submix8c

soporific : Actually, I have always wondered why you utilized "START" as opposed to "CALL", as this is the exact reason for "skipping" from one DOS screen to the next. The bad news is you would probably have to revamp a huge amount of code, i.e. restructuring as follows (an simplified example only) : - Initialize first-time/default variables - Overlay with Saved variables/selections - Display selections screen - Read-in selections - Test selections (against Force?) and Set Selections / Reinitalize Screen - Install Selected (ONLY!) - All done (throw up the report) Sorry if this seems simplified but (this is NOT a slam!) more than likely you have modded the original AP from the "first draft" that was never envisioned to go this far! If you had originally had the time you would more than likely followed "old school" methodology of "How do I structure this" (Structured Programming 101, flowcharts and all) and wrote AP accordingly. This has always been the bane of a good programmer's existence; a user says "Quick! I need something to do such-and-such", you whip it together post-haste, then other peeps see it and go "Wow! Do this, too!" and you do. Finally you wind up with "Oh, man this is cludgy! Should I completely rewrite it so it makes more sense?". Don't feel like you're the only one. I've wound up completely revamping several entire (mainframe) subsystems just so it worked more efficiently AND was easier to maintain/enhance. I had found many instances of "clone" code that I had to rip out and place into common "called" subroutines, even changed the programming language. I even coded in my sleep! Take heart, bud; there IS light at the end of the tunnel (not the train)! Once you have THIS version bug-free, THEN breathe easy, take a step back, rethink, and (maybe) rewrite "silently" (v2.0 that is easier to patch-up/enhance?). It may be worth your while to check into "CALL" vs "START" and using more modularization of those pariticular modules (the Process Selections ones).

plonkeroo : Agreed that this could be the problem. Go here http://www.mdgx.com/newtip3.htm and read on How To Compact... There is also a link to a "fixed" REGEDIT.EXE. Bear in mind that this may not cure the problem. There is also an MS article on the subject. Also note that you might not be safe in using REGEDIT while in Internet Explorer/Windows Explorer, since the registry is being "tapered with" by this. Lastly, is you AV software checking to see if YOU are tampering with it? (hope MDGx appreciates my "plugs" to his Tips 'n Tricks... been using them for years)

plonkeroo : Oh-Tay! I think I understand! You are either "Restarting in MS-DOS Mode" (most probable) or you are (at an F8 at startup) starting the "Previous version of MS-DOS" (not likely). from another website: two links provided in above quote:http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/ar...RCH&SPR=W98 http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/ar...s/Q138/9/96.ASP The above is in reference to "Restarting in MS-DOS". You must not have exactly set up what you need. If you installed Win98SE via - FDISK - FORMAT - COPY WIN98 folder to somewhere on the HDD - Run SETUP from the HDD Then you will erroneously have the option to "Previous Version" set in MSDOS.SYS. Theoretically, you should be starting normally... unless you did - FORMAT /S in which case you will get hosed and will will have to have a RESETDOS.BAT file like I have (for when I install MS-DOS then Win9x on top). Info also from MS and other sources: REM RELEASE DOS FOR RENAME REM ATTRIB C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\CONFIG.SYS -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\IO.SYS -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\MSDOS.SYS -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\COMMAND.COM -R -A -S -H REM REM RELEASE WINDOWS FOR RENAME REM ATTRIB C:\AUTOEXEC.W40 -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\CONFIG.W40 -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\WINBOOT.SYS -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\MSDOS.W40 -R -A -S -H ATTRIB C:\COMMAND.W40 -R -A -S -H REM REM RENAME DOS BACK REM REN C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.DOS REN C:\CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.DOS REN C:\IO.SYS IO.DOS REN C:\MSDOS.SYS MSDOS.DOS REN C:\COMMAND.COM COMMAND.DOS REM REM RENAME WINDOWS BACK REM REN C:\AUTOEXEC.W40 AUTOEXEC.BAT REN C:\CONFIG.W40 CONFIG.SYS REN C:\WINBOOT.SYS IO.SYS REN C:\MSDOS.W40 MSDOS.SYS REN C:\COMMAND.W40 COMMAND.COM ECHO --------- ECHO REBOOT YOUR COMPUTER ECHO --------- Since I am not really sure of your sequence of events or other (if any) modifications (per the first scenario), then this is the best I can help. Read the above articles carefully then look into what you have set up. Chances are that you are unintentionally "wiping" your AUTOEXEC.BAT due to incomplete/erroneous setup for what you want to do (play an MS-DOS based game perhaps?). Hope this helps you sort it out... bet it will! Cheers, mate! edit: almost forgot... depending on which WinME "tweaks", you may have caused the above to happen as well (I insist!). Also, noting that you have an AUTOEXEC.DOS, this implies scenario #2 may come into play. Do a Google search on it; MS website will tell you more... I also believe MDGx has this kind of stuff posted on his website. Final note - "Exit to DOS.pif" mods may get you in conjunction with other mods; haven't tried it, but changing the Properties of this to "Close on Exit" checked MIGHT not allow a correct restart (you must "EXIT" from that mode manually), thereby creating an empty AUTOEXEC.BAT. edit2: According to MDGx, in Win98/ME the above RESETDOS.BAT (which is for Win95) would have to have the following mod: change occurrences of "WINBOOT.SYS" to "JO.SYS". edit3: I'll be dippered!!! Just tested DOS/Win311 dual-boot with Win98SE... when you use "Previous Version", the file names do in fact change, BUT when you reboot and choose "Normal".... Voila! Back to normal. Ergo, use ResetDos.bat for Win95 only! edit4: Here's something that may or may not have to do with it as well: "MS-DOS Does Not Properly Process Hard Disk Hardware Errors" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/311561 I have it installed... worth a shot? (p.s. have you installed AutoPatcher? If so, you should already have this)

