* entering the Product Key *and* unchecking "Activate" during Initial Install. I say this based upon Point#2 where it literally says to type the Product Key (again if you already entered during install?). Not really sure why you would need to Activate By Phone? Be aware that "by phone" does work juts fine but is extremely tedious as it's all via Voice and is a real pain (been there, done that). If (when) you do that you'll see what I mean. I also note the website link given. I (we) know about it. It's a somewhat reliable forum. Clean Install will undoubtedly be by selecting "Custom". See Part#3 in this link (sceen shots included). http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows-7/windows-7-installation/ Edit#1 - See this link for step-by-step (scren shots) Clean Install. Please note it references Retail Windows7. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html See this link for Activation (screen shots). Your picture says use Option#2. This may be bacuse it's OEM? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3408-activate-windows-7-online.html Please note that additional Option (I mentioned) of shrinking the C-Drive to provide space for Windows 7 Clean, thus retaining your Original Vista (all 3 partitions). The Windows7 would go onto Primary Partition#4. In this case, you *should* have the ability to Dual Boot your Original Vista (intact, all 3 partitions) *and* your Band Spanky New Windows7. I had mentioned this as an option in an earlier post. The idea of Dual Boot is to allow you to ensure you've not lost anything important (pics, videos, music, etc, downloads, etc.). After you're absolutely satisfied you've transferred everything, you *should* be able to simpley delete the Vista C-Drive and expand the Windows7 into the free space thus giving all C-Drive space back (to Windows7). This will also allow you to retain the Parttion#1 (hidden) and Partition#2 (Vista Recover/Restore)in case you *ever* want to go back by manipulating the Boot Flag in the MBR (Master Boot Record) like I did for my Daughter. If you *don't* want to retain the Original (on HDD), you *still* have your Vista DVD that would (in essence) put you back to a Single Partition Only Vista (Partition#1+#2 would not exist). Here's the simple way to Wipe Clean (destroy all Dell Partitions) And Install Windows 7 Only. 1- Set DVD Boot in BIOS and Boot to it (as explained in link) 2- After 1st Screen (entering Keyboard, etc) press "Shift+F10" and enter the following: > diskpart > select disk 0 > clean > exit > exit Now Reboot. You'll automatically be provided "Custom" as an option. Follow the Install Process (as describe in the link. There's your Two Options for Clean Install. If you prefer the "Retain Vista on HDD" let us know and we'll help with the Dual Boot as I'm not sure how the BCD Store is constructed. AFAIK, it should be automatic. I'll double-check that and get back to you. Side note: Disregard the notation in links that says "Leave Network Cable Plugged In". You'll want to install that Driver and *the* plug it back in. I explained about completely disconnecting in a previous post. DONE! and HTH... (and will be back for the "Retain Vista" option if you want that route...) Whew!!!!

+1 Just be sure that you use Gparted correctly. It's been know to screw things up if you don't. Also be sure you've Defragged your OS before you shrink/move/(whatever). Then burn the Bootable ISO as you would any other ISO and set BIOS to boot from it.

(sigh...) In the other thread, it specifically says which file for your Sound. The one you tried to get and said "Unauthorized". Look for that one. HTH

I have them, but am unable to upload them here and have no account on (e.g.) GoogleDrive (or any other). But you're in luck. Do *not* abuse this, please (bandwidth and it's somewhat private). HTH

I'm thinking he means from the Full Package (all of them), not just (only) Mass Storage Drivers. In any case, just get what you need. HTH

Not to nit-pick... Compaq back when XP first came out had this nasty habit of putting the OEM-Specific files in a different place on a "set". Indeed, the Base one has the Retail (generic) ones then literally copy (from another CD) over the OEM-Specific ones onto the HDD, Compaq was weird like that. (Yes I have the full 6, count them SIX CD Set pre-SP1a). Compaq methodology stunk ( PC's purchased from, yes, Radio Shack. ). Other than that, Kee-Rect!

Well... That's one way to do it. Pretty much the same as doing it in a VM, the idea being the same. Leaves your functional running OS intact while testing your created Install.

Your profile indicate WIN98SE. Surely you have the basic Install Folder available on your HDD? C:\Windows\Option\Cabs is the usual (OEM place where they're stored. Start from there and use any one of a number of Unofficial Packages to create one. Any other files normally found on an Original Windows98 are unnecessary.

Oh, theres an "SFC" but (AFAIK) it's CMD-based and doesn't perform like Win9x AT.ALL!!! So, yes/NO!

