Updating Via drivers?

[Rilla927]

Originally posted by: 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!

Yes, you are right Saphire, it's an Alienware rig. I'm going to call them and ask for a OEM copy of windows. If I don't get it, I will file a complaint with the BBB. I checked the BBB for complaints and found 846 complaints filed in the last 36 months against them.

I read an article where a guy ordered a pc from Alienware, when he got it he wondered why when he hit the power button to turn on the system it wouldn't work so he opened the case and the CPU was missing. Then they turn around and said he took it out himself. I thought to myself.... that sounds like them. I'm sure some people have had positive experiences with them.... I just wish I had.

Every time my system was shipped, it came back with more wrong with it than when it left. Last time I got it back the door was broke in three places and an optical drive didn't work. When it left all of these worked and the door was never broke.

By installing the Recovery Console after you have SP2, does this mean you have to reinstall SP2? I have seen this said but didn't know if it was fact or not.

When I do get another copy of windows hopefully you can guide me with creating the Raid Array and what drivers I need to do all this to get a clean install. I'm scared because it seems so complicated but I have no choice but to learn if I want a clean set of windows.

I will purchase a copy of windows if I have too. If I end up purchasing windows because I can't get anywhere with them, should I go with a Retail copy or a OEM Copy? I do want to install the Recovery Console also, for that reason should I go with SP1 or SP2? I do have SP2 on disk from Microsoft.

I will check back in to let you know what happens.

You and Chris are great people! Always willing to help others and I'm grateful for that.

Thanks guys,

Rilla927

[Rilla927]

Originally posted by: 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.

Ya, that Saphire, he's a cool cat like you Chris.

I just wanted to personally thank you for everything also.

I will check back in and hopefully have a regular copy of windows at that time.

My anxiety isn't going to go away until I get through this.

As soon as I get a clean install of windows in, I then, will sit down and slipstream my copy of windows.

Thanks again!

Rilla927

[Mr. Chris]

Rilla, creating a RAID array can be tricky but it's not too hard. If I can do it, you should be able to no problems.

As far as what kind of XP to get, I recommend getting Pro, OEM or Retail doesn't really matter ( I have a Corporate Edition, not cheap! ) as long as you get a sealed package with legitimate numbers. Chris.

Yikes! I posted same time as you! Like I said earlier, if you get the newest XP it will already have SP2 included, no slipstreaming needed. That link that SaphireX gave you had a great price for XP Pro! C.

[Rilla927]

Originally posted by: Mr. Chris
Rilla, creating a RAID array can be tricky but it's not too hard. If I can do it, you should be able to no problems.

As far as what kind of XP to get, I recommend getting Pro, OEM or Retail doesn't really matter ( I have a Corporate Edition, not cheap! ) as long as you get a sealed package with legitimate numbers. Chris.

Yikes! I posted same time as you! Like I said earlier, if you get the newest XP it will already have SP2 included, no slipstreaming needed. That link that SaphireX gave you had a great price for XP Pro! C.

Am I correct on this, that I would/ should create a new Array for the new windows installation?

Yes, I have XP Pro now and I like it better than XP Home Edition.

I do have the link Saphire gave me, but I could swear it said SP1 when I clicked on the link. I will have to check it again, maybe I'm wrong. No big deal even if it is, I'm sure they sell it with SP2 also.

I'm going to wait to see what Saphire says about the Recovery Console question I had before I do anything right yet.

Yes, thanks for reminding me that you don't have to slipstream if you have windows with SP2. I keep forgetting that. The only thing about SP2 that is unclear, is when I have used my SP2 disk after a install on my daughters laptop and then I would go to windows update once I was connected to the net, it still had a bunch of updates that were needed. So the updates that were needed that weren't on the disk would still have to be slipstreamed in some way if you wanted to keep everything literally up to date.

I just thought of something, back in June 2006 there was one update that came out that messed up a lot of peoples computers. It was that vericlass something or another, don't quote me but I think it's KB 908531. I have to remember not to install it because it messed mine up. Microsoft said they would come up with a fix and for people that were affected by this to uninstall it until they issued the fix, but I haven't heard anything more about it.

