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Windows XP: Install NT Backup utility

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows XP | No Comments


The default installation of Windows XP Professional will install NTBackup utility on the computer. However, this utility is not installed by default in Windows XP Home edition. Unlike common belief, this utility is available on the installation disc for Windows XP Home edition as well. Its not installed by default though. In today’s environment, where everyone tends to store critical information on computer, it is essential to have a backup utility.

If you are using Windows XP Home and interested in installing the backup utility, follow the steps below:

  1. Insert the Windows XP installation disk in the CD/DVD drive of your computer
  2. This should launch the Windows XP setup screen automatically. If this window does not appear, go to “My Computer“, right click on the CD/DVD drive and click on “AutoPlay” option on the pop up menu. This will launch the setup screen.
  3. On the setup screen, click on “Perform Additional Tasks“
  4. On the next screen, click on “Browse this CD“
  5. This will take you to a folder list where you will see a list of files and folders. On this window, double click on “VALUEADD” folder.
  6. In this folder, double click on “NTBACKUP”. This will launch the installation of Ntbackup utility
  7. Follow the installation steps and this will add this utility on your computer

Once installed, this utility will be available to you through Start–>All programs–>Accessories–>System Tools–>Backup.

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Tags: backup, install, Microsoft, ntbackup, Recovery, restore, utility, windows, XP

How to keep Windows XP machine healthy?

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows XP | No Comments


Lot of us experience slow performance of our computer as we continue to use our machines every day. A lot of technical support requirement is generated due to slow performance of computers. Other than slow performance, there is that ever increasing security risk that is associated with various applications that we use everyday, such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office. Microsoft has provided tools with its Operating System to ensure that your computer stays healthy and gives you a long life of optimal performance.

Here is what you can do to keep your computer healthy:

  1. Click on “Start” button”
  2. Click on “Control Panel“
  3. On the Control Panel window, double click on “Scheduled Tasks“
  4. This will launch a Task Scheduler window. On this window, click on “Add Scheduled Task” and then click on “Next“
  5. On the list of applications, click on “Disk Cleanup” and click on “Next“
  6. From the frequency options, select “Weekly” and then click on “Next“. This will ensure that you get rid of unwanted files from your computer every week. Please note that whenever the task scheduler launches Disk Cleanup Wizard, it will give you options for the files to delete. Make sure you go through the entire list carefully to ensure that you don’t loose any information that you may need later.
  7. Select a preferred time and day when you would want your computer to run this wizard. Then click on “Next“
  8. It will prompt you for a username and password. Please enter your windows login details here. After entering the details, click on “Next“
  9. Click on “Finish” to complete the process.

The above process will only run disk cleanup every week. It is also recommended that you run Disk Defragment tool and Disk Checking tool every month. To Add Disk Defragment to the scheduler, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow the first 4 steps as mentioned above
  2. Click on “Browse” on the window where a list of applications is provided
  3. On the browse window, go to Windows –>System32–>defrag.exe
  4. Select the file above and click on “OK“
  5. Follow the steps listed earlier from point 6 onwards. The only difference will be the frequency. The frequency for this should be set up as “Monthly“

Follow the same steps for checking hard disk for errors every month. The only difference is that in Step 3, you will need to highlight the file “CHKDSK.exe“.

Once complete you have created a good maintenance plan fo your computer and your machine will not go into the never ending slow performance loop.

Other than this, you should also keep your Windows Update settings to “Automatic”. This means that whenever you connect your computer to internet, Windows Update will scan the system for latest updates and offer updates for download and installation whenver one is available. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Click on “Start“
  2. Click on “Run“
  3. On the Run box, type “sysdm.cpl” and click on “OK“.
  4. On the window that opens, click on “Automatic Updates” tab and select the option (Radio Button) “Automatic (recommended)“
  5. Click on “OK“

This will ensure that all security updates are installed on your computer.

I hope this will help you in keeping your computer healthy and problem free. Happy Computing.

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Tags: defragment, disk, healthy, Microsoft, performance, scheduler, slow, task, windows, XP

Identify Hardware components from Windows mode

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


There are times when we format the hard drive, without realizing that it may be very difficult to install drivers for all the devices. Don’t worry, if you have done that, there is a way to identify the devices from within windows Operating System. Follow the steps below to identify the hardware:

On the Desktop screen, click on “Start” –> “Run“–> Type “devmgmt.msc” and click on “OK“. For Vista, on the quick search window type “devmgmt.msc” and click on it once vista shows the search results.
It will launch “Device Manager” window for you. Here you will see a list of devices with (+) sign next to them. For any device for which a driver is not installed will have a YELLOW exclamation or question next to them.
Locate the device that has the yellow mark and “Right Click on it“
On the pop-up menu, click on “Properties“
On the Properties window, click on the drop down box that says “Device description” and click on “Hardware IDs” on the drop down menu to select it.
You will see something like this when you select this option:
USB\VID_0A5C&PID_2110&REV_0100

USB\VID_0A5&PID_2110

Here, VID/VEN IDs denote Vendors. In this example, the VID is 0A5.

