Is WinXP Sp3 update necessary?

[Roy]

You must have done it wrong; 58MB is entirely too small!

What CD burning program are you using?

Do you know how to boot off a CD-ROM drive?

What is the make and model of the problematic PC?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well something changed for the better just now


Well , at last I managed to sort out this acronis problem.
I did thorough disk cleaning with the Tune up utilities v.2009.
including the defragmentation of the registry. After that I was able
to reinstall the Windows Installer which to my surprise did sort out
the corrupted windows installer issue and enabled me to reinstall the
Acronis on that PC.
I also made a rescue disk and still the same file size was obtained 58
mb...
Therefore the type of PC is not relevant here...because the other one
with WinXP home was and Hp and this one is Sony VAIO.
I am using ultraiso to burnt it into the C drive....


Now I tried to check the image file on the H drive and itwas already
readable,,,
However when I tried to restore the image file to the C drive I was
prompted with a notice that the particular drive is corrupted so I
cancelled the restoration some other time until I am clear about it
this issue.

Here is what I did.
Clicked the acronis shortcut and it was started and selected the
restore back up option
Restore data wizard> password to open> then presented with a choice
either: 1) to restore disk or partition 2) sector by sector
restoration 3) restore specified files and folder
When I selected the partition of that hard drive I am presented with
two options:
C drive and MBR and track 0, I checked C drive and was noted with a
prompt saying
THE ARCHIVE IS CORRUPTED> clicked ok ,,,
Then what comes out was: Restored partition location , I selected
again the C drive > Restored Partition type presented with two options
a) active , b) logical> I selected active> Restored Partition size on
which under it is Specify and the size and location of the restored
partition which under it displays the status of the C drive with its
file size., where both the maximum and minimum partition is 18.63 GB>
Next , was the appearance of Logical Drive letter, specify a drive
letter for the restored partition which by default , ‘ Yes, I will
assign a logical drive letter to the restored partition with C as the
default letter that is seen in the box. I clicked next then, which a
prompt which says:
Would you like to restore a partition or hard disk from the back up?
Which; ‘ you can restore another hard disk drive or partition from
the back up archive. Do you want to choose another partition or a hard
disk drive? Which I am prompted with another two choices a) Yes I want
to restore another partition or hard disk drive or b) I do not
At this point I know that I only want to restore the C drive but the
prompt offer something a bit confusing so I hesitated here…but when I
clicked next I was prompted with ‘ Choose restore option’ with
another two options a) default option and b) set the options
manually , clicking next I was prompted by another option
Disk partition recovery from Archive
File from H:\ ACronis back up of C drive , below it is two notices
Operation 1 of 2 reboot required
Deleting partition
Hard Disk 1
Drive letter C
File system NTFS
Volume level VAIO
Size 18.63 GB
Operation 2 of 2
Restoring Partition Sector by Sector
Hard disk 1
Drive letter C
File System NTFS
Volume Level VAIO
Size 18.63 GB
Please to proceed or start
From this point I turned back for more consideration of the
implication of such move.


I have to be a bit more careful as knowing and error might make the
situation worse….
The actual size of the Acronis restore file in an external HDD is
13.5 GB but the file content of that drive was 18.65 GB, meaning there
is a 5GB for the laptop manufacturer installed recovery files.
This maybe the reason possibly why during my initial trial of
restoration, there was a notification of corrupted files ? What do you
think?
Now supposing I will go with the restoration, then how I see it , it
will overwrite the existing files in the C drive, inclusive the
program and the lot? But as the recovery partition was not part of the
file imaging back up then does it mean that is not affected at all by
this recovery process?

 

[Roy]

I am using ultraiso to burnt it into the C drive

should be ...I am using ultraiso to burn it in the CD...

 

[Daave]

Well something changed for the better just now


Well , at last I managed to sort out this acronis problem.
I did thorough disk cleaning with the Tune up utilities v.2009.
including the defragmentation of the registry.

Interesting.

FWIW, if a registry ever were to become "fragmented," it wouldn't affect
anything adversely. That was just a placebo!

Furthermore, registry cleaning, in general, can be risky business. Every
now and then you will find a post in this newsgroup where someone, after
running one of these programs, creates a situation where their PC can't
even boot up! That is why it is never recommended (by the overwhelming
majority of the regulars). In your particular case, you may have lucked
out. There may have been a specific problem (the after-effects of an
incomplete uninstallation routine, perhaps) that somehow *was* solved by
running your "Tune up" program. I wouldn't rule out that possibility.
But, still, this program is not something I would normally recommend!

