Trouble Creating Slipstream Disc

I want to do a repair install on Windows XP, and I tried to create a
slipstream XP disc with SP2 but when I try to boot from the disc I get a
"CDBOOT: Couldn't find NTLDR" error.

The instructions I followed gave step-by-step instructions about burning the
CD using Nero or Roxio Easy CD Creator, but neither one of those will install
on my computer, so I had to use BurnAtOnce as the CD burning software. I
wasn't exactly sure if I selected all the correct options using BurnAtOnce.
Can anyone give me step-by-step instructions on how to burn the slipstream
disc using BurnAtOnce, or some other CD burning software?

Big
Fri Mar 28 19:39:15 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
> I want to do a repair install on Windows XP, and I tried to create a
> slipstream XP disc with SP2 but when I try to boot from the disc I get a
> "CDBOOT: Couldn't find NTLDR" error.
>
> The instructions I followed gave step-by-step instructions about burning the
> CD using Nero or Roxio Easy CD Creator, but neither one of those will install
> on my computer, so I had to use BurnAtOnce as the CD burning software. I
> wasn't exactly sure if I selected all the correct options using BurnAtOnce.
> Can anyone give me step-by-step instructions on how to burn the slipstream
> disc using BurnAtOnce, or some other CD burning software?
When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
such instructions?

dnamertz
Fri Mar 28 20:43:00 PDT 2008



"Big Al" wrote:

> When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
> done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
> has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
> such instructions?

The instructions I saw described burning the CD using Nero, but Nero will
not install on my computer (just one of the reasons I need to do the repair
install). Here is the link to the instructions I used:

How-to-Slipstream Article
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp

Using BurnAtOnce, the settings were a little different so I'm not sure how
to do it.

Colin
Fri Mar 28 21:31:40 PDT 2008

It might be easier to use nLite. It will make a bootable .iso file for you.
http://www.nliteos.com/guide/

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6EDC90AE-0F04-49DC-A611-769B17C5BBB2@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
>> done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
>> has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
>> such instructions?
>
> The instructions I saw described burning the CD using Nero, but Nero will
> not install on my computer (just one of the reasons I need to do the
> repair
> install). Here is the link to the instructions I used:
>
> How-to-Slipstream Article
> http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp
>
> Using BurnAtOnce, the settings were a little different so I'm not sure how
> to do it.

Big
Sat Mar 29 05:34:07 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
>> done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
>> has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
>> such instructions?
>
> The instructions I saw described burning the CD using Nero, but Nero will
> not install on my computer (just one of the reasons I need to do the repair
> install). Here is the link to the instructions I used:
>
> How-to-Slipstream Article
> http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp
>
> Using BurnAtOnce, the settings were a little different so I'm not sure how
> to do it.

Not familiar with Burn at once. But it sounds like you never got a
boot on the cd. that microsoftcorporation.img is probably the boot
image. I see other suggestions about nlite. I'd try their suggestions
first. Can you use a friends / another PC? Burn your slipstream there.?

Anna
Sat Mar 29 06:25:20 PDT 2008


> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
>> done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
>> has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
>> such instructions?


"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6EDC90AE-0F04-49DC-A611-769B17C5BBB2@microsoft.com...
> The instructions I saw described burning the CD using Nero, but Nero will
> not install on my computer (just one of the reasons I need to do the
> repair
> install). Here is the link to the instructions I used:
>
> How-to-Slipstream Article
> http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp
>
> Using BurnAtOnce, the settings were a little different so I'm not sure how
> to do it.


"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:0BB6D789-BE46-42F8-8C3C-C6DFBFC88A68@microsoft.com...
> It might be easier to use nLite. It will make a bootable .iso file for
> you.
> http://www.nliteos.com/guide/



dnamertz:
In addition to the nLite program Colin suggested, you might also want to
take a look at the Autostreamer program. We've found that program just about
the easiest to work with in creating an XP slipstreamed CD to include SP2.