The device id is usually denoted through PID/DEV. Her the device ID is 2110.

7. Once you have these IDs with you, go to pcidatabase and search using Device ID. It will tell you which device is installed on your computer.

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Tags: device, drivers, hardware, howto, identify, Microsoft, Vista, XP

Automated System Recovery: Windows XP

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Windows XP | No Comments



Automated System Recovery (ASR) feature in Windows XP allows users to create backups to be prepared for a complete system crash situation. This helps in rebuilding the system from a scratch.

Microsoft recommends users to create ASR disks regularly to be prepared in case the system fails. This is the last resort after Safe Mode and other troubleshooting steps have failed.

The ASR wizard backs up system state, system services and other components of the Operating System. The restoration through ASR can be accessed by tapping F2 key when prompted.

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Tags: backup, boot, Recovery, restore, system, Windows XP

Unmountable Boot Volume – Windows XP

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows XP | No Comments


Exact Error Message:

STOP 0x000000ED (0xaaaaaaaa,0xbbbbbbbb,0xcccccccc,0xdddddddd)
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

(Note: aaaaaaaa, bbbbbbbb, cccccccc, and dddddddd are hexadecimal numbers)

Following are the situations in which you might get this error message

1. UDMA Hard Disk Controller issues

  • You are using UDMA on a 40 wire cable (Which is meant for DMA).
  • The basic input/output system (BIOS) settings are configured to force the faster UDMA modes.

UDMA stands for Ultra Direct Memory Access. This is an improvement over DMA (Direct Memory Access).

UDMA requires 80 Wire 40 Pin cable to connect. whereas DMA requires a 40 wire cable to connect.

 

     2.    The file system is damaged and cannot be mounted

 

Solution:

There are 2 troubleshooting sequences you can try:

  1. Try and Repair the Volume

Warning: You might lose some data in the process of repairing the Volume. Also these steps involve changes in BIOS, if you are not comfortable doing them do not try them!!.

In order to repair the volume, you will have to boot to Recovery Console. You would need either of following to boot the computer to Recovery Console:

  • Startup Disk for Windows XP
  • OS Installation disk for Windows XP

You would also need the Administrator Password to access Recovery Console.

Once you have either the Startup Disk or OS installation disk handy, perform following steps:

  • Change the boot sequence to either Floppy or CD in BIOS, depending on what you are using (Startup Disk – Floppy, Installation Disk – CD)
  • Boot the computer using Startup Disk or CD and press R to select Repair option on Welcome to Setup

       5183-500-275

  • You will be prompted for Administrator Password, once you enter it you will be inside Recovery Console.
  • Type chkdsk /r and press Enter.
  • This will run the repair on the Volume, it will take some time to let it be for a while.
  • Once the repair is complete, check if it has found any errors or not. Restart you computer and check if the issue is resolved.
  • If you are still getting the same error message, boot to Recovery Console again and type fixboot and press Enter.

Restart your computer and check if it works. If it still does not work, in all probability issue is with HDD cable and BIOS settings. move to next troubleshooting sequence.

  

      2.    Check the HDD Cable and BIOS settings

If repairing the Volume does not help, you can try to change a setting in BIOS and check the HDD cable you are using.

Try following:

  • In the BIOS settings for your computer, load the ‘Fail-Safe’ default settings, and then reactivate the most frequently used options, such as USB Support
  • Check your Hard Disk connecting cable. If you are using a 40 wire cable, change it with a 80 wire cable.

 

Hope this helps !!!!

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Tags: boot, boot issues, unmountable, unmountable boot volume, unmountable_boot_volume, unmountable_boot_volume Windows XP, volume, window, window xp, windows, Windows XP

Windows Easy Transfer – Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Windows Easy Transfer is a tool provided by Microsoft (Now interated with their OS) which can be used to transfer files and settings from one computer to another. If you want to transfer whole of your data or just few selected files from one computer to another, this is the tool for you. What’s more, this tool can be used over different Windows based Operating Systems. I would be explaining this tool and its features in detail in this article.

 

Operating Systems which support Windows Easy Transfer:

  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000

 

What all can I transfer using Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7?

 You can transfer almost everything, except Installed Programs/Applications.

You can transfer following:

  • Data stored in all the files and folders on your Computer.
  • User Account Specific Data
  • Music files, Videos and Pictures
  • User Settings, Windows Settings and Internet Explorer Settings
  • Emails, Email Client Settings and Contacts
  • Data and Settings related to Programs/Applications installed on your computer

 

What all modes can I use to Transfer Data using Windows Easy Transfer?