After that I was able
to reinstall the Windows Installer which to my surprise did sort out
the corrupted windows installer issue and enabled me to reinstall the
Acronis on that PC.

That's good news. If your only problem was with Windows Installer (and
this thread has gotten way too long to remember!), then you may not need
to anything at all. If your only other issue is amount of free space,
then -- short of putting in a larger drive -- you can look at this link:

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/fb7b76aad6b98c10?hl=en

I also made a rescue disk and still the same file size was obtained 58
mb...

That can't be right.

Therefore the type of PC is not relevant here...because the other one
with WinXP home was and Hp and this one is Sony VAIO.
I am using ultraiso to burnt it into the C drive....


Now I tried to check the image file on the H drive and itwas already
readable,,,
However when I tried to restore the image file to the C drive I was
prompted with a notice that the particular drive is corrupted so I
cancelled the restoration some other time until I am clear about it
this issue.

LOL ! Corrupted? You may need to get a new hard drive after all!

Here is what I did.
Clicked the acronis shortcut and it was started and selected the
restore back up option
Restore data wizard> password to open> then presented with a choice
either: 1) to restore disk or partition 2) sector by sector
restoration 3) restore specified files and folder
When I selected the partition of that hard drive I am presented with
two options:
C drive and MBR and track 0, I checked C drive

<snip>

MBR needs to be checked, too.

and was noted with a
prompt saying
THE ARCHIVE IS CORRUPTED> clicked ok ,,,

I wouldn't have clicked OK.

Do you get that same message if MBR is also checked?

After you created your image archive, did you validate it? If not, you
can still do this. If there's something wrong with the image archive,
you will obviously not be able to restore it.

[remainder snipped]

 

[Roy]

FWIW, if a registry ever were to become "fragmented," it wouldn't affect
anything adversely. That was just a placebo!

Not sure about that, but if it works with my problem then it’s a real

running your "Tune up" program. I wouldn't rule out that possibility.
But, still, this program is not something I would normally recommend!

That's good news. If your only problem was with Windows Installer (and
this thread has gotten way too long to remember!), then you may not need
to anything at all. If your only other issue is amount of free space,
then -- short of putting in a larger drive -- you can look at this link:

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg...

Regarding disk clean up, the Tune up Utilities have done that nicely
and helped me regularly how to improve disk space but why I am still
careful in deleting files I am unsure about its importance…
In fact the even the accumulated restore points I just don’t delete
it constantly but wait until its file size becomes too large—more
than a gig.

That can't be right.

That is what I don't understand why..... In fact I did it twice on
each PC to check and got the same file size
Can you tell me what should be the normal file size for this
particular file?

<snip>

The message arrived before I checked Ok and if I won't check it I
can't go to the next step

Do you get that same message if MBR is also checked?

Hmm …..have not checked it yet.

After you created your image archive, did you validate it? If not, you
can still do this. If there's something wrong with the image archive,
you will obviously not be able to restore it.

I can't remember,,but possibly yes as I am just following the acronis
prompt during the image archive creation….


The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.

 

[Daave]

Not sure about that, but if it works with my problem then it’s a real
cure! <grin>

The program very well may have helped, but it wasn't the defragging
action; it would have been the deletion of a problematic leftover
registry entry.

Regarding disk clean up, the Tune up Utilities have done that nicely
and helped me regularly how to improve disk space but why I am still
careful in deleting files I am unsure about its importance…
In fact the even the accumulated restore points I just don’t delete
it constantly but wait until its file size becomes too large—more
than a gig.

That is what I don't understand why..... In fact I did it twice on
each PC to check and got the same file size
Can you tell me what should be the normal file size for this
particular file?

My bad. That is the correct size. I was confusing that CD with the one I
have (which also serves as the installation CD).

The message arrived before I checked Ok and if I won't check it I
can't go to the next step

Hmm …..have not checked it yet.

I can't remember,,but possibly yes as I am just following the acronis
prompt during the image archive creation….

If you can't remember, be safe and assume you didn't do it. But it's not
too late. You can validate it now. Keep in mind I have Version 9, but
the action should be similar. In the main window, towards the bottom is
a section called "Pick a Tool." In that section, I click on the link
that says Validate Backup Archive. Follow the wizard prompts.

The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.

Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and drop
function.

