submix8c

Wasn't sure where to post this as it's Software related and crosses OS boundaries. I had an ISO image of software on my FTP site and transferred it to a relative's brand new out-of-the-box Win7 Lenovo Desktop. Problem was, no blank CD's/DVD's were available. What to do? A quick google showed right away - wonder of wonders! A forum post that suggest this software. Went to to their website and unbelievably SlySoft is actually giving this away! Much like a "new and improved" Microsoft "Virtual CD". Download, install, right-click and Mount the ISO to the installed Virtual CD/DVD drive. After done, right-click the CD/DVD drive and Unmount. Done! It was a "lifesaver" (well, it didn't really save any lives) in my situation. For more information about the features and requirements go to the Download page and check it out! HTH someone else (it's why I posted it). Mods - if this needs moved (where?) please do so as appropriate. edit - Apparently this has been around awhile. I had been using Nero ImageDrive under 9x and up and MS' Virtual CD on 2k and up. This is free also and IMHO better.

1 - Win98 or Win98SE? 2 - Full, OEM, or Upgrade version? 3 - PC's are EXACTLY the same hardware? 4 - What is the problematic Network Hardware Make/Model/Type (whatever)? 5 - What "tweaks"? (What do you mean by this - Unofficial Updates, Reg Edits, what???) 6 - Deleted files/folders to make space? WHAT files/folders? (not System-type hopefully) 7 - What Protocols are installed in Networking (e.g. NetBEUI, TCP/IP)? 8 - Automatic Detect IP or manually set? 9 - Router? How is it set up? Or is it a Switch? Or is it Dial-Up Modem? 10 - Got a Firewall installed? AntiVirus? 11 - Try reinstall of the "failing" Browser? 12 - "Your network card is not correctly setup." <- The EXACT message? == re - "winipcnfg" failure indicates SOMETHING is missing or "broken" == re - "reinstall": Renaming WIN.COM to WIN.OLD is to allow (usually an OEM version) booting from CD to reinstall all "missing or corrupted" Windows components without loss of other software installed, and/or loss of Data, and/or prior Registry settings, and/or (etc). == re - #12 The correct Drivers installed? On and on and on. Again - you provide nothing but "generic" information. So... sorry, without some kind of specifics no-one will be able to assist in your recovery endeavor.

Hardware differences, Unofficial Updates, anything? There's obviously some difference that you've overlooked and are not reporting here. Again, insufficient information - "I have two with different setups but one has network failure" hardly qualifies. You've already stated "one is clean and works" so the OTHER must be "unclean", right? KernelEX, anything? Beuhler, Beuhler?It's broke, what's wrong? You used Diesel in it, instead of Unleaded maybe? (an analogy) Help us to help you... P.S. It's unnecessary to do a "clean install" since Win9x also has the (potentially) ability to do an "Over-the top Repair Install" (although it may not work) just like XP (that also may not work). Rename WIN.COM to WIN.OLD and INSTALL (the method used)! DISCLAIMER - again, may or may not work.

What's that supposed to mean? What's an "entirely different Win98 setup"? Your post provides insufficient details... The only thing you've provided is "wiring appears ok and XP works ok"...

Just butting in, but there's your problem. Some BIOS' just don't allow much in the way of "control" (especially the aforementioned). Had to yank/replace a Modem in my "new" box for that same reason (refused to play nice with the other IRQ's/Memory's). Some PnP BIOS' insist on conflicting with "add-ins" that are unrecognized (thus ignored) at Boot-up. The Modem in question worked fine after driver install, but as soon as I rebooted it CHANGED! (whoops!)Ennyhoo, glad to see you found the "workaround".

Google "Virtual Machine" for scads of info. Several come to mind - Virtual PC (Microsoft), Virtual Box (GNU), VMWare, and on-and-on. For VPC (MS' version), google "virtual pc guy" for lots of info. They're not that difficult, allow for a great "test bed" (including maint/repair). Whenever I need to "figure out" something, I fire up the associated OS' VM. Also keep an image of the VHD (Virtual Hard Drive, called by many names) of clean installs to speed things up in case I "whack" an OS. Good for "sandboxing" too (let that virus eat it - I don't care, my Host is safe). Bear in mind, that each has or lacks features (comparatively speaking).

