Laptop with several XP problems

[mm]

Revised:



A young friend with not much money was given a beautiful laptop with

XP on it, as originally sold.





Oh, yes, Mike, sorry. It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.



No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

"Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?



It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.





But it has a strange collection of problems!



Maybe they're related or maybe some are well known?



1) None of the 3 USB ports work, with a flashdrive or a mouse. I think

they used to. The mouse or flash drive light up when plugged in, but

aren't noticed by Windows. How do I tell if this is a software or

hardware problem? (I really need a USB mouse because I hate the

built-in pad.)



2) The sound doesn't work and it says there is no sound device, though

there used to be!



3) When Device Manager is displayed, NO devices appear.



4) It boots maybe quicker than mine, but some things are verry slow.

A virus/trojan full hard drive scan showed nothing.



When I had this problem, a month after installing XP, I disabled all

the services and startup programs and reinstalled them a little at a

time. I found two services**, either of which slowed me down

tremendously, but he doesn't have either of those. Before checking

the services for him and startup programs, is there something I should

do first?



**Shell Hardware Detection, and Uninteruptable Power Supply.



Thanks a lot.

 

[mm]

Revised:



A young friend with not much money was given a beautiful laptop with

XP on it, as originally sold.





Oh, yes, Mike, sorry. It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.



No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

"Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?



It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.





But it has a strange collection of problems!



Maybe they're related or maybe some are well known?



1) None of the 3 USB ports work, with a flashdrive or a mouse. I think

they used to. The mouse or flash drive light up when plugged in, but

aren't noticed by Windows. How do I tell if this is a software or

hardware problem? (I really need a USB mouse because I hate the

built-in pad.)



2) The sound doesn't work and it says there is no sound device, though

there used to be!



3) When Device Manager is displayed, NO devices appear.



4) It boots maybe quicker than mine, but some things are verry slow.

A virus/trojan full hard drive scan showed nothing.



When I had this problem, a month after installing XP, I disabled all

the services and startup programs and reinstalled them a little at a

time. I found two services**, either of which slowed me down

tremendously, but he doesn't have either of those. Before checking

the services for him and startup programs, is there something I should

do first?



**Shell Hardware Detection, and Uninteruptable Power Supply.



Thanks a lot.

 

[windrider]

It sounds like the orignal owenr formated the HD then reinstalled the OS.

When this is done many non-microsoft drivers are not reinstalled (I've had

the same problem). You can either hunt down the individual drivers or order

the Recovery CD form the manufacturer. When I did this it cost $20 and a lot

less headaches.



"mm" wrote:



> Revised:

>

> A young friend with not much money was given a beautiful laptop with

> XP on it, as originally sold.

>

>

> Oh, yes, Mike, sorry. It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>

> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>

> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.

>

>

> But it has a strange collection of problems!

>

> Maybe they're related or maybe some are well known?

>

> 1) None of the 3 USB ports work, with a flashdrive or a mouse. I think

> they used to. The mouse or flash drive light up when plugged in, but

> aren't noticed by Windows. How do I tell if this is a software or

> hardware problem? (I really need a USB mouse because I hate the

> built-in pad.)

>

> 2) The sound doesn't work and it says there is no sound device, though

> there used to be!

>

> 3) When Device Manager is displayed, NO devices appear.

>

> 4) It boots maybe quicker than mine, but some things are verry slow.

> A virus/trojan full hard drive scan showed nothing.

>

> When I had this problem, a month after installing XP, I disabled all

> the services and startup programs and reinstalled them a little at a

> time. I found two services**, either of which slowed me down

> tremendously, but he doesn't have either of those. Before checking

> the services for him and startup programs, is there something I should

> do first?

>

> **Shell Hardware Detection, and Uninteruptable Power Supply.

>

> Thanks a lot.

> .

>

 

[windrider]

It sounds like the orignal owenr formated the HD then reinstalled the OS.

When this is done many non-microsoft drivers are not reinstalled (I've had

the same problem). You can either hunt down the individual drivers or order

the Recovery CD form the manufacturer. When I did this it cost $20 and a lot

less headaches.



"mm" wrote:



> Revised:

>

> A young friend with not much money was given a beautiful laptop with

> XP on it, as originally sold.