You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:

Right-hand column, Line 233.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000

Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.

 

[Roy]

On Apr 29, 10:28 pm, "Daave" <[email protected]>
wrote:

Not sure about that, but if it works with my problem then it’s a real
cure! <grin>

The program very well may have helped, but it wasn't the defragging
action; it would have been the deletion of a problematic leftover
registry entry.

Regarding disk clean up, the Tune up Utilities have done that nicely
and helped me regularly how to improve disk space but why I am still
careful in deleting files I am unsure about its importance…
In fact the even the  accumulated restore points I  just don’t delete
it  constantly but wait until its  file size becomes too large—more
than a gig.

That is what I don't understand why..... In fact I did it twice  on
each PC to check and got the same file size
Can you tell me what should be the normal  file size for this
particular file?

My bad. That is the correct size. I was confusing that CD with the one I
have (which also serves as the installation CD).

The message arrived before I checked Ok and if I won't check it I
can't go to the next step

Hmm     …..have not  checked it yet.

I can't remember,,but possibly yes as I am just following the acronis
prompt during the image archive creation….

If you can't remember, be safe and assume you didn't do it. But it's not
too late. You can validate it now. Keep in mind I have Version 9, but
the action should be similar. In the main window, towards the bottom is
a section called "Pick a Tool." In that section, I click on the link
that says Validate Backup Archive. Follow the wizard prompts.

The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.

Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and drop
function.

You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:

Right-hand column, Line 233.http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advan­ced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo­rer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000

Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well thanks, I have tried the kellys thing#223 but it did not change
the situation..
I also tried to manually modify the registry but when I reached Start
enable drag and drop I can find the D word but only the REG_WORD data
0X00000001
then with the second after no change start menu is REG_WORD data
0x00000000(0)
Is this okay?
I will try that Acronis thing latter....

 

[Daave]

Roy wrote:

The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.

Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and
drop function.

You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:

Right-hand column, Line
233.http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advan­ced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo­rer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000

Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well thanks, I have tried the kellys thing#223 but it did not change
the situation..
I also tried to manually modify the registry but when I reached Start
enable drag and drop I can find the D word but only the REG_WORD data
0X00000001
then with the second after no change start menu is REG_WORD data
0x00000000(0)
Is this okay?

There might be a typo in there, somewhere!

"Can" or "can't"?

No such thing as REG_WORD. If you look at the Type column, it should be
REG_DWORD.

After you run Kelly's tweak, you should see the following two lines in
the main window:

_Name_ _Type_ _Data_
NoChangeStartMenu REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
Start_EnableDragDrop REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)

I'm not saying those tweaks *will* fix your problem. I just thought they
might be worth a try.

At this point, you should definitely start a new thread for that
specific issue if you need further assistance.

 

[Roy]

Roy wrote:
The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.
Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and
drop function.
You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:
Right-hand column, Line
233.http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advan­­ced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo­­rer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000
Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Well thanks, I have tried the kellys thing#223 but it did not change
the situation..
I also tried to manually modify the registry but when I reached Start
enable drag and drop I can find the D word but only the REG_WORD data
0X00000001
then with the second  after no change start menu is REG_WORD  data
0x00000000(0)
Is this okay?

There might be a typo in there, somewhere!

"Can" or "can't"?

No such thing as REG_WORD. If you look at the Type column, it should be
REG_DWORD.

After you run Kelly's tweak, you should see the following two lines in
the main window:

_Name_                             _Type_                        _Data_
 NoChangeStartMenu            REG_DWORD       0x00000000 (0)
 Start_EnableDragDrop         REG_DWORD       0x00000001 (1)

I'm not saying those tweaks *will* fix your problem. I just thought they
might be worth a try.

At this point, you should definitely start a new thread for that
specific issue if you need further assistance. - Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks...for your answers!
Anyway , just found out that the Acronis TIB file when validated was
found to be corrupted...

 

[Roy]

On Apr 30, 10:18 am, "Daave" <[email protected]>
wrote:
Roy wrote:
The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain the
functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet that
would work.
Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and
drop function.
You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:
Right-hand column, Line
233.http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advan­­­ced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo­­­rer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000
Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Well thanks, I have tried the kellys thing#223 but it did not change
the situation..
I also tried to manually modify the registry but when I reached Start
enable drag and drop I can find the D word but only the REG_WORD data
0X00000001
then with the second  after no change start menu is REG_WORD  data
0x00000000(0)
Is this okay?

