submix8c

(garf!) Guess I could try beating on the RAM in this beast - http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/163854-hp-g43-mobo-nops2usb-kbdmouse-nodetect/ Been busy "sucking" (apropos) the User Files off and looking at the first 2048 sectors (weird "shouldn't be there" stuff in there). Not attempting a Hijack. Should have yanked and cleaned RAM too (MemTest said good).

Won't work any other way. Users is "old" Documents And Settings (a "junction point", not a "placeholder", but the "new way" pointer). (That's Two of the Three.) ProgramData - http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/can-not-find-the-program-data-folder/bb22413e-7977-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5 (That's Three of Three) XP - Different (old) beast entirely. Now, if you start looking around in the "Users" folder you get to be more confused (more junctions). I can open ALL of the "Users" sub-folders EXCEPT the "Default User" one. If I open "All Users" you'll notice some "looks like links" but they are not. These are also Junctions into the "ProgramData" Folder (see above link) - look at the structure of the two. How you "did it" is all you'll be able to get. They will not "mix" and some of those "folders" are nothing more than Junctions and (almost) occupy no space. HTH (cumbersome, yes - required to "work that way", also yes)

Possible solutions found via Google "windows 7" "wireless" password not savinghttp://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-networking/windows-7-will-not-remember-wireless-network-key/63d2ce51-371a-48e4-b1ae-c349e4f51fde This one is "radical" - http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2297885 http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/270719-windows-7-does-not-remember-my-wireless-network-choice-password.html http://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-7-automactic-connect-wireless-wont-save-finally-solved.55620/ "There can be only One!"

jaclaz hmmm, well. i was in contact of 1 star kid. he said there are darkies. who knows what darkies are, does anyone know what they are or who? they are not giving up without a fight. HAH! Second link... The implication is a "darkie" is a person "filled" with "dark energy". (Note - just to point out it's not a "race" thing.) FYI - this Topic touches dangerously upon a "religious" discussion of which I could blast everything about ut and/or agree with many items in relation to it. My daddy was a Preacher Man and we discussed the "wonders of the Universe and Science" quite extensively in relation to Religion. This smacks of Psuedo-Scientology.

(wake me after i dump this failed pc sitting next to me...)

Help us to help you. Mount the ISO and tell us what the ROOT directory has in it. Mine - and yours should be (basically) the same- Folders- -DOCS -DOTNETFX -I386 -SUPPORT -VALUEADD Files- -AUTORUN.INF -README.HTM -SETUP.EXE -SETUPXP.HTM -WIN51 -WIN51IC -WIN51IC.SP3

Review -X- (xdot) link above. Note the "Required For Windows Update". Also note you *may* need the IE8 Updates as well, since it has flaws. See Change Log at bottom for notations and/or look for anything prefixed with "IE8-" in the High Priority list. Hilariously, the http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949104 now provides "Fix-Its" instead of the *old* WUA Links. This is the *old* version (newer than the one in XP SP3) "WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" (v7.6.7600.243) whereas (again) the one "constructed" by the UDC Package is THE latest (v7.6.7600.256).

? Office Communicator 2005 - https://blogs.technet.com/b/nmercer/archive/2005/05/14/404941.aspx "Live Communicator" - http://www.techrepublic.com/article/learn-how-microsoft-office-communicator-2005-works-with-live-communication-server-2005/ Did you "test install" it - On Win98 (how)? SOUNDS like your research is indicating the wrong thing. Is this what you found? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921113 Anyhow, I concur with jaclaz' suggestion. As far as those Nero thingies, I disable them right away. (Yeah, I "goggled" the error message too, as did jaclaz).