1 - "Hide" the First HDD in BIOS (Disable it, i.e. set it from "Auto" to "None") and Save 2 - Boot to 98 CD or an EBD (or however) 3 - Delete any partitions on the Second HDD (only one "seen" now) 4 - Redefine and Format (or just follow the Bootable CD Sequence) 5 - Install 98 (NOTE - in Step#4 be sure to set the Partition Active) 6 - "Unhide" the first HDD - XP will see both and be the "Master Boot" 7 - Look for Grub4DOS on Google and use that to "add" 98 to the XP Boot Menu ("redirect to HDD2") Simplistic explanation, but it's basically what I did. You might get better info by looking in the Windows 9x Subforum. This has been done time and again so please do a "Search" (the little "gear" next to Search bar above) in that SubForum (Multiboot, Dual Boot, whatever...). When done "goofing around", just remove the Grub4DOS modification, and reformat the Partition on the HDD2. Back to sqaure one (with an extra HDD, natch). (no offense, you must be "new"...)

Don't know about that particular UFD, but if you looked here, scrolled and seen Windows 9x Member Projects, clicked on it, then you would have seen this Stickie, which admittedly gives another link that has Maximus-Decim NUSB listed. These may or may not work. Generally speaking, they allow hot-plugging USB devices in and "safely removing" them just like XP does (in addition to ability to access). I can say "they work for me!" I know, it's round-about to "get there from here", but you should really consider browsing around "in there" for useful items. I'm wondering if ANYONE has that exact UFD and tried it on a Win9x OS - you may be "unique". Point is, try "browsing" and "trying" something before asking a question that no-one may be able to answer (i.e. "I don't have that UFD, so I won't be able to answer"). Try the NUSB and see if it works. If so, there ya go (and I "found" it for you)! If not, post the question in that thread. BTW, just for fun, use the "Search" facility (above right and click on the "gear") and search Forums for NUSB. All sorts of things come up. DENCORSO!!!! You beat me to it!

Linking this topic to your other (maybe it will help), BTW, you still have a "helper" over there.

Soon (IOW, later) the newest Lady Antebellum CD. Amazing how great Country has gotten - kind of like the "new old Southern Rock". Time for brewskies and tunes! May even pick up the ole' bass and butcher a couple!

Read this and rethink your question.

No. -X- only provides Basic Fixes. Usually Extras (like IE7/8, WMP10/11,dotNet, etc.) are not included since his intent is to provide "just the basics for the OS". You have to do those separately with an add-on from elsewhere (just like Drivers) or "roll your own". Other than that, you're good to go!edit - I take that back! IE8 is there since it's considered as "critical update" by MS.

Stipulation - not a "Server" version (won't work). In addition, the problem is that the XP is Home Upgrade, not XP Pro. See particularly MS' KB292607. You're stuck with the available WinME (XP Home is more restrictive as it's the "consumer" version and Professional is the "business" version)...the links you provided seem to contradict what was said in the earlier link given by submix8c that Win NT 3.51, NT 4.0 or Win2000 full versions would be suitable, or that "any full version of a previous Windows is acceptable" for the upgrade.I thought that was explained (see above). Dencorso made the same assumption that the Link I gave said and that's not true for Home Version but only for Pro Version. The link (see above) is directly from the horses mouth! See #2? LiveXP Bootable CD!!!! Along with the USB-stick. How are you going to install without a "qualifying previous operating system"? You have an UPGRADE CD, not a FULL CD! Back to Square One!!! Potentially, if you slaved the old one and pointed to the (hopefully existing) folder then it might work!You want to reinstall XP or not? Trust me/us (and Microsoft) or don't. The LiveXP is a "project" that will need to be BUILT to "gain access" to the HDD. Only other option is a LiveLinux (same-o same-o). Either one will BOOT to CD and NOT the HDD (kind of like a Super-Duper-Duper High-Powered Can Access USB-stick and DOS Can't Floppy). edit - and think about this... 37 posts???? (read back through this, your thread)

Minor correction - when booting from Floppy, you'll be at an "A:\" prompt so after the CD command given, also just key in "C:" to get "fully changed" (the prompt will then read as given). WinME should react the same as Win9x for the procedure. Be aware of one thing - if all PWL files are "gone" (no longer in the Windows folder) and you're using "Client for Microsoft Networks" for "Primary Logon" (in Control Panel->Network), then you'll have an "empty" Logon that I believe you can just "cancel" to be the "Administrator" (strange terminology for a 9x system). There's usually a DEFAULT.PWL (also similar to Administrator) <-FYI only.