There might be a typo in there, somewhere!

"Can" or "can't"?

No such thing as REG_WORD. If you look at the Type column, it should be
REG_DWORD.

After you run Kelly's tweak, you should see the following two lines in
the main window:

_Name_                             _Type_                         _Data_
 NoChangeStartMenu            REG_DWORD       0x00000000 (0)
 Start_EnableDragDrop         REG_DWORD       0x00000001 (1)

I'm not saying those tweaks *will* fix your problem. I just thought they
might be worth a try.

At this point, you should definitely start a new thread for that
specific issue if you need further assistance. - Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks...for your answers!
Anyway , just found out that the Acronis TIB file when validated was
found to be corrupted...- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Acronis note
Error 00070020 the archive is corrupted

 

[Daave]

Roy wrote:
On Apr 30, 10:18 am, "Daave" <[email protected]>
wrote:
Roy wrote:
The only remaining problem that I have to sort out is to regain
the functionality of the DRAG and DROP files into folders
And hope somebody have a special tool that I have not tried yet
that would work.

Best course of action: Start a brand new thread for that. Give a
detailed description of what happens when you perform the drag and
drop function.

You might want to first try Kelly's tweak:

Right-hand column, Line
233.http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Or you can just manually change the registry, using these values:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advan­­­ced]
"Start_EnableDragDrop"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo­­­rer]
"NoChangeStartMenu"=dword:00000000

Note: Downloading and then double-clicking Kelly's .reg file would
accomplish the same thing.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well thanks, I have tried the kellys thing#223 but it did not
change the situation..
I also tried to manually modify the registry but when I reached
Start enable drag and drop I can find the D word but only the
REG_WORD data 0X00000001
then with the second after no change start menu is REG_WORD data
0x00000000(0)
Is this okay?

There might be a typo in there, somewhere!

"Can" or "can't"?

No such thing as REG_WORD. If you look at the Type column, it
should be REG_DWORD.

After you run Kelly's tweak, you should see the following two lines
in the main window:

_Name_ _Type_ _Data_
NoChangeStartMenu REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
Start_EnableDragDrop REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)

I'm not saying those tweaks *will* fix your problem. I just thought
they might be worth a try.

At this point, you should definitely start a new thread for that
specific issue if you need further assistance. - Hide quoted
text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks...for your answers!
Anyway , just found out that the Acronis TIB file when validated was
found to be corrupted...- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Acronis note
Error 00070020 the archive is corrupted

It's no good. :-( That is why it is important to validate immediately
after creating it!

Okay, so restoring an image prior to your SP3 installation ain't gonna
happen. That's probably okay since from what I can tell, you have
resolved almost all of the problems (save the drag and drop).

Since you paid for Acronis, you are entitled to support, so contact
them. It's important to be able to create archives that can be restored!
I Googled that error number but couldn't come up with much. This hit had
the most info:

http://forums.techguy.org/all-other-software/528036-acronis-corrupted-file-can-saved.html

Down the road, you might also want to look into creating a Bart PE
rescue CD with Acronis plugin. That's what I like to use.

 

[BillW50]

In Daave typed n Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:33:17 -0400:

That's because he neglected to totally disable an antivirus program.


I would never buy a laptop with such a small amount (4GB, correct?) of
storage space! I'm surprised they even exist.

Why do you say that, Daave? I still have two Toshiba 2595XDVD laptops
('99 era) that came with 6GB hard drives. I did try a 60GB hard drive in
one of them just to see if it would work and it did. And I put the 6GB
back in there. One I put Windows 98SE on it (they came with Windows
98FE) and the other one I put Windows 2000 on it.

They both came with 64MB of RAM soldered on the motherboard. And allows
another 128MB max in a single memory slot. Which I upgraded both of them
right away. Giving me 192MB total RAM. And the gripes I have with these
machines isn't the 6GB hard drives, but the limit on the RAM. Especially
for Windows 2000 and I suspect for Windows XP too.

Yes Daave, this one has 4GB SSD (solid state drive). I have other
netbooks with 8GB SSD too. And what makes these netbooks so much better
than my old Toshibas is that I can put 2GB of RAM into them. I don't
need 2GB, as I have some with just 1GB of RAM and I can live with that
too. Although 2GB is nice with a RAMDisk and running Microsoft EWF.