Rilla927

[SaphireX]

....the link at NewEgg is for XP Pro OEM with SP2B meaning that it has SP2 incorporated into it but a later version "B" of Service Pack 2. To differentiate from the earlier XP Pro OEM with SP2A that was released after SP2 was 1rst released in August of 2004. In other words it more up to date than earlier versions of XP with SP2 CD's.

You still will need to visit windows update or microsoft update on a fresh install to completely be up to date unless of course if you want to play with integrating all of the updates into a "crafted" install CD using Ryan's RMV Integrator.....

"Can I install this on a running Windows XP installation?
Unfortunately, no. This pack was designed to be integrated into a Windows XP install CD so that it's up to date when Windows is installed. Other parties have made similar updates for updating an already-installed copy of Windows XP, including Autopatcher XP and TheHotfix.net's Unofficial SP3 pack.

Why don't I see any updates listed in Add/Remove Programs?
The purpose of the Update Pack is to directly update files on the XP CD. Therefore, no hotfixes are actually being "installed" on the computer, because everything's already up to date! As a result, there's nothing to uninstall and no Add/Remove entries for them."

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

I recommend however that you still follow the normal install route and visit the windows update site to d/l the updates as opposed to integrating the updates into a "crafted" CD

As far as installing the Recovery Console that is kinda of a misnomer since your OS is going to be installed to either a single SATA or two SATA's in a RAID Array.

To get the cleanest install I always wipe the drives clean using the PRNG Stream Method with the FREE DBAN utility. Not only does it wipe the partition(s) and all data from the drives it does so regardless of what the encoding algorhythm is....

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

The sequence of driver installs is critical to getting a solid stable system. Since you have Everest Ultimate already on your AlienWare rig post back with the details to include:

1. mobo manufacturer and model number as well as what BIOS revision is flashed

2. all SATA drives that are connected (manufacturer and model number and size) to include what OnBoard ports they are connected to (OnBoard Controllers) as well as whether they are SATA 1rst generation or 2nd generation.

3. all IDE devices to include Optical and Hard Drives (ATA) and what IDE Channel are they connected to and how are they jumpered.

4. all USB and Firewire devices

5. Memory---How many "sticks" who manufacturered them and what timings are you using and what dimm slots are they in

6. Most importantly...your PSU! Open the case and post the specs and who manufactured your PSU

Once we have these "details" we can advise a proper install sequence and what other options to think about

Saphire

[Rilla927]

Originally posted by: SaphireX
....the link at NewEgg is for XP Pro OEM with SP2B meaning that it has SP2 incorporated into it but a later version "B" of Service Pack 2. To differentiate from the earlier XP Pro OEM with SP2A that was released after SP2 was 1rst released in August of 2004. In other words it more up to date than earlier versions of XP with SP2 CD's.

I did call Alienware and they said there is nothing they can do for me as far as a copy of windows.

I like the price for this OEM version at new egg you gave me, but I have one final question:
If I was to ever upgrade any of my hardware on my computer, will it then void this OEM copy of windows were I can't ever use it again?

You still will need to visit windows update or microsoft update on a fresh install to completely be up to date unless of course if you want to play with integrating all of the updates into a "crafted" install CD using Ryan's RMV Integrator.....

Okay, no problem.

As far as installing the Recovery Console that is kinda of a misnomer since your OS is going to be installed to either a single SATA or two SATA's in a RAID Array.

Does that mean it can't be installed?

To get the cleanest install I always wipe the drives clean using the PRNG Stream Method with the FREE DBAN utility. Not only does it wipe the partition(s) and all data from the drives it does so regardless of what the encoding algorhythm is....

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

I think this is an excellent idea.

The sequence of driver installs is critical to getting a solid stable system. Since you have Everest Ultimate already on your AlienWare rig post back with the details to include:

1. mobo manufacturer and model number as well as what BIOS revision is flashed

2. all SATA drives that are connected (manufacturer and model number and size) to include what OnBoard ports they are connected to (OnBoard Controllers) as well as whether they are SATA 1rst generation or 2nd generation.