plonkeroo : Are you by chance using any "tweaks" from WinME on your Win98SE? WinME does not like anything in AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS... those setting are stored in the Registry under WinME and the two aforementioned files are "wiped" on startup...

Hello, y'all : "An Introduction to DOS FAT Volumes and File Structure": http://www.seas.ucla.edu/classes/mkampe/cs...5/docs/dos.html Simply put, a Directory/File is a "chained string of clusters" pointed to by the Parent Directory. Once allocated, they are unavailable until deleted. Once deleted, they are unavailable until another program completelely frees them (e.g. by a defragger, which resets the bits). The defragger "shuffles" the used (i.e. not-deleted) clusters toward the front of the partition, overlaying "flagged as deleted", then resets all of clusters at the end of the partition (only those that were "shuffled" to the front) to "free". The MS methodology for storing data on FAT is not very good. Take it from a Mainframe programmer. And the code for defragging using older MS DEFRAG as opposed to the WinME DEFRAG was also not so good. MS simply "revamped" the older DEFRAG for WinME, so it would be more efficient. And it is! Could a better methodology been used? Yes! Could the code have been written better in the first place? Yes! MS has timetables to push out their operating systems, so programmers never really have time to do a better job of coding. This has also been my experience: "If a newer product is being developed, then why bother to make the older product better? Just patch it and save the manpower!" Get a third-party defragger? If you want to pay to get even more efficient code, then yes by all means! Or... convince MS to come up with a very good storage methodology that would completely eliminate the need for defraggers!!! And do it in Assembler (THE most efficient since it is Machine Language)!!!

HAH! as of the above posting you are now officially a Pentium (586 posts as I currently view it, making you an i586!) Now THAT'S funny!!!!

plonkeroo : Extreme stab-in-the-dark: http://www.mdgx.com/newtip1.htm Look for "Hard Drive Thrashing". I don't really know if this is relevant, but "ShellIconCache" may (???) be a culprit... Also look for "More Font Speed"...

ohmss006 : Re-read Eck's post above, since I whole-heartedly agree with his recommendations. Start with the AutoPatch thread (no, you do not need to use Windows Update; read thread and you will see why). Then (based upon your shiny new computer specs - WOOHOO!) go from there to other threads as Eck suggests. You have the potential need for additional advice and specific drivers not included in AutoPatch. You will get pointers to the correct threads from there. I also recommend that future postings related to your requirements/questions be done in the associated threads instead of here. You will get faster and more specific responses. Therefore, no need for subsequent responses/comments in this thread. Peace!