Download AutoStreamer from:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml

Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root directory.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
and,
http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml

(I believe the above links are correct but I haven't checked them lately).
Anna

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 07:53:01 PDT 2008



"Anna" wrote:



> In addition to the nLite program Colin suggested, you might also want to
> take a look at the Autostreamer program. We've found that program just about
> the easiest to work with in creating an XP slipstreamed CD to include SP2.
>
> Download AutoStreamer from:
> http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml
>
> Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root directory.
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
>
> Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
> and,
> http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml
>
> (I believe the above links are correct but I haven't checked them lately).
> Anna
>

I feel like I'm going in circles here. Those links on how to slipstream all
describe the burning process using burning software that won't install on my
computer...Nero, Roxio, CDBurnerXP.

It appears burning a boot CD requires a couple different settings than just
burning a regular data CD, and I'm not sure if I chose all the right options
using BurnAtOnce. Any other free CD burning software out there anyone can
recommend and walk me thru how to use to burn this boot CD?

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 07:59:00 PDT 2008



"Big Al" wrote:


>
> Not familiar with Burn at once. But it sounds like you never got a
> boot on the cd. that microsoftcorporation.img is probably the boot
> image. I see other suggestions about nlite. I'd try their suggestions
> first. Can you use a friends / another PC? Burn your slipstream there.?
>

dell.img is on the CD, and I also checked the Bootable Image box and put the
dell.img file in the Boot Image field. Not sure if that was correct, but it
was the closest thing to the Nero instructions I was following.

PD43
Sat Mar 29 08:18:49 PDT 2008

dnamertz <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I feel like I'm going in circles here. Those links on how to slipstream all
>describe the burning process using burning software that won't install on my
>computer...Nero, Roxio, CDBurnerXP.

That about covers it. I used CDBurnerXP when I made mine a year or so
ago

> Any other free CD burning software out there anyone can
>recommend and walk me thru how to use to burn this boot CD?

Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
install.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 08:39:01 PDT 2008



"PD43" wrote:


> Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
> install.
>

Instead of doing a clean install, would it be better to try a repair install
from the Windows XP CD that came with my computer (as opposed to using a
slipstreamed CD w/SP2)?

PD43
Sat Mar 29 08:53:02 PDT 2008

dnamertz <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>> Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
>> install.
>>
>
>Instead of doing a clean install, would it be better to try a repair install
>from the Windows XP CD that came with my computer (as opposed to using a
>slipstreamed CD w/SP2)?

It won't repair: it will tell you that your computer contains a newer
version of XP and it won't proceed... I think.

You can try it, but note that IF it works, you will have a LOT of
updating to do afterwards.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 09:50:00 PDT 2008



"PD43" wrote:

> dnamertz <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >> Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
> >> install.
> >>
> >
> >Instead of doing a clean install, would it be better to try a repair install
> >from the Windows XP CD that came with my computer (as opposed to using a
> >slipstreamed CD w/SP2)?
>
> It won't repair: it will tell you that your computer contains a newer
> version of XP and it won't proceed... I think.
>
> You can try it, but note that IF it works, you will have a LOT of
> updating to do afterwards.


Seems like it would be less updating than if I did a clean install.

Colin
Sat Mar 29 09:55:22 PDT 2008

If the Dell cd contains an image file then it is not an XP installation cd
but a Dell restoration cd. You can't slipstream that way. You can
slipstream with the Windows folder installed on the hard drive and a
downloaded service pack. Again, I suggest you use nLite to do this.

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:38B09973-CAF6-426E-8687-E52F8191304F@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>
>>
>> Not familiar with Burn at once. But it sounds like you never got a
>> boot on the cd. that microsoftcorporation.img is probably the boot
>> image. I see other suggestions about nlite. I'd try their suggestions
>> first. Can you use a friends / another PC? Burn your slipstream
>> there.?
>>
>
> dell.img is on the CD, and I also checked the Bootable Image box and put
> the
> dell.img file in the Boot Image field. Not sure if that was correct, but
> it
> was the closest thing to the Nero instructions I was following.

