Do I really have to reinstall Windows and if so...

buses7675

Hi All,

To restore a Dell with XP, you need to press Ctrl, then F11 on the boot screen. That will then let you into Symantec Ghost which after a few clicks and just a few mins will restore your hard disk back to how it was when you bought the PC.

So the manual says too, you need to press Ctrl, then F11, then release both, rather than pressing both together.

Dells are very reliable PCs in my view, just Windows has its problems!

Cheers

CravingSaving

Browntoa wrote: »

it's actually

Control Panel
then
Administrative Tools
then
Services
and they are both in the list
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
AND
SSDP Discovery Service

should show status as Started and manual

:think: Thanks for this. The only difference is that SSDP Discovery Service said Automatic not Manual, and I "restarted" them both just for good measure.

Off to make notes of the other advice given here... will report back...!

CravingSaving

buses7675 wrote: »

Hi All,

To restore a Dell with XP, you need to press Ctrl, then F11 on the boot screen. That will then let you into Symantec Ghost which after a few clicks and just a few mins will restore your hard disk back to how it was when you bought the PC.

So the manual says too, you need to press Ctrl, then F11, then release both, rather than pressing both together.

Dells are very reliable PCs in my view, just Windows has its problems!

Cheers

Right.... going to save all photos and docs to disc, then give this a go.......
fingers crossed......

CravingSaving

OK, all photos and docs saved to discs.

Before I reinstall Windows XP, is there anything else I need to know?

What else will I have to reinstall? Wireless router? Spyware/Adware type programs? Everything else I have installed since getting the Laptop?

Once I know all this, I can make a note of what I have installed, to be ready to reinstall it all after the big Windows reinstall...!!!

Can you hear the panic setting in?!:rolleyes:

Oh, and thank you to everyone who has helped get me this far!

wallbash

What else will I have to reinstall? Wireless router? Spyware/Adware type programs? Everything else I have installed since getting the Laptop?

Yes !

Think of it as a good spring clean.

totalsolutions

Check you have your ISP user names and passwords for Email services to login later also bank details, anything you have "saved password" for amazing what you cannot remember later.
You need to copy emails, favourites/bookmarks copied, documents, anything on the desktop, email contacts loads, really.

Just try the "repair" option first, also I think Dell have their own version of Windows.

cloudedjudgement

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;817900

Just_landed

CravingSaving wrote: »

I am having problems with installing/connecting any USB devices, eg phone, camera, mass storage devices..

Thanks!

I had a similar problem to yourself a couple of weeks ago IE:- USB 2 & connecting devises, tried allsorts inc trying lasted drivers ect. I was convinced it was SP3 but I could not remove it to check. I then contacted Microsft convinced it was that, we tried all the methods I had tried myself from their website. I even let them take control of my computer so they could do what they wanted to do (it was amazing what from India in this case they can do) at no cost to myself as well, they spent at least couple of hours in a number of sessions trying to remove SP3 all to no avail. In the end we decided that we would leave the problem unresolved. I then bought a new card reader which was one of the problems I was having with new drivers which I presume are compatible for SP3. I then removed SP3 by doing a repair with the XP home disc, I will say I have done repairs a number of times for different reasons but this time it took about four hours. Anyway it removed SP3, now every time I connect any of my USB devices IE external hard drives etc, they work. I am reluctant to reinstall SP3 but probably will one day. Pick the bones out of what I have said and you might get to the bottom of your promlems. :cool:

CravingSaving

The bones are: Check for and remove SP3.

The wishbone is that this will solve my problem!!

Will give it a go. Thanks.


Oh, CoudedJudgement - Thanks for the link. I have tried all those solutions, though I cannot actually "uninstall", just "disable" the USB controllers, then "reinable" them, which didn't work.

There has been progress of sorts though... I found an old memory stick hiding in my handbag and plugged that in for a laugh... and yay - it recognised that and that works ok.

TBH though, I am now more confused than ever!

Off to check for SP3....

CravingSaving

Right, this is it.

I have tried everything else.... now I am going to have to reinstall Windows.

Wish me luck.