>

>

> Oh, yes, Mike, sorry. It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>

> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>

> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.

>

>

> But it has a strange collection of problems!

>

> Maybe they're related or maybe some are well known?

>

> 1) None of the 3 USB ports work, with a flashdrive or a mouse. I think

> they used to. The mouse or flash drive light up when plugged in, but

> aren't noticed by Windows. How do I tell if this is a software or

> hardware problem? (I really need a USB mouse because I hate the

> built-in pad.)

>

> 2) The sound doesn't work and it says there is no sound device, though

> there used to be!

>

> 3) When Device Manager is displayed, NO devices appear.

>

> 4) It boots maybe quicker than mine, but some things are verry slow.

> A virus/trojan full hard drive scan showed nothing.

>

> When I had this problem, a month after installing XP, I disabled all

> the services and startup programs and reinstalled them a little at a

> time. I found two services**, either of which slowed me down

> tremendously, but he doesn't have either of those. Before checking

> the services for him and startup programs, is there something I should

> do first?

>

> **Shell Hardware Detection, and Uninteruptable Power Supply.

>

> Thanks a lot.

> .

>

 

[Mike S]

On 6/7/2010 10:25 AM, mm wrote:

> Revised:

>

> It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>

> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>

> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.





Sorry I wasn't clearer. Instead of giving out CDs or DVDs for OS

reinstallations often there is a hidden partition that I don't think

Windows will show you (but a partition manager would) that has an image

of the OS. Anyway I'd give this a try if you don't mind wiping out

everything on the machine and starting over with a clean OS, the

condition it was in when the computer was new.



To be clear, if these instructions work, EVERYTHING will be deleted and

all data will be LOST. So if you're okay with that follow the

instructions to restore the machine to the factory defaults. Then you'll

have to install all Microsoft updates, and all software you want,

including your own security software, e.g. antivirus, antimalware, etc.

along with any drivers for any new hardware you want to use.



------

http://www.fixya.com/support/t887129-need_restore_factory_defaults



"When you turn on your system press F4 until you see the Phoenix

recovery Software appear. This should guide you to fix your problem.."



http://forum.notebookreview.com/averatec/244550-how-restore-3700-if-cant-boot.html



"When booting up, press F4 to access Recovey Option if your hard drive

has a hidden partition which stores factory images."

------



Does that work on your computer? Make sure you press and hold down the

F4 key immediately after turning the computer on. I think you may see

the typical windows graphics for a while, so don't reboot immediately,

give it a chance to load and make sure whether Windows or the restore

programs has loaded.



The manual can be downloaded here:

http://www.trigem.com/us/support/manuals.asp

You'll have to rename the download filename from 3700 to 3700.pdf to be

able to open it.



Mike

 

[Mike S]

On 6/7/2010 10:25 AM, mm wrote:

> Revised:

>

> It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>

> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>

> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.





Sorry I wasn't clearer. Instead of giving out CDs or DVDs for OS

reinstallations often there is a hidden partition that I don't think

Windows will show you (but a partition manager would) that has an image

of the OS. Anyway I'd give this a try if you don't mind wiping out

everything on the machine and starting over with a clean OS, the

condition it was in when the computer was new.



To be clear, if these instructions work, EVERYTHING will be deleted and

all data will be LOST. So if you're okay with that follow the

instructions to restore the machine to the factory defaults. Then you'll

have to install all Microsoft updates, and all software you want,

including your own security software, e.g. antivirus, antimalware, etc.

along with any drivers for any new hardware you want to use.



------

http://www.fixya.com/support/t887129-need_restore_factory_defaults



"When you turn on your system press F4 until you see the Phoenix

recovery Software appear. This should guide you to fix your problem.."



http://forum.notebookreview.com/averatec/244550-how-restore-3700-if-cant-boot.html



"When booting up, press F4 to access Recovey Option if your hard drive

has a hidden partition which stores factory images."

------



Does that work on your computer? Make sure you press and hold down the

F4 key immediately after turning the computer on. I think you may see

the typical windows graphics for a while, so don't reboot immediately,

give it a chance to load and make sure whether Windows or the restore

programs has loaded.



