also @ TechSpot: Windows 8 Release Preview leaked, Microsoft may raise OEM prices

TechSpot
Collaborate in the cloud with Office, Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync.
Microsoft Office 365. Pay-as-you-go starting at $8/user/month. Begin your free trial now.

I want to completely wipe my HD & reinstall XP !?!?

Discussion in 'Other Hardware' started by Ptath-59, Aug 23, 2005.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
Page 2 of 2

  1. SNGX1275 TechSpot Special Forces

    Thats not entirely correct.

    You can start the XP install from a 98 boot floppy by selecting boot with cd support. Then at the prompt type <cddrive>\I386\winnt.exe and it will fire up.
    The problem with doing this is smartdrv.exe isn't installed so it will install at a snails pace, to fix this you can either download smartdrv and put it on another floppy, or you can insert your 98 or Me disk at the prompt and run <cddrive>\Win98\smartdrv.exe substitute 98 with 9x if its a Me disk.
    So what you want to do is do the smartdrv.exe thing first, then insert your XP cd.
    Note: This will work with XP upgrade cds too, it doesn't need to be full install.
    SNGX1275, Aug 26, 2005
    #21

  2. zephead TechSpot Paladin

    i've seen that attempted before. and when i saw it, the installation failed before the setup program could finish loading. alas, there is no certianity in windows...
    zephead, Aug 27, 2005
    #22

  3. nimd4

    Sp1 = fast and sleek, Sp2 = bulky and sluggish .. supposedly more secure, lots of updated files (network, net, etc.), though it's known to break a few programs (in the past) ..

    Basically imho if you haven't got a third-party firewall, packet monitor, antivirus, regprotection etc., keep your Winblows up to date ..

    If at least you've turned off the "dangerous services", tweaked your system with: xpantispy, powertoys tweakui, are running a firewall (Kerio 2.1.5 still best 4 me), and antivirus (McAfee 7.03 PRO best 4 me because offline updates are possible), you could stick to Sp1 because it is "faster"; and no stupid comments please ;)
    nimd4, Sep 13, 2005
    #23

  4. zephead TechSpot Paladin

    i (and other tech i've met) have an especially lowly opinion of mcafee on account of it's lack of protective abilities. that plus the security vulernability of SP1 would lead to some problems, i imagine.

    i would reccomend keeping windows updated for security and reliability reasons.
    zephead, Sep 13, 2005
    #24

  5. nimd4

    Ok cool. But what then? Norton, AVG ? I don't think so :( What would be the right antivirus then? One that includes email and office (especially) protection? In your opinion?..
    nimd4, Sep 14, 2005
    #25

  6. zephead TechSpot Paladin

    i reccomend using AVG free edition. (free.grisoft.com) it is costs nothing and is quite capable. in addition to that you'll need a firewall such as sygate or kerio. finally, you should use a spyware protection such as ad aware SE personal. everything i mentioned is freely available and d/l sites can be found easily using google.

    after you install/configure said apps, make sure you keep them updated and run system scans frequently.
    zephead, Sep 14, 2005
    #26

  7. nimd4

    Yea tnx, I've got Kerio 2.1.5 (still heheH) and it's funny you should mention sygate because I also think it's VERY good, but a few people know about it/like it/use it?.. anyway I just cannot come to terms with AVG (read: I think it's crap lol) .. as far as spyware protections, this computer has the HTTP filtered by Proxomitron with Grypen's set and no MSIE (except when building), so I'm sweet :) Tnx again for this little correspondence ;) :)
    nimd4, Sep 15, 2005
    #27
Page 2 of 2
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.