Stipulation - not a "Server" version (won't work). In addition, the problem is that the XP is Home Upgrade, not XP Pro. See this, this, and particularly MS' KB292607. You're stuck with the available WinME (XP Home is more restrictive as it's the "consumer" version and Professional is the "business" version).Still, better to "hope" that "Install" folder is there and save it off. Usually the COA for the Original WinME PreInstall is "glued" onto the Tower. FYI, just to allow you to "keep" your Original (with the Folder contents) for "backup insurance". If you think you might want to "keep" the WinMe and the stcker with Key (COA) is missing, there should (hopefully) be a Backup CAB file that it can be extracted from. Both the "INSTALL" Folder and the Backup File (a special Registry backup) should be there unless manually deleted. Upgrades to XP don't (AFAIK) "delete' that stuff. Also, you don't need the WinME key for installing XP as it's usually assumed that you have "given up the EULA rights" to it (it's being OEM and all) when you Upgrade anyway. (Not that MS cares anyway, since support for WinME is long-gone.) Just thought you might want to have it for "hysterical" purposes. (Geez, I'm just full of bad tidings, ain't I...) We'll get there - all you need is one USB stick, USB ports on both PC's, XP CD, Internet for the LiveXP Setup Download, and a burner.

Sadly, I just refurbished a POS PCChips (circa 2007) that does not USB-boot (not in BIOS, only "Other"), so that all depends on the Manufacturer. I've yet to try PLOP so I can't vouch for it and also note that it's still in development but apparently works fine.(note - the "stick" I used w/LiveXP worked on Acer NetBook but not this, even "plugged in" before turned on w/"other".)

OK, here's your alternatives. #1 - "Borrow" someone's pre-XP CD (if anyone has one) and follow these instructions (step#9 tells which pre-XP qualifies). #2 - Create a LiveXP from the CD you already have and (hopefully) find a folder named "Windows\Install" on the C-drive (that's the original Windows ME install folder) then follow the procedure in the link. #2 (How-To continued...) You'll have to have a Workgroup Network Hub -or- a Router -or- a USB-stick (e.g. Flash Drive, even an old MP3 player may work) to do this. a - Easiest is to have a USB Flash Drive. There are utilities to Partition and Format them to FAT-32 (look in the "How to Install from USB" to find them). After USB-prep just boot to the LiveXP and copy the WinME Install folder (all of it) to the USB, take the USB to another PC with a Burner, plug it into it, copy that Folder to that PC, rename it to WIN9x, burn a CD with that Folder as the contents (NOT what's in the folder) and use that as "Proof" b - Harder is to re-Create the LiveXP providing the correct Network Card drivers so you can boot to it again, define a User-ID with Password, start Folder Sharing, go to the other PC, connect to the failing PC through the Network Neighborhood, then copy the above-mentioned Folder to it, and burn as instructed. To do either "a" -or- "b" the second PC will have to have a burner. To do "b-instead" you'll need connectivity between the Bad PC and the Good PC (as specified), in addition to identifying the Network Card in the Bad PC (to provide the Driver for the LiveXP). ===== Final note (for this post) - As you can now see, it takes a "Semi-Techie" to do PC Repair (bit off too much, didn't you). Bottom line - you must have the hardware in the combination specified to do the above. Confirm you have this and we'll proceed from there. Addendum - The USB-stick need not be a large one (a 1-gig is fine). MP3 players are (generally speaking) just "USB sticks inside a Player" and use a special "mode-switch" to force them to be used as such. MP3-Player WARNING! the songs may be wiped, but not necessarily if there's room for the folder on it after Mode Switch. An example of one is a SanDisk my wife bought that I switched modes and transfer/copy her songs directly (no format required).