FYI - The version mentioned in the thread "7.6.7600.257" is the latest Windows Update Agent. The one you mentioned "WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" is the older one. Have you seen this before? http://xdot.tk/updates.html Edit - The first two listed - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932823 <-in SP3 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893803 <-apparently not in SP3 (just a newer Installer) Bottom line, 1 - Slip SP3, burn to CD 2 - Install to HDD (or wherever) while disconnected from Internet (or disable AU) 3 - Install Drivers (if not slipstreamed) 4 - Install latest WU (the LATEST one!) 5 - Go to WU IE7 or IE8 work just fine. IE8 is Recommended and included in the link I gave above fro a Complete Slipstream using nLite. Sir, you have confused the initial problem with "test scenarios". The OLDER WUA included in SP3 will not work as expected and has caused problems, hence the suggestion to use the Newer Package, OR the one you used. The "fixes" you mention (other than WUA) are not relevant. ALWAYS slipstream at minimum the SP3 as a matter of common sense. List of SP3 Included Fixes - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480

Sorry for the "bump", but I got curious about CTFMON running. According to this - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827323 ...the value for "ShowDeskBand" should be "1" I did what the first post link said to do, then what the above link said to do, AND "removed" the HKCU "RUN" entry for it (you can "move" it to "RUN-" using e.g. CCleaner). In addition, apparently the first post used the following instructions - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823586 ...which contradicts what my first link proposes. Confusing? Yes! I hate it when "extra stuff" runs for no apparent useful reason. edit - FYI - "Best Paractices for Server 2003 Terminal Server" http://blogs.technet.com/b/yongrhee/archive/2009/10/09/best-practices-on-a-windows-server-2003-terminal-server.aspx

In other words - whatever-your-progam-name-is.EXE Another "example".

http://www.scambook.com/company/view/59191/Omni-Tech-Support http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/f1beff32-f9d3-41fd-818c-57cd7c3d9d79/beware-omnitech-support-aka-customer-focus-services-llc-in-los-angeles-california 1-800-MICROSOFT http://support.microsoft.com/kb/319726 Maybe you got "redirected" due to a Trojan? (see 2nd link above)

re: The "internal" key: For XP Pro - you will need the "oembios.XXX" files (4 of them) from the Current Hard Disk, compress them, then replace in your "obtained" CD, while also changing 'SETUPP.INI" on the CD to have "Pid=nnnnnOEM" (where "n" is the first five #'s). SLP1.0 BIOS + OEMBIOS.xx_ (compressed) + SEUPP.INI + Internal Key = OEM Install. Otherwise, the COA (not internal) key on the "sticker" will work, PROVIDED the "SETUPP.INI" file is changed, will work just fine (AFAIK). A "generic" OEM Pro CD (not brand specific, i.e. Dell, HP) will allow for using the COA (sticker) Key (AFAIK). For Vista, you will also need the Certificate, sometimes found in an "OEM" folder within "Windows\System32", named "something.xrm-ms". SLP2.0 BIOS + Cert + Internal Key = OEM Install. Otherwise, the COA (not Internal) key on the "sticker" will work just fine (AFAIK). (Hint - install without providing the key, then look for the SLMGR.VBS instructions to first install the Cert, then the Key.) The "internal" keys, along with the above changes, allow for an OEM Activation (i.e. you are Pre-Activated, no calling the MS Phone# or Activating via Internet). This is a perfectly legitimate process. Otherwise, the COA Sticker Keys (as stated above). HTH edit - a Tip for the "scratched' XP CD - try going to your local DVD Movie Rental place and see if they have a "cleaner" (aka "Disk Doctor", or buy one?) that may "clean" it to where the CD/DVD Reader will read it. If it does, I suggest you IMMEDIATELY make a backup copy (Disk-To-Disk) on your XP Home PC.

submix8c said Yeah, also what Ponch said (did you password protect that during Unattended Install?). And what jaclaz said. Yet, you say neither of the Accounts have (correction - "had") a Password? Inconceivable! What did you do to your install that prevents logon by a simple click-of-the-icon-on-Welcome?

Could you maybe Edit the First Post and put something like "Solved" in it? (AFAICR, I had used that "software" before to remove a gorked-up OEM-Preinstall-supplied Trial install...)