Colin
Sat Mar 29 09:56:31 PDT 2008

I use Autostreamer also. Both will do the job. But I think the OP needs to
use the Windows folder on the hard drive as the source since he is now
mentioning an image file on the cd. It might not be an XP installation cd.

"Anna" <myname@myisp.net> wrote in message
news:OogibBakIHA.5396@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
>> "Big Al" wrote:
>>
>>> When you burned the CD did you add the bootloader. The routine I've
>>> done uses Nero and you need the boot part off your original CD and Nero
>>> has to be configured specifically to burn a bootable disc. Did you see
>>> such instructions?
>
>
> "dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6EDC90AE-0F04-49DC-A611-769B17C5BBB2@microsoft.com...
>> The instructions I saw described burning the CD using Nero, but Nero will
>> not install on my computer (just one of the reasons I need to do the
>> repair
>> install). Here is the link to the instructions I used:
>>
>> How-to-Slipstream Article
>> http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp
>>
>> Using BurnAtOnce, the settings were a little different so I'm not sure
>> how
>> to do it.
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:0BB6D789-BE46-42F8-8C3C-C6DFBFC88A68@microsoft.com...
>> It might be easier to use nLite. It will make a bootable .iso file for
>> you.
>> http://www.nliteos.com/guide/
>
>
>
> dnamertz:
> In addition to the nLite program Colin suggested, you might also want to
> take a look at the Autostreamer program. We've found that program just
> about the easiest to work with in creating an XP slipstreamed CD to
> include SP2.
>
> Download AutoStreamer from:
> http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml
>
> Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root directory.
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
>
> Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
> and,
> http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml
>
> (I believe the above links are correct but I haven't checked them lately).
> Anna
>
>

Colin
Sat Mar 29 09:58:20 PDT 2008

Correct. Buy I want to go back to a previous comment by the OP:

"dell.img is on the CD, and I also checked the Bootable Image box and put
the
dell.img file in the Boot Image field."

That does not sound like the cd we were all thinking he had.

"PD43" <pauld1943@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:q5psu3pbnm13eadbv97jhfik5kaedhll1o@4ax.com...
> dnamertz <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
>>> Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
>>> install.
>>>
>>
>>Instead of doing a clean install, would it be better to try a repair
>>install
>>from the Windows XP CD that came with my computer (as opposed to using a
>>slipstreamed CD w/SP2)?
>
> It won't repair: it will tell you that your computer contains a newer
> version of XP and it won't proceed... I think.
>
> You can try it, but note that IF it works, you will have a LOT of
> updating to do afterwards.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 10:15:01 PDT 2008



"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> If the Dell cd contains an image file then it is not an XP installation cd
> but a Dell restoration cd. You can't slipstream that way. You can
> slipstream with the Windows folder installed on the hard drive and a
> downloaded service pack. Again, I suggest you use nLite to do this.
>

Anyway to do it without nLite, since nLite will not install without .NET
Framework 2.0 and of course .NET Framework 2.0 will not install on my
computer.

Colin
Sat Mar 29 10:19:54 PDT 2008

I think it is time to save your data and use the Dell cd to restore your
system to factory condition and work forward from there.