A friend of mine sent a "Consider these 3 thoughts" joke. Being curious as to the actual source, I also found this which was more relevant to MSFN and, at least to me, funnier! http://www.fastenerspecialties.com/Jokes/a...lo_computer.htm

Sounds like you are getting the idea. Good... "name.cfg" might be the only file needed for implementation on all PC's. Am not familiar with Kerio (I use another), so unsure. "Dummy" UserId's are just for the purpose of testing any given real UserId for any given Group. Example Groups: Admin's have full priveledges, Teachers (Supervisors) can can do less, and Students even less! Add a "dummy" user to a given Group (DummyX), set up priviledges for that Group and test by logging on for that DummyX/Group combination and see if that setup fulfills the requirements for that Group. Once confirmed, Remove DummyX from the group, add real UserId's that should go in that group. Now do the same for the next Group. Example breakdown: [font="Courier New"]Group Admin: UserId: You Backup (whoever is an admin; Principal?) Group Teach: UserId: Math-Teach History-Teach Group Studn: UserID: (all the students Users)[/font] If you can manage the above breakdown and it is stored in the single "cfg" file, you may be "good to go". Just copy/import that single file by whatever method you choose to all the PC's after install of F/W. Remember to keep a Master Copy that can/should be modified at a single PC for whenever modifications are necessary (e.g. add/remove user, change Priviledge level, etc.). The HOST file can be done the same way, but it will be effective for all users, regardless of group. I probably won't be of much help after the above if you have the basic idea. Perhaps someone more familiar with Kerio can help further (e.g. does it allow for that type of breakdown?; how does it detect attempted accesses to restricted material and how can it be set up to restrict it?). Perhaps you only need two groups, Admin and Not-Admin (teachers are restricted the same way, but they cannot investigate subjects of violence/racism/etc. for their duties as teachers). As for your potential choice of Kerio and what Free Firewall will allow such a setup, I cannot say since I use a Commercial Corporate firewall and the Commercial Firewall I had installed on a friend's PC had the basic setup "built in" (selected by subject matter and not by modifiable keywords). Try browsing the Forum for topics that give that information. One such place you might try posting your requirements is the "Which Firewall" thread. Those folks seem very knowledgeable and may be able to suggest a more suitable choice, or even better assistance. I'm tapped out as for any other suggestins; sorry... Happy Firewalling!

Hey, you two : Will try to clarify (soporific's busy with preparing newest release of AutoPatcher)... The Autopatcher file you downloaded can probably be "installed" (just double-clisk on the file) on your XP machine. Do not do anything but install (i.e. run it after install). It will not work anyway since it checks to verify that you are running Win98SE. You need files from certain folders for the UBCD you are going to build. Unzip the UBCD file to any folder name you like, preferably something that will identify it (e.g. C:\WIN98UBCD). If unzipping to your "My Documents" folder, just make sure you make a NEW folder underneath it. This new folder is your "work area". Copy the complete contents of your original Win98SE's WIN98 folder. Simply place the CD in your drive, exit out of the screen (if you have AutoPlay on). Go to Windows Explorer, navigate to the CD drive and in the left pane click on the WIN98 folder, and in the right pane select all files (Ctrl+A). Next, copy all selected files (Ctrl+C). Now navigate to the folder you created above and click on the WIN98 (left pane) folder. Now paste (Ctrl+V). The contents of the CD's WIN98 folder will be copied into the WIN98 folder of the "work area". You may now remove the CD from the drive. Now copy the listed files, one by one, per the instructions given for the UBCD to the appropriate folders using the same method described. The list is given in the "work area folder" file named AutoPatch.txt. (note: in the top of your Explorer window, the commands Copy/Past, etc given are single-click under "Edit"). The MSBATCH.INF file's main intent is to install Optional Components (those you find when you Add/Remove Windows Components in the Control Panel) and to provide the UserName/Organization/ProductKey, but it is a part of the "unattended" philosophy. Navigate to the "work area folder" folder-name "reskit" and read the Readme.txt. I think it may be possible to run the program "Batch98.exe" found in "reskit/batch" folder on an XP machine. It will generate an MSBATCH.INF file for you. After generated, simply copy it into the WIN98 folder ("work area") where all your Win98SE install/cab files were previously copied to. NOTE: the above not absolutely necessary; it simply allows you to use your own "customized" version. Looking through the UBCD files, I find that it will generate one for you. Read the Instructions.txt in the "work area" folder. Finally, burn the contents of the "work area" folder (not the folder itself) to a CD using the instructions given in Instructions.txt. Done! You now have an unattended bootable Win98SE bootable CD with all patches applied (plus some goodies). I recommend that during install, if you choose to NOT generate your own MSBATCH.INF that you choose "custom install" so you can set your own locale (language), time zone, etc. If everything works out ok, then you can copy the UBCD-generated one (it will be placed on your hard drive, I think?) to the original "work area\WIN98" folder as described above and re-burn so you will not have to use the "sustom" option again. (warning! be sure of the input you give to unattend.bat, the key, locale, etc. must be correct or your burned cd will not be any good; not to worry; if you boo-boo during input, just finish it up and rerun it before you burn the CD). Hope this helps. I haven't tried it yet myself, but this appears to be the process as I can glean from the contents of the UBCD zip file and the original thread found here: http://www.msfn.org/board/Unattended_Boot_...8.html&st=0 We are all being "guinea pigs" on this one. It is a work-in-progress, but reading the thread it appears to be fine... soporific : Edited this post to "after-post" "your-next-post"... I did, as you can see, attempt to point said members back to where they should be.Just trying to help at-the-time to clarify and redirect so this thread might cease as a necessity. Apologies for confusion... am not trying to step on any toes... p.s. hope this post was more-or-less step-by-step accurate... To the two new members. Stay within the original thread... Case closed...