I agree, just a mite ridiculous. Noting there is NO "Admininstrator" (the folder), only "gr" and "ross", one must assume the Administrator Account was deleted by either User "gr" or "ross", one of which would HAVE to be in the Administrators Group to do this and while under the Safe Mode for it to be accessed for deletion -OR- the Folder was manually deleted (woops!) -OR- (while logged on as an Administrator) the Folder was literally RENAMED to either "gr" or "ross". In any case, you SHOULD be able to log on to one or the other with the suggested tool -OR- using the search given to completely REMOVE the Passwords. I just used that search and the FIRST one showing gave a link to a number of Password Removers, the second of which I've used successfully whan assisting some "not so bright" friends and relatives. To say they don't work is, well, "Inconceivable". Or... SURELY you didn't "copy" "gr" from ANOTHER installation! That doesn't work as the OS will NOT PROPERLY recognize it (AFAIK)! Have you, by chance, tried "F8 - Safe Mode" to see which accounts show up on the Welcome Screen (you didn't disable that, did you)?

There SHOULD be an "office cleanup" somewhere on the CD. ARG! Nope, not in 2K7 and up. Did you reference this? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301 You PROBABLY tried the "fix-it" from here - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928218 Note it also explains Manual Uninstall. You could also try this (not endorsing it, use at your OWN risk) - http://www.raymond.cc/blog/uninstall-microsoft-office-2007-in-vista-and-xp/ Next time, don't use a bogus version. Only a Full Enterprise will auto-activate with the correct key. Any others will probably be "used" (pirated) keys with ANY other version. P.S. Don't ask any more about Enterprise. FYI, Legit Home and Student is cheap on the internet about now.

Really? C:\Documents and Settings\<username>>echo %appdata%-Result is:C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data That would apply to 2K and 2K3 (what I did it on) as well. It will be different for Vista/7 - the result will be C:\Users\<username>\Appdata\Roaming(performed on Win7 Home Premium). IOW, "xcopy" will NOT run with blanks in the name, hence wrapping in quotes. P.S., you will need a backslash and whatever filenames\folders (however you do it) immediately following the VariableName ("%appdata\<somethinghere>%") within the quotes. S.O.P.

? Not sure about this, but you MAY need to wrap %appdata% with quotes, e.g. "%appdata%".

That "missing pin" is normal on the PSU 20-pin. I believe it MAY be an unnecessary "ground" (AFAICR). Your pinouts - 20-pin and 24-pin. http://pinouts.ru/Power/atxpower_pinout.shtml http://pinouts.ru/Power/atx_v2_pinout.shtml

(sigh...) So you want us to install this "software" on a Test Machine to determain what these "optional" items are? OK... In a VM - ..and it completely blocks access to Windows Explorer. So, I will continue...HAH! NOT the Installer - Bypassed the "free extras" and it is downloading a 12mb PACKAGE! "Install" file is now RUNNING from the TEMP folder! Please note that the INITIAL "Downloader" appears to be detecting the OS and/or whether x86/x64 and/or the IE Browser Version because it said "optimizing" and APPEARS to be determining I'm using IE6. Also, the Installer that downlaoded is ALSO displaying some "IE6" stuff. Hint - look in your TEMP folder before the actual Installation - just MOVE the Windows out of your way to get "access" to Windows Explorer. The License Agreement - "The installer contains third party software that you can opt out of..." -also includes the "OpenCandy" Eula. Screw that! There IS no way to "remove" this stuff - and it IS created with "Inno Setup"... Get another one that works WITHOUT the "Adware" because it DOES contain "Adware".

