How to backup XP and no-webview

[jw]

This message is a 3 part question

1.
I just bought a laptop with XP Pro. Although I have played with XP a
little, I have always used Windows 98se and Windows 2000 on my
desktop. Learning XP is challenging to say the least. First off, I'd
like to remove the folder web appearance. How do I do that? It's not
listed like it is in Win98 or 2K. I'd actually like to get it to look
more like Win98 or 2K, I like it simple without all the nonsense.

2.
This was a refurbished computer with no install CD for XP nor the
manual. I found the manual in PDF format on the web, but the seller
told me I have to order the install and repair CD from Microsoft, and
said it's about $20. I'm kind of wondering if MS still sells them
????? OR can I just get someone to make me a copy of one, since I
have the license number on the computer for my copy

3.
Most important, I want to back up the harddrive as it came from the
factory before I screw something up while learning how to use it.
(especially since I dont have a repair/install CD.) I have an
external USB harddrive, which worked fine as soon as I plugged it in.
I prefer to NOT use backup software that creates a huge backup file.
I have never had luck with those programs. To backup my desktop
computer, I just copy Win98 to the backup drive, everything except the
SWAP file. But backing up Windows 2000 was more of a challenge.
However I found a workaround. I backup (copy) every folder in the
Win2000 partition to the backup drive, then boot to Win98 and from 98
copy the DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS folder and the WINNT folder. However,
this is not possible with the laptop because there is no secondary OS.
I did copy the other folders, but how do I backup the WINDOWS and
DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS folders as individual files?

Thanks

 

[Don Phillipson]

This message is a 3 part question

1.
I just bought a laptop with XP Pro. Although I have played with XP a
little, I have always used Windows 98se and Windows 2000 on my
desktop. Learning XP is challenging to say the least. First off, I'd
like to remove the folder web appearance. How do I do that? It's not
listed like it is in Win98 or 2K. I'd actually like to get it to look
more like Win98 or 2K, I like it simple without all the nonsense.

You will (ultimately) prefer XP as more stable (in the way you
preferred Win98 over Win95.) You need only two manuals:
-- WindowsXP for Dummies (IDG) for basic configuration
-- WindowsXP Inside Out (Microsoft e-book) for advanced work
XP NTFS is truly more stable than FAT32. You can use some
Win98 tools and utilities that outperform XP (e.g. PowerDesk.)

3.
Most important, I want to back up the harddrive as it came from the
factory before I screw something up while learning how to use it.
(especially since I dont have a repair/install CD.) I have an
external USB harddrive, which worked fine as soon as I plugged it in.

As you know, Windows COPY refuses to copy certain system
files. Your best bet is the utility free from www.xxcopy.com which
has elaborate sets of parameters. I copy all C:\windows to ext. drive F:
via
xxcopy c:\windows f:\windows /s /BN /EXmyexcl1.lst
xxcopy "c:\documents and settings\don" "f:\documents and settings\don" /s
/BN /EXmyexcl1.lst

Be advised that some laptops keep SETUP source files in a
special hidden drive, visible via
/control panel / admin tools / computer management / storage / disk
management

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

This message is a 3 part question

1.
I just bought a laptop with XP Pro. Although I have played with XP a
little, I have always used Windows 98se and Windows 2000 on my
desktop. Learning XP is challenging to say the least. First off, I'd
like to remove the folder web appearance. How do I do that? It's not
listed like it is in Win98 or 2K. I'd actually like to get it to look
more like Win98 or 2K, I like it simple without all the nonsense.

Four points:

1. Windows XP is essentially nothing but a later version of Windows
2000; although it's more advanced and more stable, it's not very
different.

2. Windows XP is an old obsolete version of Windows; there's been two
later versions since then. Windows 98 is even older. Among the
disadvantages of such old versions is that they no longer get updates,
and that makes them more vulnerable to new malware as it hits the
field. Moreover, as new applications are released, there is a strong
likelihood that many of them will not work on such an old version of
Windows.

3. Windows XP is simple, and without nonsense. The two later versions
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) are even more so. You call it nonsense,
but that's almost certainly just because you are not familiar with it.