probably the same here...The suggestion for tracking files (on a separate test computer): --Start from re-install Windows after reformat HDD --Install chosen firewall --Set up groups (Admin, Teacher, Student, however firewall works) --Assign "dummy" user for each (Dummy1 for Admin, Dummy2 for Teacher, etc.) --Add rules for each group and test to confirm does what you want --Add ALL users to each appropriate group --Install firewall on ALL computers --Copy any files NOT Windows (the firewall and its "rules", e.g. any changed files) to ALL computers Last two steps would have to be however you can (or want to) "roll out" the setup. The reason for this is to ensure any user can get on any machine and it will be the same. When I worked for the Air Force, they tried to have all PC's the same so they could "push" changes to all PC's from the main server. Anyone needed special changes on their PC had to make a special request. Anyone else got a better way of doing this? Chime in anytime... p.s. also a file on Win2K/XP called HOSTS in WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC that you can put "bad site" addresses that will cause the system to NOT allow outgoing internet access to those sites. "Spybot - Search & Destroy" will put many/most of those there for you. It is free also.

Sheesh! Guess that proves it... we are NOT of Martian descent!!!

Ouch!!! Not sure if you can just "silently deploy" in such an environment. You will probably have to pick the best firewall to suit your needs, dig into the documentation, then install. Note the dates of files, etc., that are "defaults" for the date/time of intall, set up the firewall per your requirements (all users and/or usergroups), check dates/times again noting those that are "newer", and maybe "clone" those files to all other machines (after install, of course). This is the closest I can come to a potential "silent install" (various methods being utilized). What you describe could be considered "parental controls", which should allow settings based upon the level of "who is allowed to get what" (consider this when selecting your firewall). Each listed user whould have to be placed into the associated group and "generically" assign accesses for each group, including whether they can change the settings (I assume only the Administrator should be allowed). I have set up just such a scenario on a friend's single computer, but know of no easy way (other than described) to deploy to multiple PC's. Hope you are getting paid enough... Network Security can be a bear! If you are doing this as a "favor" or you are being "volunteered" for this task, bite the bullet and dig in! Logically lay out what you "need" and "need to do on paper", then try it until you get the result you want (may require complete install of a "clean machine"; get them to allocate one to you).

? confused ? Netsetup.exe is only 320kb, not 60mb... Go here: http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/ar...05.asp&guid and read. It's really straight-forward... Should work!

Use the Windows Networking Tool in XP. I believe the problem has something to do with the software incompatibilities for networking Win98 w/XP. See this topic: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?act=ST...=91&t=80800 I would recommend downloading this "upgrade pack" (if you are speaking of Win98SE) and install it if you plan on keeping the old computer and installation. You might be able to use only the Networking tool alone. Potentially, other items may need to be installed in addition. The actual file needed to install comes from the XP cd under the SUPPORT/TOOLS folder and is named NETSETUP.EXE if you don't want to download the AutoPatcher from the above link. Hope this helps and solves the problem.

