TheFlash428

It will depend on what SP3 includes--I'll probably just update first, but will definately integrate for all future OS installations.

Trying disabling the firewall and then trying to connect--that might be your show stopper.

Probably, although I've never tried--good luck!

...that's strange that you can ping the IP of the other computer, but can't access it via unc path (\\IP_Address). Just out of curiosity, do you have any software firewalls installed or is the Windows XP built-in firewall being used? Anti-virus software may be blocking access as well.

You are correct, as long as the cards are set to auto-negotiate (default I would imagine), then the speed of the hub would not matter, the NIC cards would step down. If you've set up static IP's and the pings ARE successful, then at the very least you know that TCP/IP communications are working correctly. For a situation like this (simple, 2 computer network), you would want to make sure that both computers have unique IP's on the same network, the same subnet mask, and the default gateway for each system should be its own IP address (because you're not routing anything outside of your 2 computer network). Example Computer 1: IP Address: 192.168.100.1 Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.100.1 Computer 2: IP address: 192.168.100.2 Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.100.2 Again, if pings are working, you IP settings are probably correct. When you say they can't connect, what specifically are you trying to do? i.e. file sharing, browse remote computer, etc. If the Win2K computer can't be put on the domain, have you tried to name the workgroup the same as the domain name of the other computer (NT name). On the domain computer, I think you'll need to make "EVERYONE" and/or "Guest" have permissions for the files you are trying to share, and you'll need to make sure that file sharing is enabled on the Win2K computer if that's what you're trying to do. Sorry it's been too long since I've worked with 2000 to remember just how that works.

...I assumed that was the setup being refered to--if this is wrong, please indicate what type of network setup (DHCP, static IP, etc) this is as well.

Hub or switch shouldn't matter in this situation. Have there been any changes to the network card configs? If you can include the TCP/IP settings of both computers that may help.

I read through this quickly, so I'm sorry if someone already mentioned it... When creating the administrative installation used for the SP3 slipstream process, make sure to use the MSINODISABLEMEDIA=1 switch. Setup.exe /a MSINODISABLEMEDIA=1 This command allows the adminstrative installation to be installed from removable media, such as a CD.

I too am here only to bump an older post... I've seen basically the same behavior on some of our client's computers. The occurences are rare and cannot be reproduced, but happen often enough that I would at least like to find out why it is occuring and wether or not it is something that is happening in message transit or if it is an Outlook problem. Currently we are using Outlook 2003 and MS Exchange 2003, but this was also occuring while using our legacy Exchange 5.5 server as well.

I've used the RyanVM update pack (with NLite) on Dell's OEM cd's before, works fine. Some of the other 3rd party add-on packs don't always work though.

Not sure what you mean here... In order to use the RVM integrator, you have to have a "source" to integrate the updates with (i.e. i386 directory from a windows XP cd). You can't create a windows cd from just the update packs downloaded from the RVM site.

Be warned--the number on the side of the box is not always a valid install key!!! Dells, for example, place a COA sticker on each computer with a unique number, but their OEM install CDs use a DIFFERENT number, which is hard-coded into the winnt.sif file of the XP disk. If you try to use the number on the box to install, it will come back with "Invalid Product Key" errors every time. If this is a computer that installed with an OEM XP version, look out for this.

SP2 was released to the general public in August of 2004.

Also be aware that often the number on COA sticker on the case is NOT the CD key needed for installation. Dells, for instance, have the CD key embedded in thier XP re-install disks, and the number on the case sticker is nothing more than a proof-of-purchase.

Actually, I'd recommend the exact opposite. Some routers, especially cheaper ones for small networks, don't allow configuration of the DHCP server other than specifying the IP range. True, I should have elaborated... If your not running your own DNS, WINS, etc., it may be best to use the automatic configuration the router provides--if you want full control of these settings, running DHCP from the server would be best.

Are you using your router for DHCP, or the server? If it is the latter, make sure that (as stated above) that the DNS settings are correct. For a smaller network, especially if you're using an commecial internet connection with single public IP and a router using NAT, I would suggest allowing the router to perform the DHCP role.

As someone who works for the Department of Defense (as a systems admin), let me agree with what others are posting here: Unless you own the computer, don't mess with it! Many of the items you speak of may very well controlled by group policies accross the domain, so just like Mikesw said, they will only revert back if you try to disable/change them. I'm not surprised they disabled the local firewall, what does surprise me is that they've taken all the steps to secure the system but yet still allow you to connect it an outside network...hmmm.... If you take it off of the domain and place the computer in a workgroup, you run serious risk of not being able to log into it at all, plus you won't be able to log the computer onto network anymore.

Wasn't trying to "cheat post" (whatever that means)--I was simply offering to try to help resolve your issue in a different manner since I did not believe that what you are trying to is possible.

Depending on how the VPN is set up, yes--you should be able to do that.

Hmmm... I think the "Send To -->" option may be an Outlook feature, and is different from a "Mailto:" link that I was thinking of. Google provides very easy instructions for using Outlook with Gmail, but that isn't always a good solution for everyone (and I personally like the web interface better anyway), but that may be the only way to do what you're speaking of. I dont' think this would accomplish what you're after (and you wouldn't want to delete it, just un-register it as Gosh mentioned). I'm pretty sure it would just disable the feature all together.

I have never used Acronis, but Norton Ghost works just fine for me.

There may be a way to do this(?)...but the simple answer is no, you can't use a wireless connection to connect to a dial-up router, you would need a modem.

You can do this if you install the Gmail notifier. GMail Notifier

Here's what may be a silly question: Are you able to preform a system restore prior to the Adobe installation? (Start Menu --> All Programs -->Accesories --> System Tools --> System Restore) BTW, the latest version of Adobe Reader is 8, if you are able to fix you may want to download the latest version, if possible.

Just to play Devil's advocate... SP3 for XP was needed well before Vista was even released. Considering the life-span of XP as Microsoft's longest running premier OS, to not continue to provide support would be criminal. It has been (almost) 3 years since the release of SP2, and prior to XP a 3 year benchmark would indicate time between OS releases, not service pack support periods. SP2 provided much needed stability to XP, but the number of hotfixes and software updates since Aug of 2004 is staggering, and a service pack, even if nothing more than an update roll-out is way overdue. Thank goodness for RyanVM's post sp2 update pack! I'm sure the effort put into it is great, and it has saved me countless hours on microsoft update site.