??? Download this - "FreeDOS 1.1 Base" It's an Install ISO. Your "Win32 Emulator for DOS" is (AFAICT) supposed to run *on* DOS. 1 - Download the ISO 2 - Install it (somewhere) 3 - Install the "Win32 Emulator" 4 - Play away! I think you're misundertanding. Here's WINE. 1 - Download Linux 2 - Install it (somewhere) 3 - Install WINE 4 - Play away! See?

Sophy. I didn't forget. Just been very busy. Also trying to locate my backups (computer room is an A#1 jumbled mess). Seems I "lost" one and have to "convert" another to yours (please don't ask how). Meanwhile, I'm glad you found your Original Dell Vista disk. That will be a lifesaver if you *absolutely* need to go back. Doing that will (maybe/probably?) be similar to a Clean Install of Vista. Usually there's a crap-load of "Trial" stuff you'd have to uninstall. Still, get you backups first and foremost. AFAICT, what I posted as an Upgrade should work. The only real difference is I went Business (which is basically Pro) to Pro (a Refurb/OEM DVD). You're going Home to Home (Refurb/OEM DVD). I repeat, it's time consuming to back up your Data (pics, vids, documents, etc) and be *sure* you didn't forget something. Then to "clean install" (will mean wiping the HDD), restore it all, then go through the process of reinstalling all your Software, re-updating you Security Software, as well as re-updating all the other Software. That having been said, *have* you backed up? *OR* done a Clone Backup (you said you had software for that). If so, by all means, procede to do an Upgrade (reboots galore), thus leaving everything already in place intact. Just stick the DVD in, select Upgrade, let it do copy-over and when it wants Reboot DO NOTHING until it's all done, unless it asks for a response. *IF* you have the DVD as First Boot Device (in BIOS Setup) it WILL give a message to "Boot from DVD, preass any key"... DON'T TOUCH IT! EVER! You'll finally come to the last ReBoot where it asks for the Product Key. That last part is where I'm not sure if you DO enter it, whether you'll have 30days to Activate vs 3days (when skipping the key). My post concerning my Initial Test (though rather lacking in full details) should still be good, either way (SkipKey or EnterKey). At this point you may safely remove the DVD (no harm leaving it in up until). Apologies for the previous interjection, but that was nonsense/off-topic under the current circumstances (you HAVE the Win7 DVD and *want* to Upgrade). I also urge you to disregard all the "Clean Install" prodding due to above "Warning, Will Robinson, Warning, Warning! Data Loss Imminent! Time Warp Probable!" You *do* have time before you absolutely *need* to "do something", thus providing opportunity for me to perform Final Test with Detail Steps. Sophy's Choice. (See what I did there?). Details for an Upgrade are nearly unnecessary as it *almost* "just works" without any intervention. A word of caution. *Always* unplug your Network (wire/wired or just turn off/unplug your router/modem, whatever) or the silly thing will insist on going to the WWW before you're ready/finished. Will check in tomorrow (and will still do the Test to satisfy my Key vs Nokey Activation period) and see where you're at. PLEASE post whether you have followed Rule#1 (backups) as you haven't stated as much. (Yes, you said so above.) Edit (due to backing up several posts) - 1- Forget the Product Key - you have the Dell-Supplied Vista DVD. Everything is Self-Contained for Pre-Activation (your New DVD is not, hence Enter Key and Activate being required). 2- Dencorso has told you right about the Drivers. Don't worry about them. You should be good to get up-and-running (except you DID want the Network driver, minimum). 3- Forget Clean Install Link. You *will* have to use a special Command Prompt to prepare for it. Go for the Gusto. 4- EI.CFG - I simply wanted to CONFIRM that you Win7 DVD is indeed aht I believe it to be. Pop the DVD in, cancel (exit) the Autorun, go to Windows Explore, copy that file to your Documents folder, open it with Notepad, and Copy/Paste the contents here. 5- Your Screenshot was the wrong Command sequence. Do with the External (and any USB's disconnected) ... Diskpart ... Select Disk 0 ... List Partition -You will *probably* see only "Partition 1" listed *only*, if no others. If *any* more, let us know. ... Exit ... Exit 6- Your External HDD will undoubtedly function just fine. I have a WD-120gb USB that works just fine. 7- I can't say anything about youe Genie Backup, having never used it. Hope you did it right. (hope I covered everything *except* Final Test+Details) L8tr, g8tr...

Nope. No dupes in the WIN95 folder. None... HTH