2. Nope, using some "tools" it has SLICv2.1 (dumped it) only in the ACPI and completely matches the "pulled" Certificate (from tokens). I've "pulled" the BIOS from a "quiet autoexec" execution via USB Boot (front port), but strangely enough, another "tool" doesn't recognize the SLIC, but does indicate an "unlinked" module(s). I *might* have not used the correct tool? (AMIBIOS Core version 8) FWIW, the SMBIOS between the two (downloaded versus "pulled") indicate a *different* revision of the MoBo (1.2 vs 1.3) *and* date, so it would be safe to assume that the current BIOS is a "special modded" for it (at least there is no *indicated* BIOS update). Hmmm - the "newer" ones also say as much (Rev 1.2). Will continue to "dig" on exactly *how* to "flash" upgrade (there are special parameters). Also inspecting output from PCwizard for comparison purposes. Everest shows the same info as specified... Still, the "failures" noted above under the Running OS ( activated w/OEM Key and CERT, btw ) is worrisome. I had thought that *potentially* the PWR may be bad. That's cheaper and easier to obtain and change than the MoBo. I'm thinking that I'll contact the owner and warn they might be replacing my PWR in case it fries, after all, he just told me seveal days ago that he already bought a PC for just the kids for... $1800!!! It's his wife's PC I've got and quote - "she's bugging me" - unquote. (and I'm doing this on-the-cheap? sheesh!) -Note- Even a eBay one of the same Part# may yield a non-functional Table (would need to use Case COA) and different MoBo Rev# (would need to confirm before $). Thanks for looking, Trip. Will update whenever I succeed or totally screw it up.

The CNET file *appears* to be built with Adobe Premier. After using UniExtract on the downloaded file, a HexEdit of two files reveals both an Inno Setup "stub" (? "Inno" string is found inside) and a file with the string "CFA" at the beginning. I would say that *probably* the Author made the "Adware" in it "by design" *or* maybe it was built using a Trial Version of Adobe? I would suggest finding another Downloader (as suggested above) and heed th info about adding "Add-Ons Software" via XML, since this is also the method used to install others (e.g. Office). (Yes, I'm using *this* instead of THIS - been on twitter too much I guess...)

Upgrade keys do not work with a Clean Install. AFAIK, an "upgrade" XP is the same as a "full" one, the difference being the "full" key will do both "clean" and "upgrade". In either case, you will have to "activate". Just go with the "prove previos OpSys" and be done with it. Generally speaking, ALL "add-ons" *should* integrate via nLite. AFAIK, nLite can integrate *just* the SP3 by itself the same as using the "manual" method with the exception of (it additionally) deleteing certain old (pre-SP3) "compressed" files then "compressing" the corresponding new (SP3) files as that's how some of them come with the SP3 package (wierd, huh?). At this point, the integration of Post-SP3 Fixes (I use the -X- UDC file myself) *plus* the Add-Ons (e.g. .Netfx) can be done via nLite. There *does* appear to be a couple of "glitchy" Fixes - you can find notations of them and the work-arounds within the nLite sub-forum. Member name -X- generally addresses those (search for his member name in the nLite sub-forum). Point of interest, RyanVM "post-SP3" package includes additional Fixes ("optionals", etc.) that -X- UDC doesn't include *and* may very well circumvent the "glitchy" ones (unknown, I don't use it). Activation Note - you only get so many of them, remember?

No, you give ME some examples. See your first post and read the Wiki link I gave. Better yet, here's what you specifically said. See? ONE SETUP.EXE! Your clarity is lacking. Give EXACTLY what you mean, as was requested. Crystal Ball is broken at the moment. MY "example" - Nero 7 (to name JUST ONE example) download has embedded Google Desktop. By allowing the EXE to run and "expand" in the TEMP folder WITHOUT INSTALLING, you can browse to the TEMP folder and DELETE the Google Part and it won't ask you if you want it. To use the remainder, you have to BURN just that part to a DVD and run "setupx.exe" and Google will NEVER EVER appear again. This is allowed to be done. AGAIN if the Ads are EMBEDDED in the "free" Software you are STUCK with it and we do NOT "hack" that kind of Software. READ the Wiki and then come back and tell what the Software is and which category it falls into.