The manual can be downloaded here:

http://www.trigem.com/us/support/manuals.asp

You'll have to rename the download filename from 3700 to 3700.pdf to be

able to open it.



Mike

 

[mm]

On Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:02:02 -0700, Mike S wrote:



>On 6/7/2010 10:25 AM, mm wrote:

>> Revised:

>>

>> It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

>> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

>> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>>

>> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

>> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>>

>> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

>> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.

>

>

>Sorry I wasn't clearer. Instead of giving out CDs or DVDs for OS

>reinstallations often there is a hidden partition that I don't think

>Windows will show you (but a partition manager would) that has an image



I have a partition manager. If I don't make enough progress here,

I'll find it and check.



>of the OS. Anyway I'd give this a try if you don't mind wiping out

>everything on the machine and starting over with a clean OS, the

>condition it was in when the computer was new.

>

>To be clear, if these instructions work, EVERYTHING will be deleted and

>all data will be LOST. So if you're okay with that follow the



Well, I've been careful not to read my friend or his brother's email,

but not much seems installed. I may leave this decision up to him.

He's only 22 and ready to give up on this thing. I'm the one insisting

it can probably be fixed.



>instructions to restore the machine to the factory defaults. Then you'll

>have to install all Microsoft updates, and all software you want,

>including your own security software, e.g. antivirus, antimalware, etc.

>along with any drivers for any new hardware you want to use.

>

>------

>http://www.fixya.com/support/t887129-need_restore_factory_defaults

>

>"When you turn on your system press F4 until you see the Phoenix

>recovery Software appear. This should guide you to fix your problem.."

>

>http://forum.notebookreview.com/averatec/244550-how-restore-3700-if-cant-boot.html

>

>"When booting up, press F4 to access Recovey Option if your hard drive

>has a hidden partition which stores factory images."

>------

>

>Does that work on your computer? Make sure you press and hold down the



Yes, Wow, thanks. This isn't in the owner's manual. So far the only

thing unusual is that it says Mouse not detected, even though the

mouse pad is working in Windows and in this Phoenix cME console

Troubleshooting/System Check section. Aha. Plugging in a USB mouse,

which didn't work in XP, is working here. Now the computer just

turned off for some reason! On restart to the same place, now it says

mouse is detected! And both the USB mouse and built-in mouse pad

work.



So this means, does it not, that the USB port does not have a hardware

problem, only a software problem in Windows?



Everything else in the Pheonix cME console works, but isn't meant to

do much. (Although it will run external programs). Except FWIW, I

looked at Phoenix FirstWare Recover Pro Quick Start, which will

restore to the last or some previous Backup Point, and the mouse

doesn't work there, but the mouse pad does.



Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?



Okay I restarted and the mouse doesn't work.



>F4 key immediately after turning the computer on. I think you may see

>the typical windows graphics for a while, so don't reboot immediately,

>give it a chance to load and make sure whether Windows or the restore

>programs has loaded.



>The manual can be downloaded here:

>http://www.trigem.com/us/support/manuals.asp

>You'll have to rename the download filename from 3700 to 3700.pdf to be

>able to open it.



Thanks again.



>Mike

 

[mm]

On Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:02:02 -0700, Mike S wrote:



>On 6/7/2010 10:25 AM, mm wrote:

>> Revised:

>>

>> It's an Averatec 3700 Series, with AMD 1800 MHz

>> CPU, 512Meg RAM, 60 Gig HDD, 4 in 1 card reader, Firewire, USB2, DVD

>> and CD-RW burner, wireless, and only 4 lbs.

>>

>> No evidence of a hidden partition in the manual. Folder Options has

>> "Show hidden files and folders". Is that enough to see it?

>>

>> It also has checked "Hide protected operating system files", but

>> unchecking that didn't show me a partition in Windows Explorer.

>

>

>Sorry I wasn't clearer. Instead of giving out CDs or DVDs for OS

>reinstallations often there is a hidden partition that I don't think

>Windows will show you (but a partition manager would) that has an image



I have a partition manager. If I don't make enough progress here,

I'll find it and check.