3. all IDE devices to include Optical and Hard Drives (ATA) and what IDE Channel are they connected to and how are they jumpered.

4. all USB and Firewire devices

5. Memory---How many "sticks" who manufacturered them and what timings are you using and what dimm slots are they in

6. Most importantly...your PSU! Open the case and post the specs and who manufactured your PSU

Once we have these "details" we can advise a proper install sequence and what other options to think about

So you need me to run a report for the hardware only and it will give you all the info you listed above, correct? Should this report be in a .txt extension?

Thank you, saphire.

Rilla927

[SaphireX]

---Shame on AlienWare/DELL for not at the very least fork over an OEM version of XP Pro w/SP2 to a paid consumer who has not received 100% satisfaction.........


.......for the price of the OEM version versus the Retail version it's worth getting the OEM and as far as the EULA for XP "licensing and activation/re-activation" as far as I remember as long as the CPU/Board combination remains the same then you should be able to upgrade any other hardware without any problems as that is the linch-pin in the "agreement" between Microsoft and you in licensing. Earlier it applied to just the CPU but M$S changed that a few months ago to incorporate both the CPU and mobo. Vista on the other hand is much more stringent and the jury is still out on what exactly can be swapped out/upgraded for that EULA (Electronic User Licensing Agreement)

The sole purpose of the Recovery Console is:

"When you use the Windows Recovery Console, you can obtain limited access to the NTFS file system, FAT, and FAT32 volumes without starting the Windows graphical user interface (GUI). In the Windows Recovery Console, you can: • Use, copy, rename, or replace operating system files and folders.
• Enable or disable service or device startup the next time that start your computer.
• Repair the file system boot sector or the Master Boot Record (MBR).
• Create and format partitions on drives.
Note Only an administrator can obtain access to the Windows Recovery Console so that unauthorized users cannot use any NTFS volume."

So if you are thinking that its a simple way to go back to an earlier version when your system worked just fine before you added software/upgraded or had some other calamity happen such as viruses, malware or data corruption/registry issues then you are mistaken. The built-in Restore feature in XP is not bad but to really go back to a complete working machine a lot of folks that have XP installed on SATA drives either as standalones or in a RAID Array swear by Acronis True Image. Here is a Forum where end-users talk about Acronis True Image so that if you do decide to buy the software you will be better informed

http://www.wilderssecurity.com...2346cca6b5601e16b&f=65

As far as an Everest Report a simple text file should work ( make sure that you remove any personal identifying stuff IP address etc etc ) and EDIT OUT the exotic stuff as well before posting it up. SEE what I REDACTED OUT

Saphire

Similar to this:

--------[ EVEREST Ultimate Edition 2006 (c) 2003-2006 Lavalys, Inc. ]---------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v3.01.652
Benchmark Module 2.0.160.0
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Report Wizard
Computer SAPHIRE
Generator *REDACTED*
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2006-10-14
Time 14:53


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Computer Type ACPI Uniprocessor PC
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180 (IE 6.0 SP2)
DirectX

[SaphireX]

Heres the latest scoop on EULA's


[Update] Vista Licenses Limit OS Transfers


By Gregg Keizer, TechWeb Technology News

[Update, Fri. Oct 13, 11:00 am: The initial version of this story erroneously mischaracterized the way Microsoft's Vista license applies to user of the OS in a virtual machine, stating that there was a blanket ban in effect. This is incorrect; we regret the error. The updated version of this story removes all references to a VM ban, including a change in the headline, removal of a virtual machine reference in the lead paragraph, and the deletion of the fifth and sixth paragraphs of the original story.]
Microsoft has released licenses for the Windows Vista operating system that dramatically differ from those for Windows XP in that they limit the number of times that retail editions can be transferred to another device.

The new licenses, which were highlighted by the Vista team on its official blog Tuesday, add new restrictions to how and where Windows can be used.

"The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the "licensed device," reads the license for Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, and Business. In other words, once a retail copy of Vista is installed on a PC, it can be moved to another system only once.

