Weird error message at startup

[Dude76]

did you try to just format the harddrive and re-install windows? Who knows what kind of softwre the previous user was running on there and what kind of spyware/virus are breeding on the harddrive :) I've had similar problems before, it could also be due to driver conflicts. First I would try format the harddrive and re-insall windows before buying a new drive.

[bigH2O]

did you try to just format the harddrive and re-install windows? Who knows what kind of softwre the previous user was running on there and what kind of spyware/virus are breeding on the harddrive :) I've had similar problems before, it could also be due to driver conflicts. First I would try format the harddrive and re-insall windows before buying a new drive.You should understand that formatting doesn't really do anything other than wipe out the information that tells the system what files exist on the computer, and where they are. It makes the OS think that there is nothing there, but in fact, everything still exists so if you have a virus on the system, you will still have a virus when you re-load the OS. If you re-load the OS and still have problems, you will either need to replace the hard drive (old hard drives are fun to shoot with a .357 magnum) or do a thorough wipe on it before reloading the OS. Info about wiping the drive so that it is squeaky clean can be found at http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/. The utility is free, and the information about how it works is a learning experience in itself. Hit the link on the left hand side of the page that says "Secure Deletion of Data from Magnetic and Solid-State Memory". You'll never look at file deletion or trying to hide your surfing habits in the same way again.

[mozzer11]

Yea I tried reformatting but it won't work.
About the new hard drive, do I have to buy a new copy of XP also or can I use the XP disc I got with my old computer?

[bigH2O]

Your license gives you the right to use your copy of XP on one machine. If you put it on another drive, and take the other drive out of service, then you should be okay.

HOWEVER. In most cases XP will phone home to register itself with MS, so if it does that and MS sees that that the key is already registered, then it might balk at activating your key on the new drive. Your best bet would be to contact MS directly and explain your situation to them. They will either de-activate your existing key on the current drive so that it can be re-activated, or give you a new key.

[lmnobs]

If you have the install or Refresh disk and the serial # or registration your good to go

[lmnobs]

Never did clarify whether this is a used or NEW unit .....

[lmnobs]

If it's a new box from a sale or something it prob never been on the net and or updated

[mozzer11]

It's used

[lmnobs]

Vantim and bigH2O has ya steered straight .

[Dude76]

You should understand that formatting doesn't really do anything other than wipe out the information that tells the system what files exist on the computer, and where they are. It makes the OS think that there is nothing there, but in fact, everything still exists so if you have a virus on the system, you will still have a virus when you re-load the OS. If you re-load the OS and still have problems, you will either need to replace the hard drive (old hard drives are fun to shoot with a .357 magnum) or do a thorough wipe on it before reloading the OS. Info about wiping the drive so that it is squeaky clean can be found at http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/. The utility is free, and the information about how it works is a learning experience in itself. Hit the link on the left hand side of the page that says "Secure Deletion of Data from Magnetic and Solid-State Memory". You'll never look at file deletion or trying to hide your surfing habits in the same way again.

I dont' understand this, how can a virus still stay after formatting if the FAT or NTSC systems are compeltely wiped out along with the registry. I always format my harddrive - after saving all necessary files when I feel that spyware has gotten out of control and/or messed up my registry beyond repair. The trick is to use full format, it takes a while but you will be sure there is nothing left.

[bigH2O]

A low level format is all that will wipe out everything, but a low level format is unadvisable on most modern drives because it can screw up the geometry of the drive. "Format C:\" only wipes out the file allocation table, it doesn't eliminate any files from the system, it just tells the system that they don't exist so that they can be overwritten. Many viruses are "smart" enough to protect themselves in a clean install, and re-infect your system immediately. The only way to be sure you've eliminated the virus is to wipe the drive, or low level format it, and as I've already stated, low level formatting is a dangerous proposition.

[vantim]

Formatting that drive low level or not would be Ok, but he cannot even access the drive. So no matter what.... that's not going to work.

@Mozzer11. Just reinstall windows and you'll be fine. If you just recently installed this version it may bark. But since your install ing on the exact same hardware it probably won't. If it does MS supplies you with a phone number to call. When you call you probably won't even talk to a human. Just have a pen and paper handy as they will give you a 45 digit code to input.


You're going to be fine....So quit worrying. :cool:

[bigH2O]

Agreed regarding the inability to access the drive, but he asked a semi technical question as to how a virus could survive through a format, so I gave him a semi technical explanation. Dat's my job.

[vantim]

You're absolutely right BigH20.... Good job!!! :cool:

And with that I think the all the questions in this thread have been answered.


THREAD CLOSED!!!!!!!