TheFlash428

I use Ghost 2003, and I am always able to boot directly from the CD image set (on restore jobs). To create an image without using a boot floppy, run the wizard while in windows, which will allow you to set your options and will automatically restart the computer and boot into ghost to start creating the backup image. In other words, I never have to worry about a floppy drive.

I've had hit or miss luck with the files and settings transfer wizard, and I don't believe that would transfer your software either.

Yes, I am able to do that, but what I'm trying to do specifically is actually boot from the network drive. As I said, I don't think this is possible, but if anyone has any insight...

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to this question, but since I have searched far and wide (including these forums) and never really got a straight answer, I figured why not ask. What I want to know is, in other words, can I boot from an ISO image of an XP installation disc residing on a network share? I think this would make maintaining an up-to-date installation easier because I would constantly be creating new CD's and throwing out old ones. Keep in mind also that I have created network boot disks, and can access network resources from the DOS prompt. I am also aware that XP can be installed from a shared directory containing the installation files (although I have not had as much luck with this, but it is not really what I'm trying to do). What I'm looking for is a way to boot from a floppy or CD perhaps, have it load drivers for the NIC card, get an address from DHCP, connect to the network resource with and ISO image of XP (created by NLite or other means), mount that image, and then continue the boot process from here, pulling files from the network drive as opposed to the CD/DVD drive. Anyone know how to do this? (or confirm that it may not be able to be done?)

As eyeball mentioned, check the display properties. Under the appearance tab you can select large fonts and large icons can be found under the "Effects..." button. You may also want to try adjusting the screen resolution under the "Settings" tab. Don't be so quick to turn back to Win98SE just yet!

If you are using XP pro: Start --> Run... --> "gpedit.msc" This will open group policy editor. Check administrative templates under the user configuration to see if your settings have been changed.

Are both NIC cards on the XP machine on the same subnet? Have you tried setting up this system as a "router", putting the two cards on different subnets and starting the routing service? (the laptop would have to be on the same subnet as the NIC card it is plugged into). For the 2nd subnet you can use any private address space (10.x.x.x, 192.168.x.x, etc.--different from the subnet of the of 1st NIC), although you may have to give the laptop, and the 2nd NIC card on the XP, a static IP. By the way, I have never tried this, but just want to offer suggestion.

I don't use the same version of Ghost, but I have found that if I start the wizard (from within windows), and choose DVD/CD rom as the destination, it will create a "bootable" image to DVD for me of my HD. In other words, once the DVD(s) are written, I can boot to the first one and load my image.

I believe you can click on the "Safely remove hardware" icon from the task bar in the bottom right and select the USB drive you want to stop--enabling you to disconnect it safely.

Well, It sounds like their might be new information to your question, but I will say this--we have offset the higher price of cable broadband service with vonage VoIP service. I still think Verizon is tops, but if you are eligible for cable internet service, the comercial VoIP services are pretty reliable now, and you can completely drop your local phone service.

Does anyone remember when sony (I think) introduced the "my first" line of appliances some years ago? They were electonics with minimal features and funtionality and large colorful buttons, basically marketed towards children/young people needing durable, simple, yet aesthically appealling products. This is what the "luna theme" reminds of (My First OS). I hate to live in the past, but I still love the Windows "classic" theme. (as far as default themes go.)

The thing about Dell (and probably any other), is that it really depends on what you buy and how much. I am the network admin for a gov't office, with about 200 users, all Dell (including servers). Now I didn't choose what systems to buy, but I do have to support them. Whenever I have to call our Dell support line, I usually get grade A service. Sure, I have occaisonally talked to some who really don't know what they are talking about, but usually I am greeted on the other end of the phone by someone in my home area who is willing and able to help. Fact is, if I was a standard home user, calling the standard support number, I would probably be transfered to someone overseas who has been contracted by Dell to handle these calls. If I'm not paying for "on-site" service, why should I expect top level service. Not that I have any doubt in the potential for those who answer these calls to help me, but language barriers can be frustrating. My company pays for top level service, and we get it. If you want to do-it-yourself, or look for the best bargin, why complain when the tech-support isn't top notch. Fact is you get what you pay for. If I've paid for a warranty and/or support on my hardware and it fails, I expect satisfaction--but when I have a problem I can't solve, I turn to the friendly people here at MSFN. Also, I consider myself pretty knowledgable when it come to computers, and I would never want to answer high-volume tech support calls all day, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I imagine good help is hard to find, especially for this kind of job.

Hey, let's not make things personal.

OK, relax... First of all, you mentioned that you were going to backup your needed files to DVD. Did you do that? I assumed since you had already attemped to re-install XP that you would have already done that--and if that is true and you are ready to re-install XP, there should be no reason to have to access your current installation. (does anything happen if you select "harddrive" under the boot menu?--answer this question if you do need to still access your current configuration.) (FYI: You don't need to use safe mode to access the administator account, just turn off the welcome screen under "Control Panel --> User Accounts" and I believe the option is under "Change the way users logon", or something like that.) If you are ready to re-install, simply boot to the XP CD. Each computer manufacterer is slightly different on how to access the "boot from" menu from the BIOS (initial boot screen), but it is often F12 (most Dells) F1, F2, or sometimes ESC, and on yours it may just be F8. but anyway, when you see the "boot from" screen, select CD/DVD drive and allow the computer to boot from the XP CD. From there you will be able to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the OS. And yes, you should not have to re-purchase XP, although you may have to make a phone call to M$, depending on the status of your product key.