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2C3EE4F1-2B38-4CF4-BD39-7941628A8F8B@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> If the Dell cd contains an image file then it is not an XP installation
>> cd
>> but a Dell restoration cd. You can't slipstream that way. You can
>> slipstream with the Windows folder installed on the hard drive and a
>> downloaded service pack. Again, I suggest you use nLite to do this.
>>
>
> Anyway to do it without nLite, since nLite will not install without .NET
> Framework 2.0 and of course .NET Framework 2.0 will not install on my
> computer.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 10:21:01 PDT 2008



"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> I use Autostreamer also. Both will do the job. But I think the OP needs to
> use the Windows folder on the hard drive as the source since he is now
> mentioning an image file on the cd. It might not be an XP installation cd.
>

> >
> > Download AutoStreamer from:
> > http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml
> >
> > Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root directory.
> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
> >
> > Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
> > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
> > and,
> > http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml
> >
> > (I believe the above links are correct but I haven't checked them lately).
> > Anna
> >
> >

Autostreamer won't install either. Some message about there not being a
file associated with it.

So lets start over. Since most programs won't install, what are my options
before doing a clean install (really, really want to avoid that)?

Colin
Sat Mar 29 10:42:36 PDT 2008

I think you really, really have to do it. Backup your stuff and just do it.
Once you have a stable system again and can install things like .net 2.0
download nLite or Autostreamer and make an updated cd. But not from the
Dell cd.

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:FCE9A298-89AF-4BBC-A549-D6D75A7B48EB@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> I use Autostreamer also. Both will do the job. But I think the OP needs
>> to
>> use the Windows folder on the hard drive as the source since he is now
>> mentioning an image file on the cd. It might not be an XP installation
>> cd.
>>
>
>> >
>> > Download AutoStreamer from:
>> > http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml
>> >
>> > Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root
>> > directory.
>> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
>> >
>> > Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
>> > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
>> > and,
>> > http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml
>> >
>> > (I believe the above links are correct but I haven't checked them
>> > lately).
>> > Anna
>> >
>> >
>
> Autostreamer won't install either. Some message about there not being a
> file associated with it.
>
> So lets start over. Since most programs won't install, what are my
> options
> before doing a clean install (really, really want to avoid that)?

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 10:44:01 PDT 2008



"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> I think it is time to save your data and use the Dell cd to restore your
> system to factory condition and work forward from there.
>

One more question. Even though the boot disc I created will not start when
I reboot the computer (because of the NTLDR error), I can access the CD
directly and click on Setup.exe and it brings up the Welcome to Microsoft
Windows XP" menu giving me the option to Install Windows XP, along with other
options. Can I try the repair install from here?

Big
Sat Mar 29 11:37:41 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>> dnamertz <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>>>> Looks to me like you're gonna have to bite the bullet and do a clean
>>>> install.
>>>>
>>> Instead of doing a clean install, would it be better to try a repair install
>> >from the Windows XP CD that came with my computer (as opposed to using a
>>> slipstreamed CD w/SP2)?
>> It won't repair: it will tell you that your computer contains a newer
>> version of XP and it won't proceed... I think.
>>
>> You can try it, but note that IF it works, you will have a LOT of
>> updating to do afterwards.
>
>
> Seems like it would be less updating than if I did a clean install.
A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
some config / color settings.
I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
And I don't want to do it 12 times.

Just a word of experience.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 11:55:00 PDT 2008



"Big Al" wrote:


> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
> some config / color settings.
> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
>
> Just a word of experience.
>

So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos, documents,
music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I need?
I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing on my
computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet at
that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at that
point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't have
a browser to access the internet?

Big
Sat Mar 29 12:14:34 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>
>> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
>> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
>> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
>> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
>> some config / color settings.
>> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
>> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
>>
>> Just a word of experience.
>>
>
> So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos, documents,
> music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I need?
> I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing on my
> computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet at
> that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at that
> point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't have
> a browser to access the internet?
>
>
Impossible to say, nobody knows your pc and software. No implication on
you, seriously, but its a problem a VAST majority of the users of any
computer have. They are ignorant of where the data is. Microsoft
hides it so nicely. And in some ways, you really don't need to know.
Until it dies!!!! But this is why so many people talk about doing an
image backup, it saves everything. And after a crash, you can get back
those odd ball files you forgot.

