Updating Via drivers?

[Rilla927]

Hi Chris,

One quick question.

Do I need to disconnect the card reader before installing windows?

Thank you,

Rilla927

[Mr. Chris]

Hi, Rilla. If the card reader is USB, then yes, I would disconnect it. I always have the minimum of devices connected to the PC ( mouse, keyboard, monitor ) when installing Windows. Also if you have Internet ( either by LAN or modem ) I would also disconnect that when installing Windows. If the card reader is internal then just leave it connected. Post back and let us know how it's going. Chris.

[Rilla927]

My card reader is internal.

The problem I'm having is when I put the windows CD in and reboot it says "checking hardware configuration" and then I just have a plain blue screen. It won't copy the files.

Now, if I put the CD in and don't reboot a menu comes up with some choices. The #1 choice is asking if you want to install windows, but I don't know by doing it this way if you would get the prompt for the third party drivers.

I also noticed some errors in the event viewer for ASPI32 so I checked it and it's disabled. Don't know if it's supposed to be enabled/ related to why the files won't copy.

Thanks Rilla927

[Mr. Chris]

O.K., let's step back for a second. I presumed that you were reinstalling Windows. But, looking back, you have Windows already and are just wanting to make a Slipstreamed CD?

If all you want to do is make a Slipstream CD then don't boot with the XP CD in the drive. Just boot into XP normally. ( I'm also presuming you have the SP2 in a folder on your PC ) With XP running, now put in the XP CD, when XP asks what you want to do, just close the Installer ( red X in the upper right corner ).

Now open Windows Explorer. Browse to the CD drive. Copy the XP CD to a folder on your Desktop ( easiest ). I had a folder woth SP2 on the Desktop as well. Once the XP CD is done copying, remove that CD and put in a blank CD. Start Autostreamer, point it to the XP folder then the SP2 folder ( it will prompt you what to do ). Then it will " integrate " the files so you can burn them to a CD. I use Nero's Smart Start to burn the ISO file.

Now, if you are trying to reinstall XP, let me know. I'll check back. Chris.

[Rilla927]

Hi Chris,

I'm sorry! I don't mean to be confusing. I was down for a bit there.

I was referring to slipstreaming.

I have a two Recovery Disks and I noticed when either one is put in the optical drive and then reboot, they will not copy the files even if you were going to do a fresh install.

I have been searching the net and most say you can't use a Recovery Disk for slipstreaming. A few said you could. If I had a retail copy of windows I would know what files I need for slipstreaming, but since I have a recovery disk I don't have have a clue as what files I would need even if it could be done.

I'm beginning to think I have to purchase a retail copy of XP Pro if I can't slipstream this Recovery Disk.

Is it true, if you have a retail copy of XP Pro w/SP2 it supports RAID and WinPromise FastTrack? Therefore, you wouldn't have to do the F6 for third party drivers. You then could just update them after windows is installed. This is what I have read in a few places on the net.

Either way, I have to eventually start from scratch. This registry has been hacked to death because of all the old crap that was loaded on it when I first got it. Check disk will not run, it cancels out immediately.

I'm stuck between a rock and a hard spot, cuz the images and recovery disks don't work. I can't believe some of these manufacturers make these types of mistakes and leave you stuck to deal with it on your own.

Your expertise and advice will always be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rilla927

[Mr. Chris]

If you buy a new XP Pro with SP2 you won't need to slipstream it. There may be a way to get all the Updates for XP and slipstream themonto a cd with XP but I just let Windows Update send them to my PC after I do a fresh install.

As far as slipstreaming a Recovery disk, I have no idea myself, sorry can't help you there. The function of the Recovery disks as far as I know is just to " recover " your current install of Windows plus any programs that the PC came " pre-loaded " with. I have tried with several friend's PC's to use those CD's and I find them useless. XP has a Recovery Console built in that could repair your current install anyways ( no programs lost! ).

I also am not sure about the Promise support of XP, altho I believe it is built-in to SP2. The only time I think you need the SATA drivers is if you intend to use the VIA RAID. Then there is a procedure that you need to follow for the F6 thig to work correctly.

Hope some of this helps. Chris.

[SaphireX]

Originally posted by: Rilla927


I was referring to slipstreaming.

Slipstreaming is not about Recovery Disks it is about creating a "crafted" XP install CD using your XP CD and in this case integrating the VIA SATA/RAID drivers using a program called NLite

Here is a link on the process

http://www.short-media.com/pri...ent.php?print=r&id=284

NLite link

http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html

another program that some folks have succcess with is here

http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/

Is it true, if you have a retail copy of XP Pro w/SP2 it supports RAID and WinPromise FastTrack? Therefore, you wouldn't have to do the F6 for third party drivers. You then could just update them after windows is installed. This is what I have read in a few places on the net.

Whether its a retail or OEM CD of XP Home or Pro you will still need to install by hitting the F6 key and inserting the floppy disk with the "mass storage device drivers " or 3rd Party drivers aka the SATA/RAID drivers or slipstream them by creating a crafted CD. Even if its a single SATA.

Some of the newer BIOS's for some VIA chipsets allow changing the mode of the VIA Controller to IDE as opposed to either the normal mode or RAID mode and in this case you will not need to use the F6 process to install because you will be using the native support in XP and running the single SATA in "IDE compatibility mode" as opposed to the normal SCSI drivers that are associated with SATA drives.

Saphire

[Rilla927]

Thanks for your replys, good information as always.

Since you can't slipstream a OEM Recovery Disk, I guess I'm toast until I buy another OS.

So everybody that buys a PC from any of these manufacturers that only give you a Recovery Disk has to go purchase a retail copy of their OS if they want to slipstream the OS, what a racket. I paid $8,000 for a system and I get a stupid Recovery Disk.

Sorry guys, now I'm really mad. It's very hard for me to comprehend this BS they are getting away with.

When I come up with something I will return.

Thanks for everything fella's.

[SaphireX]

...from the $$ tag it sounds like you maybe have an Alienware rig in any event I would hold whomever built your system to at the very least compensating you for the price of an XP Pro OEM CD since their "proprietary" OEM Restore Disks are not suitable!

NewEgg has XP Pro with SP2 at $139 and that should not put off whomever built your rig too much

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?Item=N82E16832116059

Good Luck!

Saphire

[Mr. Chris]

Hay, thanks for looking in SaphireX, now I have learned a little bit more as well! Always good advice!

Let us know how you are getting along, Rilla. Chris.