rle-grand : If I understand you correctly, you want to secure the individual PC's in your local intranet network from the WWW. In my case, I have a firewall on my primary computer (the "head"). In it I have two NICs, one connected to the WWW, one connected to my intranet (other PC's). I share the WWW NIC using Internet Connection Sharing (it "hooks" to the local NIC). I found that the "head" computer firewalls the others in the same way that it is firewalled. You would naturally have to manually assign IP addresses to the intranet NIC and all PC's connecting to it (via a hub/hubs) using a common IP submask. The primary "head" PC's firewall would have to allow accesses for that group of manually assigned intranet IP's. Another way would be to use a physical router (hardware) with firewall built in. Anything connected behind it will be firewalled. Of course the firewall setup would have to be done in a similar fashion to a software firewall. I would assume that the "head PC" is some sort of server operating system From there you would control other PC's accesses via local policies and individual users/groups (intranet). Therefore, no need for a firewall on every single PC, just the "head PC" hooked directly to the WWW. The above is a rather loose description. There are a number of things that would need to be done/set-up depending on your needs/requirements, as you are aware. Anyone else, please correct me if I'm wrong. My statements are based upon my own learning experience and could be globally inaccurate.

Ok, ok! Still an irritant, but I'll bide my piece... Rescinded.... Please remove entirely from board (save the space). B) No longer a "problem". Had requested (via PM) that Martin L close and lock this thread with a rather lengthy explanation of my confusion and the rationale behind the request after he politely refused to remove the post. I believe I have already unwittingly p###ed off enough people...Have edited this post to prevent post count incrementation....

Not to be some kind of butthead, butt... I know it can be done and a few of you do this, however... It just irks the pee-wah-diddly out of me to view posts and see: -Your IP is... -Your ISP is... -Your OpSys is... -Your Browser is... If I knew a good way to block that, I would just to infuriate anyone "peeking". Firewalls obviously don't stop it and I have no service (that I know of) allowing it. So, having said that, either: - someone tell me how to block it OR - KNOCK IT OFF!!!!! I resent it as much as I resent anyone looking in my windows, even if I DO leave the curtains open!

Hello, all! Been a member for a while. Didn't start posting until recently (last 6 months?). From circa 1979 through 1998 I was a Mainframe Programmer. You know, IBM 360/370/4300, Amdahl, the "roomfull of big stuff" computers. At various times, I had installed and maintained the OpSys and the compilers and "COTS" packages (IBM's and others). I spoke Assembler, Cobol, PL/I, FORTRAN, Basic, and RPG (all versions thru '98, just to mention a few) fluently, favorite being Assembler (the Operating System language). I have written and maintained many (should I yell that?) software products, either alone or as a small team. Also worked alongside Configuration Management, since I was a part of the team that wrote the Migration Software Package (can you spell BMF?). I just loved to "get into the guts" of the bits-n-bytes! I had also been rather good at database conversions (DA, DL/I, IMS, VSAM, DataCom, etc.), since I was goud at "bios-level" I/O. You might say I was the all-around "Go ask him, he knows" guy; a man of "all hats". Heck, even found a terrible error and provided the solution to one of Computer Associates' DL/I components (although they won't admit it). But alas, all good things come to an end, especially when you're dumb enough not to re-train for the "new ways" (MocoSoft, Mid-Tier, Client-Server, etc.). So, the Air Force dropped my contract, never to be contacted again. Nope, no jobs for Mainframers, so back to AutoBody Repair I go! Tough one, at my age; good thing I can still do well at it! And.... here I am fiddling around (ah, Rome!) with you guys! Hope I can contribute something useful. I sure blow away lots of time on this I-built-it-from-spare-parts thingy! And I've already learned a few new tricks from some of y'all (goody!) 'Nuff said! p.s. already beating "AutoPatch for 98SE" up; probably driving soporific nuts!!!!! edit: picky about spelling, not the grammar, so me-fixum... edit#2: forgot to mention... was in USN as a "nuke-subby"; wasn't real thrilled with the possibility of pushing the buttons to blow up cities ("ICBM button-pusher").