As far as bandwidth and quality of service, I'm not familiar with NY. I live in the DC metro area, and have experience with Verizon DSL and Adelphia (cable) broadband service. The cable service provides slightly better bandwith, but that's only when it's working the way it's supposed to (I've had some problems with thier customer service), and in my opinion is too expensive. Verizon DSL, which I had to give up because I no longer live in the service area, was much more affordable and reliable--and I've heard that verizon is increasing the bandwidth in some areas.

This would be one of the first things I would check--the biggest culprit is cordless telephones (or so has been my experience). If you live in an apartment complex or townhouse, etc. where you have close neighbors, it may not even be your appliances. We had a very similar problem where everytime the phone was in use, the wireless internet would cut out and reconnect once the phone was hung up, exactly like the way you describe. Solutions: try changing channels, this won't cost you anything; it is possible that the interference is from other wireless networks (?), but may not be effective. if that doesn't work, you may have to get a different phone that operates on a different frequency (if you think it may be your cordless phone), or use 802.11a wireless protocol, which operates at a frequency with less common interference--although that may be pricy if you have to replace your equipment.

Assuming those don't work, have you tried to re-install the OS? Since you haven't done anything yet (i.e. installed anything), this shouldn't be to painstaking. If you have and it still behaves the same, perhaps some files on your CD are corrupt.

When XP first came on the scene, I didn't care for it. I hated the Luna theme, I didn't find it any faster, I felt the OS was "bloated" with features I did not need, etc... Plus, I was perfectly happy with the computer I had running 98SE, and I have never been one to upgrade just for the sake of upgrading. That was several years ago. Now, however, I feel that XP is definately the best OS available. I have found that since SP2 it is very stable, fast and reliable. Many bash M$ for constantly needing to supply updates and patches, but I commend them for continuing to improve their product. Today's fully updated XP is practially a different OS compared to original gold version. Thanks to NLite as well for allowing me to remove the "bloat" and customize my OS just the way I want it. No horror stories here. (at least not in quite a while).

You could possible use a Linux "live" CD, or a BartPE disk, to see if you can mount the HD and still access the files.

Can you connect with a static IP? If so perhaps it is a DHCP problem, I would check settings on the router and the laptop(?)

In that case, if you are just looking for a flat recommendation, I would say computer engineering. But I still sticking with my statement that you should study what interests you. The jobs and $ will come (although some cities/parts of the country may be more bountiful with jobs than others--but that is a completely different subject) as long as you can prove that you know what you're doing and do a good job at it. I have a similar love of computers, including the desire to learn every thing I possibly can about them. Your personal quest for knowlegde will probably have you searching for the answers to everthing from the engineering to the science of computers (whatever that really means). But I do find that those with that kind of passion (and since you said you do not fear the math) are a better fit for the engineering program. I hope this was more of the answer you were looking for.

Does this app (Total Copy) resume copy jobs even if one of the files being copied fails to copy? One of the things I hate the most is when I am copying large amounts of directories/files and if one of the files errors or does not copy, the entire job quits leaving only part of the files copied to the target, without any indication of where exactly the error occured.

It appears that some of the folders contained within "%SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\Mara" have been moved or copied to a start menu folder under either the "All Users" profile or the profile that was logged in when the screen shot was taken. i.e. C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs or C:\Documents and Settings\Adam\Start Menu\Programs Move the files from this folder back to "C:\Documents and Settings\Mara" (assuming C: is your system drive.)

From my experiences, what you study in college (while it definately helps you prepare for a career in any field), rarely dictates what you will actually end up doing once you leave school. It's hard for me to answer your question because although I am currently a network engineer, I studied biology in college. Remember, it's not always what you know, but who you know. My advice, look over the courses required for each program and choose based on which one fits your interests and skills, as no one wants to be bored or feel like they're in over thier head. While many academic counselors would try to have you believe otherwise--the major you choose now does not necessary establish the path of your professional career for the rest of your life. A degree will give you the basic knowledge you need to seek a job in the field of your choosing, but most of your skills are usually learned through experience and on the job training; if you work hard and are good at what you do, opportunities for advancement will always be available (or so is my way of thinking).

Who thought of this name anyway? It's as if there trying so hard to convince me. The only possible advantage I see is if piracy is reduced to the point to where the price of a valid OS license goes down (which I doubt). I don't know, granted my XP copy is valid/legal copy (which passed Genuine Advantage with flying colors!), but the name bugs me. M$ calling thier system check "Genuine Advantage" is to me like the government calling a major tax hike a "Temporary Refund Adjustment". (credit to "The Simpsons" for the analogy). Just my 2 cents.