>of the OS. Anyway I'd give this a try if you don't mind wiping out

>everything on the machine and starting over with a clean OS, the

>condition it was in when the computer was new.

>

>To be clear, if these instructions work, EVERYTHING will be deleted and

>all data will be LOST. So if you're okay with that follow the



Well, I've been careful not to read my friend or his brother's email,

but not much seems installed. I may leave this decision up to him.

He's only 22 and ready to give up on this thing. I'm the one insisting

it can probably be fixed.



>instructions to restore the machine to the factory defaults. Then you'll

>have to install all Microsoft updates, and all software you want,

>including your own security software, e.g. antivirus, antimalware, etc.

>along with any drivers for any new hardware you want to use.

>

>------

>http://www.fixya.com/support/t887129-need_restore_factory_defaults

>

>"When you turn on your system press F4 until you see the Phoenix

>recovery Software appear. This should guide you to fix your problem.."

>

>http://forum.notebookreview.com/averatec/244550-how-restore-3700-if-cant-boot.html

>

>"When booting up, press F4 to access Recovey Option if your hard drive

>has a hidden partition which stores factory images."

>------

>

>Does that work on your computer? Make sure you press and hold down the



Yes, Wow, thanks. This isn't in the owner's manual. So far the only

thing unusual is that it says Mouse not detected, even though the

mouse pad is working in Windows and in this Phoenix cME console

Troubleshooting/System Check section. Aha. Plugging in a USB mouse,

which didn't work in XP, is working here. Now the computer just

turned off for some reason! On restart to the same place, now it says

mouse is detected! And both the USB mouse and built-in mouse pad

work.



So this means, does it not, that the USB port does not have a hardware

problem, only a software problem in Windows?



Everything else in the Pheonix cME console works, but isn't meant to

do much. (Although it will run external programs). Except FWIW, I

looked at Phoenix FirstWare Recover Pro Quick Start, which will

restore to the last or some previous Backup Point, and the mouse

doesn't work there, but the mouse pad does.



Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?



Okay I restarted and the mouse doesn't work.



>F4 key immediately after turning the computer on. I think you may see

>the typical windows graphics for a while, so don't reboot immediately,

>give it a chance to load and make sure whether Windows or the restore

>programs has loaded.



>The manual can be downloaded here:

>http://www.trigem.com/us/support/manuals.asp

>You'll have to rename the download filename from 3700 to 3700.pdf to be

>able to open it.



Thanks again.



>Mike

 

[Mike S]

> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?





I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.



Poorly written windows programs may not completely uninstall, bloating

the registry or leaving files that bloat windows. You may have programs

or fonts, or incorrect drivers, or less than optimal windows settings

left over from previous programs and users.



I think you're right about it having software issues, the hardware

sounds like it's working fine, if you are reluctant to do a restore I

would recommend reinstalling all of the drivers you can find.



Myself I would definitely do the factory restore. I just helped a woman

friend do that on a pc she got 2nd hand and she was surprised at how

much faster it was.

 

[Mike S]

> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?





I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.



Poorly written windows programs may not completely uninstall, bloating

the registry or leaving files that bloat windows. You may have programs

or fonts, or incorrect drivers, or less than optimal windows settings

left over from previous programs and users.



I think you're right about it having software issues, the hardware

sounds like it's working fine, if you are reluctant to do a restore I

would recommend reinstalling all of the drivers you can find.



Myself I would definitely do the factory restore. I just helped a woman

friend do that on a pc she got 2nd hand and she was surprised at how

much faster it was.

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:



>

>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>

>

>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.



Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.



I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

list.



When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



>Poorly written windows programs may not completely uninstall, bloating

>the registry or leaving files that bloat windows. You may have programs

>or fonts, or incorrect drivers, or less than optimal windows settings

>left over from previous programs and users.

>

>I think you're right about it having software issues, the hardware

>sounds like it's working fine, if you are reluctant to do a restore I

>would recommend reinstalling all of the drivers you can find.

>

>Myself I would definitely do the factory restore. I just helped a woman

>friend do that on a pc she got 2nd hand and she was surprised at how

>much faster it was.



My young friend says it's very slow too. And it might be, so that

would be great.

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:



>

>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>

>

>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.



Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.



I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

list.



When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



>Poorly written windows programs may not completely uninstall, bloating

>the registry or leaving files that bloat windows. You may have programs

>or fonts, or incorrect drivers, or less than optimal windows settings

>left over from previous programs and users.

>

>I think you're right about it having software issues, the hardware

>sounds like it's working fine, if you are reluctant to do a restore I

>would recommend reinstalling all of the drivers you can find.

>

>Myself I would definitely do the factory restore. I just helped a woman

>friend do that on a pc she got 2nd hand and she was surprised at how

>much faster it was.



My young friend says it's very slow too. And it might be, so that

would be great.

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:07:18 -0400, mm

wrote:



>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>

>>

>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>

>>

>>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.

>

>Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.



>I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>list.



>When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



I should have said that it is Phoenix Recover Pro.



Apparently this is available free for win2000 and XP. It works even

when windows is totally broken the website says, but I havent' found

the answer to the question above yet. One site:

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Download/58906,phoenix-recover-pro-6.aspx

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:07:18 -0400, mm

wrote:



>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>

>>

>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>

>>

>>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.

>

>Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.



>I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>list.



>When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



I should have said that it is Phoenix Recover Pro.



Apparently this is available free for win2000 and XP. It works even

when windows is totally broken the website says, but I havent' found

the answer to the question above yet. One site:

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Download/58906,phoenix-recover-pro-6.aspx

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:30:02 -0400, mm

wrote:



>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:07:18 -0400, mm

>wrote:

>

>>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>>

>>>

>>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>>

>>>

>>>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>>>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.

>>

>>Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>

>>I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>>list.

>

>>When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>>that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?

>

>I should have said that it is Phoenix Recover Pro.

>

>Apparently this is available free for win2000 and XP. It works even

>when windows is totally broken the website says, but I havent' found

>the answer to the question above yet. One site:

>http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Download/58906,phoenix-recover-pro-6.aspx



Sorry. it turns out this points to www.phoenix.com , the author,

which doesn't have it anymore, and the other sites are torrents or

something that I know little about except they scare me.

Also, www.nowfreedomdownloads.com seemed to have version 6, but it was

20 dollars a year and I'm afraid of it too. It wanted 6 more dollars

for dl protection, and 5 dollars for privacy. Why would I want

privacy?

 

[mm]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:30:02 -0400, mm

wrote:



>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:07:18 -0400, mm

>wrote:

>

>>On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>>

>>>

>>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>>

>>>

>>>I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory defaults

>>>restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a lot of junk.

>>

>>Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>

>>I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>>list.

>

>>When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>>that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?

>

>I should have said that it is Phoenix Recover Pro.

>

>Apparently this is available free for win2000 and XP. It works even

>when windows is totally broken the website says, but I havent' found

>the answer to the question above yet. One site:

>http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Download/58906,phoenix-recover-pro-6.aspx



Sorry. it turns out this points to www.phoenix.com , the author,

which doesn't have it anymore, and the other sites are torrents or

something that I know little about except they scare me.

Also, www.nowfreedomdownloads.com seemed to have version 6, but it was

20 dollars a year and I'm afraid of it too. It wanted 6 more dollars

for dl protection, and 5 dollars for privacy. Why would I want

privacy?

 

[Daave]

mm wrote:

> On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>

>>

>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>

>>

>> I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory

>> defaults restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a

>> lot of junk.

>

> Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>

> I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

> list.

>

> When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

> that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



Yes. Make sure you back up all data first, including e-mails and the

address book and Web browser favorites/bookmarks, to other media -- for

example, an external hard drive. Backing up e-mail (unless copies exist

on a mail server) can be a bit tricky if you don't know where to look.

If your friend uses Outlook Express, this page should help:



http://www.insideoe.com/backup/



Otherwise, Google for information for the mail client or ask here again.



Programs will need to be reinstalled. Likewise, service packs and

subsequent updates. If the clean restore takes you back to SP1, you may

install SP3 (since it includes SP2). Otherwise, post back for more

guidance.

 

[Daave]

mm wrote:

> On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>

>>

>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>

>>

>> I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory

>> defaults restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a

>> lot of junk.

