Tag: Windows XP

How To Delete Windows Vista Completely Part 2

So assuming you have already downloaded a DOS copy, make sure you also have the following:

1. Bootable Windows XP Installation Disk with authentic Serial Key
2. Hardware Device Drivers

As for the Windows Vista disc (normally the starter pack), set it aside and say goodbye to that irritating software that never really helped you.

And now the sweet part!

1. Using the BIOS of your computer, change the boot sequence making sure your CD drive becomes the first boot device and then the hard drive. This is to make sure that you boot up using the bootable burned DOS CD (the downloaded DOS ISO format and burned on a CDR). Once you have that configured, save your settings and continue to boot. Make sure you have the DOS CD in the hard drive.
2. Turn on your PC with the DOS CD and wait for the actual DOS system to appear in your screen.
a. Type FDISK and view the partitions. Delete all the partitions one by one until you see no partitions at all. This way you are sure no trace of Windows Vista is around.
b. Do not create partitions. You don’t have to. Once you run Windows XP, you will be asked to make partitions before you can install it so don’t worry if DOS does not allow you to create partitions.
c. Shut down the PC and replace the DOS CD with your bootable Windows XP CD.
3. Boot using the Windows XP CD. From here you can see that you can install a totally new operating system. Partition them as you wish and allow Windows XP to do its thing. It may take you about 30 minutes or less to install a new system and then place the actual device drivers as needed.

So there you have it. With such simple steps, you can delete that buggy Windows Vista and have a totally new operating system installed. If you are among the people who are finding a way to remedy the Windows Vista problem, well nothing comes easier than that!

How To Delete Windows Vista Completely Part 1

We are all aware that today, Windows Vista is being egged on as the new operating system released by Microsoft corporation for use. While I have not tried to use it, there are people who are saying that it is still buggy and may need more patches before the perfect version comes out. Apparently, Windows Vista is following the same footsteps that previous Windows Operating systems such as Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows XP underwent before they were cleared and made reliable to use on.

Unlike the previous Microsoft operating systems, chances are you may find Windows Vista entirely frustrating if in case you want to downgrade to Windows XP once again. There have been posts on the web about turning to dual boot options due to some problems such as driver compatibility on the web but just the same, I think it would be best to delete the entire Windows Vista and install a fresh copy of the Windows XP OS.

This is easier said than done. For one, there will be instances where Vista will stop you from overwriting them if you use the CD to load. If only there was the trusty old FDISK that allowed you to delete partitions and create new ones. But problems such as no floppy drive use these days pose a problem. There are some which only have CD drives to use and normally, you will not find the DOS programs available unless you are able to download them somewhere on the web.

On the next post I will be explaining how you can erase Windows Vista and install a fresh copy of Windows XP. But before doing that, I would suggest you download a copy of the old DOS operating system (in ZIP or ISO) and burn it to a blank CDR.

You can download a copy of the old bootable DOS system here.

Is Your Software Authentic?

The undying hunt for pirated versions of Windows operating system is still in the air and apparently while affiliated hunters of illegal using Microsoft owners are out there, it still remains that there are still over a million of users who are thriving on pirated software. For one, the humongous amount to buy a license of Windows Products does not come cheap and may not be affordable. So while the efforts are there, you have to wonder Microsoft intends to go about it.

Apparently, one is to track them using the WGA or Windows Genuine Advantage. Under this new strategy, the screen will blackout and will continue to do so until a genuine copy of Windows is installed and validated. Quite a neat strategy but the thing is, how can you target the home owners?

One measure is through the automatic update where patches are downloaded and installed for Windows protection. But for the wise users, you can easily turn off the auto update option and still continue to use the said pirated Windows version. So how do you settle that?

Apparently you cannot just barge into any private home and ask them if you can check their computer and operating system. They can always say no and should you force it you will be charged for trespassing.

If it is aimed at companies, then perhaps they can whittle down the problem. But between corporate and home business users, surely the numbers will dwindle in count but not totally. Perhaps another strategy is in order.

Source

Can your Rely on the Windows XP System Restore Option?

One thing you must love about Windows XP is that they have the system restore option active at times that makes it easier for you to restore at some point after you have properly backed up your system. But along with that backup includes problems such as infected files by viruses or Trojans. That is perhaps if you noticed, that sometimes, when you have to get rid of a dreaded virus, tutorials will tell you to temporarily turn off the system restore option to make sure that you don’t leave any trace of these infections.

But the question is on whether you really need the system restore turned on. Some would turn it off to be safe while others just leave it on. This is to avoid the problems of infections at times but if you are wise, it is best to leave it on, especially if you are not too technically savvy about tinkering your operating system.

A good practice to consider is to of course set a restore point and then turn off the system restore. But before you do, make sure that this restore point is virus free and reliable. That way, you can be sure that once something unfortunate occurs, you can always rely on your backed up system to get back online.

With the system restore turned on, a lot of issues can be avoided. While you may lose some current files, it is better to lose a few rather than reformatting the whole computer and lose a lot!

Save Energy by Using the Power Options

After you have successfully installed your Windows Operating System such as Windows XP, most settings are placed on default. Normally included in this would be the auto shut off options for your hard disk and your video card. Depending on your preference, they can be good power savers and can help a lot in reducing the stress of computer parts concerned when you happen to leave your desktop or laptop idle for some time.