Any pictures, docs, excel etc, you want.
Email. Depends on your emailer.
I use ICQ and AIM, so I save the settings.
I save a proprietary address book,
Some games save statistics.
I have a password program that I update and I save the data file for it.
I make .rdp files for connecting to clients. Those have to be saved.
Downloads of my software like Nlite, I need to save. But that's save
months ago, still the new ones.
.... it goes on and on and on.

Look at the start menu, and just ask yourself, what here "CANT" I
replace unless I back it up. You can load Microsoft office, but where
are the things you created using it. Any Tax programs etc.

We'll all leave you to that question. Its too hard to give you
anything more than this.

Big
Sat Mar 29 12:18:31 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>
>> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
>> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
>> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
>> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
>> some config / color settings.
>> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
>> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
>>
>> Just a word of experience.
>>
>
> So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos, documents,
> music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I need?
> I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing on my
> computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet at
> that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at that
> point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't have
> a browser to access the internet?
>
>
And yes. Functionally a full install of windows will make the computer
internet'able (if that's a good word) and you can use IE etc. You
could even use outlook express as that is default.

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 12:28:01 PDT 2008



"Big Al" wrote:

> dnamertz wrote:
> >
> > "Big Al" wrote:
> >
> >
> >> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
> >> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
> >> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
> >> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
> >> some config / color settings.
> >> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
> >> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
> >>
> >> Just a word of experience.
> >>
> >
> > So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos, documents,
> > music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I need?
> > I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing on my
> > computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet at
> > that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at that
> > point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't have
> > a browser to access the internet?
> >
> >
> Impossible to say, nobody knows your pc and software. No implication on
> you, seriously, but its a problem a VAST majority of the users of any
> computer have. They are ignorant of where the data is. Microsoft
> hides it so nicely. And in some ways, you really don't need to know.
> Until it dies!!!! But this is why so many people talk about doing an
> image backup, it saves everything. And after a crash, you can get back
> those.

What is/how do I do an image backup?
>

Big
Sat Mar 29 12:45:16 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> dnamertz wrote:
>>> "Big Al" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
>>>> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
>>>> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the registry
>>>> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
>>>> some config / color settings.
>>>> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work asap.
>>>> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
>>>>
>>>> Just a word of experience.
>>>>
>>> So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos, documents,
>>> music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I need?
>>> I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing on my
>>> computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet at
>>> that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at that
>>> point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't have
>>> a browser to access the internet?
>>>
>>>
>> Impossible to say, nobody knows your pc and software. No implication on
>> you, seriously, but its a problem a VAST majority of the users of any
>> computer have. They are ignorant of where the data is. Microsoft
>> hides it so nicely. And in some ways, you really don't need to know.
>> Until it dies!!!! But this is why so many people talk about doing an
>> image backup, it saves everything. And after a crash, you can get back
>> those.
>
> What is/how do I do an image backup?
Again, you have to install this, but I like Acronis True Image.
Seagate has a disc wizard that is a clone of TI, and its free but its
limited. You didn't buy it so you can't bitch, but it does the basic
thing, backup the HD.
Acronis allows you to make an image of a HD. It backs up every little
byte of data. EVERYTHING. And if you put in a new HD after a crash, it
will restore it all. EVERYTHING. It even makes adjustments for
changing from a 80 gig drive to a 320 gig. Its a great timesave if
you change drives. Thus why Seagate allows you to download it. They
want you to buy their hardware.
With TI, you can restore single files too. Thus if you do both an
image and a backup of individual files (even with XP's backup) you have
the best of both worlds. If you forget some file with Xp's backup,
you got it on the image.
Note, an image is only good if you have a good system. Imaging a bad
system is stupid except for restoring individual files. If the OS is
troublesome, then an image is troublesome.

Sorry to be wordy but it seems you might like the additional verbage.