These netbooks also sports a SD card slot. And I have lots of those and
even two of which are 16GB in size. That is plenty for data storage for
my needs. I am even using a 4GB SD(HC) card right now to see if it is
enough. And most of the time, it is plenty of space. I also have
external USB hard drives. Although I just basically use them for
archives and backups.

So I have no idea why you don't believe 4GB machines are useful? As I
use them most of the time. I don't hardly use my two Gateway MX6124 ('06
era) laptops much anymore. As these netbooks do the same jobs (except
for video/audio editing and my flight simulators) anyway for me. Plus
these SSD are truly portable. As moving a conventional hard drive you
have to worry about too much movement and cause head crashes. Not so
with these SSD. Drop them, kick them, and they just keep on running.
That works for me. <grin>

 

[Daave]

In Daave typed n Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:33:17 -0400:

Why do you say that, Daave? I still have two Toshiba 2595XDVD laptops
('99 era) that came with 6GB hard drives. I did try a 60GB hard drive
in one of them just to see if it would work and it did. And I put the
6GB back in there. One I put Windows 98SE on it (they came with
Windows 98FE) and the other one I put Windows 2000 on it.

They both came with 64MB of RAM soldered on the motherboard. And
allows another 128MB max in a single memory slot. Which I upgraded
both of them right away. Giving me 192MB total RAM. And the gripes I
have with these machines isn't the 6GB hard drives, but the limit on
the RAM. Especially for Windows 2000 and I suspect for Windows XP too.

Yes Daave, this one has 4GB SSD (solid state drive). I have other
netbooks with 8GB SSD too. And what makes these netbooks so much
better than my old Toshibas is that I can put 2GB of RAM into them. I
don't need 2GB, as I have some with just 1GB of RAM and I can live
with that too. Although 2GB is nice with a RAMDisk and running
Microsoft EWF.
These netbooks also sports a SD card slot. And I have lots of those
and even two of which are 16GB in size. That is plenty for data
storage for my needs. I am even using a 4GB SD(HC) card right now to
see if it is enough. And most of the time, it is plenty of space. I
also have external USB hard drives. Although I just basically use
them for archives and backups.

So I have no idea why you don't believe 4GB machines are useful? As I
use them most of the time. I don't hardly use my two Gateway MX6124
('06 era) laptops much anymore. As these netbooks do the same jobs
(except for video/audio editing and my flight simulators) anyway for
me. Plus these SSD are truly portable. As moving a conventional hard
drive you have to worry about too much movement and cause head
crashes. Not so with these SSD. Drop them, kick them, and they just
keep on running. That works for me. <grin>

I would want to be able to install a number of programs. 4GB simply
isn't large enough for XP (and that would be my OS of choice) plus
programs. (Keep in mind that XP also needs free space available.
Otherwise, defragging and System Restore are affected.) I suppose it
would be fine for just Web browsing and e-mail, though. I suppose I
could play with Mini XP or Linux but for now, it's not something that
interests me.

 

[BillW50]

In Daave typed on Sun, 3 May 2009 12:15:46 -0400:

I would want to be able to install a number of programs. 4GB simply
isn't large enough for XP (and that would be my OS of choice) plus
programs. (Keep in mind that XP also needs free space available.
Otherwise, defragging and System Restore are affected.) I suppose it
would be fine for just Web browsing and e-mail, though. I suppose I
could play with Mini XP or Linux but for now, it's not something that
interests me.

Well I would be interested in how much would be enough for you? And yes,
Windows XP is my favorite OS as well and I rather run it than anything
else. Windows 2000 is my second choice. I have seven computers running
Windows XP, so I have plenty to pick from. <grin>

And I agree with you about needing free space for Windows XP. But this
isn't necessary. As I turn off pagefile, System Restore, and defragging
on a solid state drive isn't necessary. Thus if you have enough RAM, I
have found no downside to turning off the pagefile (virtual memory).

Living without System Restore was tough for me at first. But I got over
that as making backups are far superior to System Restore anyway. And
with 4GB of space, backups are quick and easy. As I could go make some
coffee or something and even a complete backup it is done when I come
back. I have other computers too, so I don't depend on a single computer
anyway even if one is busy doing something.

Also even this 4G netbook, I don't even use the SSD for temps and
Internet temp. As I send all of that stuff to a RAMDisk. Both for extra
speed and space. And that works out really well too. That is unless
something wants to use tons of space like video/audio editing. Now such
a setup doesn't work. But that is okay, that is what non-netbooks are
for anyway. <grin>