But overall, they are meant to help safeguard you computer as far as leaving it open for quite some time. The computer parts such as your video card and your hard drive are taking heat when they are operational. Unless you are the type that needs the computer to be operational most of the time due to instances such as long hour downloading of large files like videos, it would be wise to save on the wear and tear as well as the energy you are consuming. Energy in the sense that we are all aware of the fast dilapidating of our energy sources and each small help counts a lot.

For the techie freaks these days, many would turn these options off for their own reason. One is that they don’t want to go through the trouble of having to tap a key on their keyboards which may take some time to refresh and function as well. Besides, for these people, if one of the two, the hard disk or the video card, conks out, getting a new one of higher specs can be pretty much rewarding.

Why Force Consumers to Use Windows Vista?

Other than being one of the most sought after software today, Microsoft is indirectly commanding is to operate according to their wants. This obviously stems from the fact that most people today would be wise to use a Windows Vista since Windows XP will no longer be in the market if you need to reformat or buy a new PC.

But it gets better. Along with this notion comes the understanding the your PC has to be the latest in the market. Banking on the old ones may get you into problems such as slower computing and eventually banging your head on the wall because your PC is so slow. We all know that people want speed when they work or use their PC and apparently if you put both these developments together, you need to be wise in spending and buying your next computer station.

For most it may seem unfair. Being forced to upgrade your hardware and software is something that not all people can easily do. For one thing, thanks to the contribution of the economic crisis, any average consumer would want to save as much as possible.

In short, computer upgrades are common for companies or people who are techie. But if you talk about the average consumer, this is really a problem. There is an alternative however. You can always look for the fly by night vendor and ask if they have a Windows XP in stock. If not, well, you just have to deal with current trends as dictated by Microsoft and the technology market.

Windows XP SP3 on AMD Chips Showing Problems

Applying the patches and service packs issues by Microsoft Operating Systems are usually seen to be solutions to improve and safeguard Windows users but apparently there are issues surrounding the type of processor that is in use. If you use an Intel based processors, chances are you will not be having much trouble installing and rebooting your system. The real problem really exists when AMD processors are being used and much of this lies in the configuration.

Apparently, to be able to adhere towards the proper specifications, some tweaks have to be done to the main processor of AMD based units to accept the new add-ons and patches offered periodically. Normally, you will have issue after applying the updated patches and this becomes a cause for consideration on whether people should install the service packs or not.

Ideally, installing these patches is a good way to be able to safeguard your computer from threats around the web. But in some cases like this AMD issue, it would be best to be open to proper installation and compatibility issues. In short, as a user you should be able to research and find proper troubleshooting tips so that you can avoid messing up your current system rather than improving it.

There are several issues that can cause a Windows XP computer to not reboot properly after installing Service Pack 3. Most of them affect relatively specific configurations, and most appear to have relatively simple work-arounds. Please: do not do anything rash. I have seen a lot of reports of people who reformat and reinstall when they run into this problem, losing all their data in the process.

Source

When will Microsoft REALLY Stop Windows XP Distribution?

If you are a long-time Windows XP user, you have to wonder when the sales for this Microsoft operating software will cease to be sold. The last we heard was that Windows XP will stop selling by June but apparently thanks to the Netbook, there seems to be an extension of sorts. This desktop PC from Microsoft is set to come out this August and if that should happen, how can Microsoft stop production if they are offering a desktop PC that runs only with Windows XP?

Everything is geared towards pushing all Microsoft users to shift to their new OS, the Microsoft Vista. If you look at it, this new installment is applicable only to new computers with higher specs. For old PC users, you will notice that the preference is still the Windows XP series since other than using up lesser resources, they cannot afford to upgrade to the new PCs in the market today and just because Microsoft say so, it does not follow that they should buy new hardware as well.

Add to the fact that people will make do with what they have. They still have their original CDs (assuming they are licensed) and with that, you have to understand that shifting to the new OS may not be among their priorities. Microsoft may have Netbooks but apparently closing down the Windows XP will have to wait. We just have to look at the past on how they phased out Windows 95 and Windows 98. Evidently, Windows XP will be among that group.

Changing Computer Themes Easily

For most Windows XP users today, there is little to consider as far as changing your current default Windows XP Theme. You can choose between two ways:

The Traditional Way

  1. Go to the Control Panel and look for the Display Icon and double click on it.
  2. Once inside, you will immediately see the current theme which is usually the Windows XP theme. If you click on the field, you will see other default themes. Normally if it is a first time installation and you haven’t downloaded any new themes, only the Windows Classic options theme will be there for you to check out.
  3. If you have downloaded any other themes, just use the browse option and point it to the directory where you placed them. Then save and apply and you get a totally new makeover.

For more themes you can apply, you can go to reliable sites such as Themeworld.com which normally has a number of themes over there that you can download. A word of caution though. There will be a lot of sites offering free theme downloads. Unless you are sure that they are reliable based on recommendations, don’t think of even considering downloading them. They may give you more than a theme like a virus or spyware for your troubles.

The other way is of course right clicking on the main desktop. Once the menu comes out, select properties and you will get the same window as you did for the ones enumerated above. Follow each step as well.