Colin
Sat Mar 29 12:51:56 PDT 2008

No. You must boot with the cd to do that because when you run Setup from
the desktop it starts in stage 2 (graphical stage). The option to perform a
repair install is during stage 1 (textual stage).

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:51A079FE-7443-4F56-BC5A-22764ADFD41E@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> I think it is time to save your data and use the Dell cd to restore your
>> system to factory condition and work forward from there.
>>
>
> One more question. Even though the boot disc I created will not start
> when
> I reboot the computer (because of the NTLDR error), I can access the CD
> directly and click on Setup.exe and it brings up the Welcome to Microsoft
> Windows XP" menu giving me the option to Install Windows XP, along with
> other
> options. Can I try the repair install from here?

Colin
Sat Mar 29 12:58:27 PDT 2008

An image backup of a problematic system will just restore that same
problematic system. You don't want to do that because you will be right
back where you are now.

You have backed up your essential files already.

Dell's image file will already have all the drivers installed. I don't
think you will have any problems getting online.

The next step will be to let Windows Update bring your system up to date.
Do that before you restore your files or reinstall your apps. Then run a
defrag (Installation of XP always heavily fragments the hard drive). Then
install your apps and restore your files. You may want to run a last
defrag.

That should give you a very nicely running system.

"dnamertz" <dnamertz@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:53A23188-0D3D-4B25-9813-0EB821E26C02@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> dnamertz wrote:
>> >
>> > "Big Al" wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >> A clean install is always IMO the best way to do it.
>> >> Of course I've learned what files to grab to CD backup before
>> >> formatting. I know where the data is that I need, I have the
>> >> registry
>> >> hacks exported to a .reg files to reload, I'll bite the time to reset
>> >> some config / color settings.
>> >> I don't mind. If my PC is screwed up, I want to get back to work
>> >> asap.
>> >> And I don't want to do it 12 times.
>> >>
>> >> Just a word of experience.
>> >>
>> >
>> > So what files should I backup? I've already backed up my photos,
>> > documents,
>> > music files, bookmarks, important emails, etc., but what else will I
>> > need?
>> > I've never done a clean install before so I'm guessing the only thing
>> > on my
>> > computer after I do it will be Windows. How will I access the internet
>> > at
>> > that point? I assume Internet Explorer will not be on my computer at
>> > that
>> > point, so how do I get on the internet to download a browser if I don't
>> > have
>> > a browser to access the internet?
>> >
>> >
>> Impossible to say, nobody knows your pc and software. No implication on
>> you, seriously, but its a problem a VAST majority of the users of any
>> computer have. They are ignorant of where the data is. Microsoft
>> hides it so nicely. And in some ways, you really don't need to know.
>> Until it dies!!!! But this is why so many people talk about doing an
>> image backup, it saves everything. And after a crash, you can get back
>> those.
>
> What is/how do I do an image backup?
>>

Daave
Sat Mar 29 14:43:00 PDT 2008

Colin Barnhorst wrote:
> If the Dell cd contains an image file then it is not an XP
> installation cd but a Dell restoration cd.

Yes, you can:

http://vbdotnet.home.comcast.net/~vbdotnet/XP_SP2.htm

When you follow these instructions along with the instructions from

http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/09/08/installing_windowsxp_and/

you can create a slipstreamed Dell disk. This method works with what are
called "Dell reinstallation" disks, which are essentially slightly
modified generic Windows installation disks (one of the advantages is
that activation is not necessary because of the nature of the OEM's
SLP). When you get to the "Extracting the bootloader step" from

http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/09/08/installing_windowsxp_and/page6.html

you will see Dell.img in place of MicrosoftCorporation.img .

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 17:12:00 PDT 2008



"PD43" wrote:


>
> To get back on the Internet and email, you will have to know how to
> set that up... and will need all the login/password parameters.
>

I wrote down all my email setting, but I'm not sure what I'll need to get my
internet connection back up after I reinstall Windows. Isn't there an IP
Address somewhere...I can't find it. What other settings will I need to know?