(sigh!) Did you slipstream SP3 into your CD as recommended? Probably not...Plan on losing everything on the HDD from here on in (All software, etc. Hope you have the original CD's and Keys). 1 - Boot to CD and enter Recovery Console (if possible - it's listed at boot) 2 - Enter this at the Command Prompt - "chkdsk c: /r" (without the quotes) and press ENTER --- If there's nothing wrong with the HDD you're good for next step --- If there are Sector Errors, you may have a Physical HDD problem (BAD!!!) 3 - Reboot to the CD and select the Install 4 - When come to the screen where it FINDS the preexisting Windows DELETE the Partition --- At this point, everything is GONE! 5 - Reboot to the CD and install as if you JUST PUT A NEW HDD in (Clean Install) --- IOW, "follow the yellow brick road" Note: Be aware that undoubtedly some (if not all) non-critical Drivers will be missing. This is a different issue and relatively easy to resolve (later!). WARNING! This had BETTER be a Full XP Home CD so BEFORE doing the above... a - Post the contents of the CD's SETUPP.INI (found in the I386 folder of the CD) --- Opens with Notepad so Copy what's inside Notepad to your next post b - Provide the Date of any File or Folder that's on the CD. They should all be the exact same Date/Time --- If they're not you have a bogus CD (you said it was Hologrammed but that may mean nothing) == "a" is to confirm whether Retail (or not) Upgrade-Only or Full == (if Upgrade-Only, you have another problem!) == "b" is to determine what level Service Pack == (also determined by filename SPn.CAT in the I386 folder, where "n" is 1, 2, or 3 IF IT EXISTS!)

(we're all getting squirrely helping new folks lately, ain't we? )

And the point is really the part you left out (ref first quote - HIS software!)...The correct, failsafe and legal way has been given. Opinions have nothing to do with it. This is not a "Poll" topic.

?Where is Step#2, dude? The package has to be decompressed (missing Step#2).Make it easy for you - 1 - Download 7-zip (google it - it's free) Installer Package for Windows and Install it 2 - NOW do Step#2 by right-clicking the Step#1 Downloaded ZIP file (DO NOT OPEN IT) and select "Extract Here" --- A folder will be created with the same name as the ZIP file - open THAT --- Proceed with Step#3 and #4 You're making a common "newbie" mistake of assuming that clicking on a ZIP file and "seeing contents" means that they're UN-compressed and "usable". Not True! A "zip" file is Compressed and must be De-Compressed. Could have been done using built-in XP functions but, hey, that would have meant explaining something else.

Google this: "windows millennium" password Also see this.

@#$%^!!! Same Engine, different Definitions (apparently)! Update didn't show last week (dated 18th) but NOW shows up... So I go ahead and download/install and the MSE2.0 definitions show updated as well??? (and I had manually set it to only update once a week). This MS AV/AntiMalware is a BEAR to "control"!!! Testing Unattended with this junk is getting out of hand! Better off just blocking all of it (somehow) and installing "something else"...

I believe (google'd) DelDrivers is just a "signal" in an INF for removing Driver Files Listed. Integrating ALL Drivers should be fine unless REMOVING (DUH!) then ADDING BACK (don't know what the effect would be...). "Tweaks.reg" called twice sounds like maybe this isn't a clean nLite run? "SW_VER" is (usually) a superfluous folder (look at the contents - example is .CVA files that are text) that simply goes hand-in-hand with the OEM CD#1 (the Restore To Factory CD). I have a couple of sets, specifically for HP/CPQ tucked away in case relatives "blow up" their PC, right off the Recovery Partition or supplied separately ( I don't trust them anymore ) - the CD you refer to is CD#2. "CleanBiosInfo" (won't swear to this) appears to be to a signal to "strip" OEM Branding files (would have to test this) and are SOMETIMES within that "extra folder" (maybe even a pre-existing $OEM$ folder?). As -X- said about certain "direct integrations" - ABSOLUTELY true (MUST use "Add-On" or "roll-your-own")!