4. So (especially with regard to point number 3 above) going to XP now
doesn't make much sense. If you change operating systems, you should
change to the latest--Windows 7.

2.
This was a refurbished computer with no install CD for XP nor the
manual. I found the manual in PDF format on the web, but the seller
told me I have to order the install and repair CD from Microsoft, and
said it's about $20. I'm kind of wondering if MS still sells them
????? OR can I just get someone to make me a copy of one, since I
have the license number on the computer for my copy

The seller either doesn't know what he's talking about, or lied to
you. It is no longer possible to get XP from Microsoft. It's also very
hard to buy a copy from anyone else, except for a used copy. And if
you buy a used copy from someplace like eBay, you run the distinct
risk that it will be a pirated one.

 

[Steve Hayes]

2. Windows XP is an old obsolete version of Windows; there's been two
later versions since then. Windows 98 is even older. Among the
disadvantages of such old versions is that they no longer get updates,
and that makes them more vulnerable to new malware as it hits the
field. Moreover, as new applications are released, there is a strong
likelihood that many of them will not work on such an old version of
Windows.

I'm still getting updates for it, and it's probably the most widely-used
version. It may be old but it's not obsolete.

 

[Don Phillipson]

. . . Windows XP is an old obsolete version of Windows; there's been two
later versions since then. Windows 98 is even older. Among the
disadvantages of such old versions is that they no longer get updates,
and that makes them more vulnerable to new malware as it hits the field.

Is this really true? I should expect (1) old malware written for Win98
has probably by now gone extinct, and (2) new malware is likely to
be oriented to Win7 or Vista, and perhaps go unnoticed by XP.

Moreover, as new applications are released, there is a strong
likelihood that many of them will not work on such an old version of
Windows.

Agreed -- but hardware may be no less important. If we run Win98
and need a new printer, you may find no driver for our OS.

 

[jw]

I'm still getting updates for it, and it's probably the most widely-used
version. It may be old but it's not obsolete.

Thanks to all who replied.

Let me get right to the point about this. The computer came with a
legal license - label on bottom of computer with registration number.
Since XP is no longer sold, is it legal to get someone to burn me a
copy of the installer CD as long as I use it for this computer with my
regist. number? It seems that's the only way I can get it now, and
there's no sense buying a full registered version when I already have
a legal copy. I just want it in case I need to reinstall.

One further thing, I understand that new computers came with a "REPAIR
CD". Is that separate from the INSTALL CD or are they combined?

Finally, I have read that XP can be made to look more like Win98 /
Win2K. I dont mind having more power, and all of that, but I dont
need a cartoon dog (which likely is wasting resources), and I dont
want the desktop to look like a webpage. I think I'd feel more
comfortable with it if it had the more classic look, and I also dont
want or need this nonsense using up resources. I'd rather those
resources get used for programs and the web. The question is HOW do I
modify the desktop to get that classic look?

(I did manage to turn off the animated dog in control panel.... it's
cute, but I'm sure it's wasting resources, and while it might be cute
now, I'll be sick of it in no time.)

 

[Steve Hayes]

Thanks to all who replied.

Let me get right to the point about this. The computer came with a
legal license - label on bottom of computer with registration number.
Since XP is no longer sold, is it legal to get someone to burn me a
copy of the installer CD as long as I use it for this computer with my
regist. number? It seems that's the only way I can get it now, and
there's no sense buying a full registered version when I already have
a legal copy. I just want it in case I need to reinstall.

One further thing, I understand that new computers came with a "REPAIR
CD". Is that separate from the INSTALL CD or are they combined?

I got it on a laptop pre-installed, and it came with "repair" CDs that just
copy the installation, and remove all setting changes since. Though you don't
like big files, you'd be better off backing it up with something like Acronis,
which saves your data as well.

Finally, I have read that XP can be made to look more like Win98 /
Win2K. I dont mind having more power, and all of that, but I dont
need a cartoon dog (which likely is wasting resources), and I dont
want the desktop to look like a webpage. I think I'd feel more
comfortable with it if it had the more classic look, and I also dont
want or need this nonsense using up resources. I'd rather those
resources get used for programs and the web. The question is HOW do I
modify the desktop to get that classic look?