Eck : Googleye-search yielded interesting reading: http://www.helpwithwindows.com/windows98/vmm32.html Explains where "vmm32.vxd" really comes from. Also gives potential "fix". Apparently, it is "built" based upon REG entries and WININIT.INI entries. Somehow the Via Hyperion driver install must have kaboomed some entries that caused a bad "new vmm32.vxd" to be "built", hence corrupting your HDD upon reboot. I believe you must also get the Via drivers appropriate for your particular chipset/platform (including those necessary for AGP, etc.). Go here for driver selections (read the contents of selections carefully): http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=2 Select Win98SE, select ChipSet, then read. It claims that the latest will probably work, but I have used the "older" version on a couple of older Via boards (eg Tyan Trinity 100AT w/MVP3 chipset) and it worked wonderfully. I also installed onto a Compaq Presario 7900 (Socket-A Athlon) from v4.43 and it worked. All depends on whether Video/Sound/etc. are built into the MoBo. Try it next; this will probably depend on the "manufacture date". There is also a "useful information" and "older drivers" selection(s) you can go to. Here is also the installation guide (important read this!): http://downloads.viaarena.com/drivers/4in1...onGuide2005.htm Maybe you already did the above (you did not specify the source/version of drivers installed or the particular model of Pavilion)??? Also found that some older HP's had a booger in them that was "fixed" by: - changing the boot order to HDD first - removing install CD after first reboot Both of the above sound rather weak, though. edit : also noted this on MSFN: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showto...6349&st=620 Read down it to Halloween (Oct 31 2006 / VIA 6203 on board ethernet?)... it appears that you had been bitten before! Hope this helps...

JEEZ, I'm OS/2 Warp as well... I must be brokeded!

soporific : I'll try to keep this short (for once... kinda...). -- 4DOS: Yep, a "handful" more "fixes" (it's simply due to the method you used). I already have a handle (kinda) on them. If you have already "fixed" those "basic" things I mentioned, I will take it from here (v1.96?). As I had said, I was nearly there when AP started mushrooming+repairs. Besides, I like the "structured programming" functionality. -- "delete WU": just being a facetious smart-axx -- Unicows: went nuts for a while until I discovered that since I use MS Virtual PC and the VPC Add-ons, it was installed and being used. Was simply going to "uninstall" then apply Unicows (which is "one-version-newer"), then re-install. Got your fix; haven't tried it yet, plan on repeating Lite/Full testing sequence again with ALL selected to install. Got the ADDREMOV fix, even though "outdated"(?). Remembering to rename DX9SETUP to DXSETUP (why not make install setup just like Full version; no mods to DX9 .BAT module?). -- Optional vs Necessary: Soon, VERY soon; will probably do a final AP (using Full), de-selecting what I consider to be "optional" and will just ship the results. This for Loading the first "give-away" PC. -- Have downloaded latest UBCD; would like to try it, installing only "necessary", and provide it, a free firewall, a free anti-virus, and AP (on same CD) to the recipients of said PC's. I'd rather not be bothered by them to "fix" their own silly crashes (me no support free PC). Will continue this subject on that thread. I thought I had already lost it when I turned 55, and me having another b-day just this month! How ironic!!! (like my new Custom Title?)Gimmee v1.96 so's I can play with 4DOS and "run from the CD"!!! I'm gamey; since the Shop has left me with little to do except stay home and wait for parts/paint, may as well "play" on the 'puter! I am anticipating that it will be pretty stable. WHEN I am successful I'll just send you what I modded. Who knows, this project and UBCD may even merge (kinda what you intended?)! edit for LL028: O crud, I just realized if 2nd PC has an older CD-ROM, it may not read CD-RW's. U need a solution if that is the case; will check your original post thread occasionally to see where you're at, 'k? (p.s. don't bother ripping the other cards out; they are supported by Win98se)

LL08 / briton : JEEZ, briton, ya beat me to it! The lady just has a few communication/comprehension issues beyond that.. Well, looks like she has all da-help she needs! (also ref. her thread/topic to see where the confusion lay; see above) And I just wanna know... how do I get rid of that insulting "Newbie" thingy below my avatar? "fruityloops" don't gots it!

LL028 : edit: This has been edited for content (now irrelevant)... Not so sure it can be done with an "empty" HDD so it "looks" like a CD-ROM... (remainder truncated) OR (simpler).... just get some CD-RW's; they can be re-formatted and re-written up to (theoretically) 99 times! If you have a CD-burner, it had BETTER be able to burn RW's, or else it must be an ancient prototype!! No such thing as AP-v1.6; you must mean v1.96 (not ready yet). AP-v1.95 PR2 is good enough for your intent... use it's contents with confidence. (p.s. you must install it just be able to copy the required UBCD files PER UBCD INSTRUCTIONS.) The "Lite" version will probably be sufficient... (p.s.-p.s. Maybe start a new "help me, I'm new at this" thread...) OOPS, my bad, you already have a thread: How do I... Stay in that thread from now on; Any takers? the lady needs help... could take a while... Go BACK to here (UBCD main page) and re-read the instructions. You do NOT need a second CD-rom in primary computer; follow "un-zipped" instructions, then my above suggestions/comments