>

> Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>

> I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

> list.

>

> When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

> that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?



Yes. Make sure you back up all data first, including e-mails and the

address book and Web browser favorites/bookmarks, to other media -- for

example, an external hard drive. Backing up e-mail (unless copies exist

on a mail server) can be a bit tricky if you don't know where to look.

If your friend uses Outlook Express, this page should help:



http://www.insideoe.com/backup/



Otherwise, Google for information for the mail client or ask here again.



Programs will need to be reinstalled. Likewise, service packs and

subsequent updates. If the clean restore takes you back to SP1, you may

install SP3 (since it includes SP2). Otherwise, post back for more

guidance.

 

[mm]

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 21:50:02 -0400, in

microsoft.public.windowsxp.general you wrote:



>mm wrote:

>> On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>>

>>>

>>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>>

>>>

>>> I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory

>>> defaults restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a

>>> lot of junk.

>>

>> Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>>

>> I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>> list.

>>

>> When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>> that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?

>

>Yes. Make sure you back up all data first, including e-mails and the

>address book and Web browser favorites/bookmarks, to other media -- for

>example, an external hard drive. Backing up e-mail (unless copies exist

>on a mail server) can be a bit tricky if you don't know where to look.



I was afraid that would be the case, so I've made arrangements with

him to back the stuff up. What he should have done is make a restore

point after he had everything installed, including service packs, but

he didn't. And every month? or so thereafter. Live and learn. I

don't think he even knew he had this restore program. It's not

mentioned in the manual. I think this will work. I hope so.



>If your friend uses Outlook Express, this page should help:

>

>http://www.insideoe.com/backup/



Actualy, I think he keeps all his mail on the web. He doesn't get

that much iiuc. I've been trying to talk him out of that, but this

time it helps him out. Plus maybe some of his brother's stuff is on

it.



>Otherwise, Google for information for the mail client or ask here again.

>

>Programs will need to be reinstalled. Likewise, service packs and

>subsequent updates. If the clean restore takes you back to SP1, you may

>install SP3 (since it includes SP2). Otherwise, post back for more

>guidance.



Thanks again. Copy to him with your list of things to back up (plus

any files he stored anywhere), and later to reinstall.

 

[mm]

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 21:50:02 -0400, in

microsoft.public.windowsxp.general you wrote:



>mm wrote:

>> On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:11:09 -0700, Mike S wrote:

>>

>>>

>>>> Do you think a Restore would help, especially if I can find out when

>>>> the sound, USB port, or Device Manager used to work?

>>>

>>>

>>> I agree with a previous post by Dave, doing a complete factory

>>> defaults restore would be the best idea, because it would remove a

>>> lot of junk.

>>

>> Okay. Thanks to both you and Daave.

>>

>> I just checked and the factory restore point is the only one on the

>> list.

>>

>> When I restore to it, does that nomrally delete data, like email

>> that's been received, or or remove software, like Chrome Browser?

>

>Yes. Make sure you back up all data first, including e-mails and the

>address book and Web browser favorites/bookmarks, to other media -- for

>example, an external hard drive. Backing up e-mail (unless copies exist

>on a mail server) can be a bit tricky if you don't know where to look.



I was afraid that would be the case, so I've made arrangements with

him to back the stuff up. What he should have done is make a restore

point after he had everything installed, including service packs, but

he didn't. And every month? or so thereafter. Live and learn. I

don't think he even knew he had this restore program. It's not

mentioned in the manual. I think this will work. I hope so.



>If your friend uses Outlook Express, this page should help:

>

>http://www.insideoe.com/backup/



Actualy, I think he keeps all his mail on the web. He doesn't get

that much iiuc. I've been trying to talk him out of that, but this

time it helps him out. Plus maybe some of his brother's stuff is on

it.



>Otherwise, Google for information for the mail client or ask here again.

>

>Programs will need to be reinstalled. Likewise, service packs and

>subsequent updates. If the clean restore takes you back to SP1, you may

>install SP3 (since it includes SP2). Otherwise, post back for more

>guidance.



Thanks again. Copy to him with your list of things to back up (plus

any files he stored anywhere), and later to reinstall.