Yes it can, if you fiddle with the settings; look for "classic".

I discovered that with my XP laptop -- as updates arrived, both for the
operating system and programs like web browsers, they became bloated and
consumed more and more resources. The XP SP3 upgrade was particularly bad, and
eventually it took 10 minutes to shut down and 25 minutes to boot, and while
it was running the hard disk was churning all the time as it swapped to disk.
Using the "classic" desktop look saved a bit of memory, but not much.

I was trying to find some place that stocked memory cards to upgrade when
someone nicked it and solved that problem.

 

[jw]

Is this really true? I should expect (1) old malware written for Win98
has probably by now gone extinct, and (2) new malware is likely to
be oriented to Win7 or Vista, and perhaps go unnoticed by XP.

I use Win98 almost exclusively, and do ALL my internet stuff from 98.
My dualboot install of Win2000 is only for running USB backups due to
98's poor performance of USB. I also run a few programs in win2000
that wont run in 98. I have not had any virus problems in 98 for
years. Yea, I've gotten a few of those annoying spyware toolbars from
downloads, but no actual viruses. I think 98 is far more secure than
any of the NT based OSs. I dont even have an internet connection
enabled in Win2000. In all honesty, I dont need any OS beyond 98. 98
does everything I need, except for the USB issues.

This laptop came with XP installed. Sure I could wipe the drive and
install 98 or 2000, but I've decided to learn to use XP, and hopefully
get to like it. Besides that, I dont know if the built in WIFI card
would work with 98 or 2000. But this laptop will only be used when I
am traveling for WIFI connections. At home I'll stick with my win98
desktop.

Agreed -- but hardware may be no less important. If we run Win98
and need a new printer, you may find no driver for our OS.

Funny thing, this works in reverse too. I have an old Canon LBP-465
laser printer. I probably print 20 pages a year so this is fine and
the toner dont dry up like ink. Anyhow, this printer was made for
Win95. It works fine in Win98, but will not work at all in Win2000.
There is no driver for it. Not a real problem for me. If I create a
document in 2000, I just print it while booted to 98.
I guess if I did need a new printer for 98, there are millions of old
ones sold daily on craigslist and other places so I'm not too worried
about it.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Let me get right to the point about this. The computer came with a
legal license - label on bottom of computer with registration number.
Since XP is no longer sold, is it legal to get someone to burn me a
copy of the installer CD as long as I use it for this computer with my
regist. number?

Yes, it's legal. But bear in mind two things:

1. If you have a label with a product key on your computer, you have
an OEM copy of Windows. The copy burnt for you must also be an OEM
copy and match yours with respect to Windows XP edition (Home vs.
Professional); if it doesn't match, your key won't work with the
burned copy.

2. Most OEM copies are specific to the brand (and sometimes the model)
of computer, and won't work with computers that are different. So, for
example, if you have a Gateway computer, and someone with a Dell burns
a copy for you, it probably won't work on your computer.

 

[jw]

Yes, it's legal. But bear in mind two things:

1. If you have a label with a product key on your computer, you have
an OEM copy of Windows. The copy burnt for you must also be an OEM
copy and match yours with respect to Windows XP edition (Home vs.
Professional); if it doesn't match, your key won't work with the
burned copy.

2. Most OEM copies are specific to the brand (and sometimes the model)
of computer, and won't work with computers that are different. So, for
example, if you have a Gateway computer, and someone with a Dell burns
a copy for you, it probably won't work on your computer.

Thanks for the help. This is an IBM Thinkpad T43. I guess this makes
it more difficult. The OS is XP Professional SP3 build 2xxx (I know
the latest build is 5.xxx). So what if I get a generic version of XP
Pro SP3. Are you saying it wont work on my laptop? I dont see
anything specific to this computer except that it says "Lenovo" on a
few of the wallpapers. (I could care less about what wallpapers I
have since I normally use a photo from my own camera anyhow).
Or does this have something to do with the drivers for this computer
and motherboard? Maybe I'm misinformed, but I thought XP had the
drivers for all computers, except those who were not yet built at the
time of the OS release. This computer was made on 2005 and wasn't SP3
made in 2008 or 2009 (I think I read that????)

Thanks