Big
Sat Mar 29 17:17:50 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>
>> To get back on the Internet and email, you will have to know how to
>> set that up... and will need all the login/password parameters.
>>
>
> I wrote down all my email setting, but I'm not sure what I'll need to get my
> internet connection back up after I reinstall Windows. Isn't there an IP
> Address somewhere...I can't find it. What other settings will I need to know?
if you have a router, and its dhcp, then nothing to do.
A vast majority of users are DHCP.
But...
right click your network icon in the tray. goto 'open internet
connections'
double click on the nic card or wireless etc, whatever you use.
scroll to tcp/ip
do properties.
you may have two 'obtains.... automatically' set.
If you do you are DHCP, its automatic.
But these are your settings.

Big
Sat Mar 29 17:19:02 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>
>> To get back on the Internet and email, you will have to know how to
>> set that up... and will need all the login/password parameters.
>>
>
> I wrote down all my email setting, but I'm not sure what I'll need to get my
> internet connection back up after I reinstall Windows. Isn't there an IP
> Address somewhere...I can't find it. What other settings will I need to know?

I'm glad to put in my 2 cents, but you know, it really sounds like you
have no idea what you are doing. Have you thought of getting someone a
bit more experienced to do this?

dnamertz
Sat Mar 29 19:03:00 PDT 2008



"Big Al" wrote:

> I'm glad to put in my 2 cents, but you know, it really sounds like you
> have no idea what you are doing. Have you thought of getting someone a
> bit more experienced to do this?

Having never done this before, you are correct, I don't know what I'm doing.
That is why I'm on this site looking for help from people who are more
experienced, and I appreciate all the help. I know enough about using
computers to come on sites like this and get instructions from people who
know this stuff, but I can't bring myself to pay people to fix my computer
(or do my taxes) when I can do it myself by asking questions online.

Big
Sat Mar 29 19:19:15 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:
>
> "Big Al" wrote:
>
>> I'm glad to put in my 2 cents, but you know, it really sounds like you
>> have no idea what you are doing. Have you thought of getting someone a
>> bit more experienced to do this?
>
> Having never done this before, you are correct, I don't know what I'm doing.
> That is why I'm on this site looking for help from people who are more
> experienced, and I appreciate all the help. I know enough about using
> computers to come on sites like this and get instructions from people who
> know this stuff, but I can't bring myself to pay people to fix my computer
> (or do my taxes) when I can do it myself by asking questions online.
>
Okay here is a stupid comment. But a reallllly safe way to do this is
to backup whatever on CD. Buy a new drive, replace it and load the OS
and go from there and restore.
You can always go back to the old HD to get stuff if you screw up. Make
notes and you'll be 1000% wiser when done.
Then you buy cheap USB external drive enclosure (14$ 3 months ago) and
put the old drive it in and use it as a backup. (optional)!
If you bought the usb enclosure along with drive, you can use it to
retrieve data during the rebuild.

That's how I did it. I borrowed someones drive, I had the source. But
I did a mock load and found out my issues. It takes NO SOFTWARE.

You can even buy a small drive, as small as you can to just get the OS
on and working and your restore. And later you can image the whole
system back to the original drive if its larger. There are ways. But
that's not here and now.

Daave
Sat Mar 29 19:35:24 PDT 2008

dnamertz wrote:

> I wrote down all my email setting, but I'm not sure what I'll need to
> get my internet connection back up after I reinstall Windows. Isn't
> there an IP Address somewhere...I can't find it.

That last sentence doesn't make much sense!

How do you connect to the Internet? Dial-up? Cable? DSL? FIOS?

Who is your Internet Service Provider? Do you still have the information
they gave you regarding how to go online?

> What other settings will I need to know?

The settings were given to you by your ISP. What happens when you do the
following:

Start | Run | ncpa.cpl | OK ?