The new policy is narrower than Windows XP's. In the same section, the license for Windows XP Home states: "You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer." There is no limit to the number of times users can make this move. Windows XP Professional's license is identical.

Although the Vista team's blog did not point out these changes, it did highlight others. "Two notable changes between Windows Vista license terms and those for Windows XP are: 1) failure of a validation check results in the loss of access to specific features; and 2) an increase in our warranty period from 90 days to 1 year, which brings Windows in line with most other Microsoft products," wrote Vista program manager Nick White.

Specifically, the Vista license calls out the ramifications of a failed validation check of Vista.

"The software will from time to time validate the software, update or require download of the validation feature of the software," it reads. "If after a validation check, the software is found not to be properly licensed, the functionality of the software may be affected."

Vista's new anti-piracy technologies, collectively dubbed "Software Protection Platform," have met with skepticism by analysts and criticism by users. Under the new program, a copy of Vista that's judged to be in violation of its license, or is counterfeit, is disabled after a set period, leaving the user access only to the default Web browser, and then only for an hour at a time.

[Rilla927]

Originally posted by: SaphireX
---Shame on AlienWare/DELL for not at the very least fork over an OEM version of XP Pro w/SP2 to a paid consumer who has not received 100% satisfaction.........

Shame on them is right! I called back a second time and asked about the copy of windows and they said "That is not possible at all".

Now listen to this, I was informed that if I was to change the MOBO or CPU linked to the original version of windows I have now, I would have to purchase the MOBO and/or CPU directly from Alienware only or it would void that particular license.

I know all this to be fact except the part of purchasing directly from them only. In other words I couldn't buy the exact same MOBO from New Egg or Tiger Direct. It's not that I would do this, but I wasn't aware that the hardware you are replacing had to be purchased from them only. What a crock!

Does this mean I will be held to the same thing if I was to purchase an OEM copy?

Alienware had me run some tests on the HD's (this has been on going for over a month) and they came to the conclusion that the cables need replaced on the C drive, so they are going to send a tech out. Who knows how long that will take.

I'm gonna leave the Recovery Console thing alone. I wasn't thinking, too much on the brain I guess. I have my Terabyte Unlimited bundle of BootIt NG, Image From Windows, Image From DOS. That takes care of my imaging, backing up my MBR, etc.

Here is the information I wrote down off the power supply:

Turbo- Cooled 510 ATX-PFC Deluxe

Input: 100-240VAC 10 Amp 50-60 HZ

.99 Power Factor

Output:

+5v@40 Amp
+12v@34 Amp
-5v@0.3 Amp
-12v@2.0 Amp
+3.3v@30 Amp
+5vsb@3.0 Amp

Continuous Power= 510 W Max
Peak Power= 650 W Max

I have the Everest file, if I could only figure out how to upload it. This is the first time I ever ran into this. I'm tired, it's time to get some sleep. I have been on this thing since 5:30AM this morning and it's 10:15 PM now.

Rilla927

[SaphireX]

.....as far as uploading the Everest Hardware Report text file ...DON'T because there is personal information in that as well as IP address ect...What you want to do is copy and paste into the reply window on this thread the pertinent items similar to what I have done above. There is a boatload of info and please only copy and paste the relevant items as I have done.

Your PSU is indeed the PC Power & Cooling 510 ATX Deluxe so as far as PSU's are concerned you have a top notch PSU (look at my sig--LOL)

As far as purchasing upgraded mobo/CPU from "Alien..." they do have a unique OEM licensing agreement with M$S so that might be right in order to keep your current install license...However skip that line of thought and get yourself an OEM version of XP w/SP2 so that you do not have to do business with them anymore....And having your own OEM CD as indicated above even if you do change hardware that should not be a problem--

SATA data cables are often the culprit in many problems and often overlooked. I use AC Ryan U/V reactive 8 " SATA data cables for all 4 of my internal SATA's (that go nice with my flat blue cold cathode lamp) .. then again I built my system and thoroughly researched the playing field back then

http://www.performance-pcs.com...911daced97d7d7fd5c3884

Post back your edited hardware report from Everest Ultimate

Saphire