This is where it gets very easy…. Windows Easy Transfer provides you with lots of flexibility in how you want to move data from one computer to another.

You can use any of the following:

  • Easy Transfer Cable: This is easiest of the method. Transfer Cable is a USB cable which you can plug to both the computers and can transfer data peer to peer. You will first have to install a small software on both the computers, after that once you plug in this cable, Windows Easy Transfer wizard will start automatically.
  • Computers on a Network: You can also choose a Network location on your home network to transfer data to.
  • Removable HDD: You can transfer data to a exernal drive and then copy it on another computer.
  • CD/DVD: You can burn data on a CD or a DVD using Windows Easy Transfer and then move data to the other computer.

 

How to use Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 to move files and settings?

I have mentioned step by step process to use Windows Easy Transfer below.

  • Open Windows Easy Transfer. In order to do this, simply click on start and search for easy transfer as shown below.

                WET1          

  •  Alternatively, you can goto Control Panel —–> Getting Started —–> Transfer files and settings from another computer.

            WET2

 

  • You will get the Welcome Screen, Click next.

             wet3

 

  • Wizard will now give you option to choose Medium of Transfer. Choose the appropriate medium and click next.

             wet4

 

  • Next, wizard will prompt you to identify wether this computer is a new one or old. Definitions are below:

              New Computer: This is the computer to which you are transfering the files and settings.

              Old Computer: This is the computer from which you are transfering files and settings. (Choose This)

             wet5

 

  • Now Wizard will scan through you computer and display a list of use accounts that can be transfered. Put a tick next to items you want to transfer.

             wet7

            

  •  Wizard will now prompt you for a Password, put the password if you want to secure your transfer data. Ensure that you remember this password. You will not be able to complete transfer on your destination computer if you do not provide this password. (This password is optional, leave it blank if you want to)

             wet8

 

  • Now the last step, Wizard will prompt you to save the transfer file that it has created on to a location. You can burn this on HDD, CD/DVD.

              wet9

You are done with the first step of File Transfer. Move to your destination computer now and following following steps:

 

  • Run the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows 7 again.
  • Continue till step 5 as mentioned above.
  • Once you have chosen this as your New Computer, wizard will prompt you for location of Transfer files. Choose appropriate option from the screen (Snapshot below)

             wet10

 

              Now browse through the location where you have saved the transfer files. You can browse to a location on your HDD, CD/DVD also.

             wet12

  

  • Now choose what all items you want to transfer.

             wet13

 

  • Wizard will now transfer all the selected items. Once done, it will give you options to check what items were transfered.

              wet15

 

 

Cheers!!!    smileyface5

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Tags: backup, data, data backup, data move, data transfer windows 7, easy, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

How to Backup/Transfer data on Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Windows Vista provides you with some good utilities to accomplish following tasks:

  • Transfer data and user settings to another computer
  •  Backup data on your computer as a contingency plan

Below is how you can easily transfer data or back it up on Windows 7:

1. Transfer data and user settings to another computer:

Windows 7 provides you with Windows Easy Transfer. This utility gives you the capability of backing up your settings and user data on a medium(Exernal HDD, Flash Drive or DVD). After that you can restore these settings and user data on the new computer using the medium.

Search for Windows Easy Transfer in the Start Search box to access it.

2. Backup data on your computer:

For this you can use Backup and Restore Center in Windows 7. This utility is a step by step guide which will enable you to take one time backup or schedule a regular backup for your computer. Please ensure that you have saved any unsaved data and close all open documents before running this utility. Also, please keep in mind that data backed up on Windows 7 can be restore only on a computer running Windows 7.

Search for backup or Restore in the Start Search box to access this utility.

 

Hope this helps!!

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Tags: backup, backup data, data, data backup, easy, how, howto, to, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

Windows 7 on Apple Mac

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Apple, Windows 7 | 1 Comment

Apple is knows for constant innovation and evloution. Moving from proprietary “in-box” processor to Intel based processors was a great move for Apple. Exploiting the capabilities of Intel processors, Apple has provisioned for using Microsoft Windows Operating System alongside the Mac OSX. Though this may not impress Apple fans, but provides an opportunity to PC users to switch to Apple hardware.

Apple has made this possible through their revolutionary “Boot Camp” application. Boot Camp enables installation of Windows on Intel based Mac Computer using a Microsoft Windows installation CD/DVD.  Apple provides full hardware and video support for Windows XP & Windows Vista.

Since it supports Windows Vista, I thought of getting my hands on to Boot Camp to try and get Windows 7 work on Apple machine.

Apple instantly recognized the burned ISO of Windows 7 Beta and installed it like any other version of Windows. There were some issues with the drivers, but I was able to successfully get rid of the problem through the Mac OS X disc that came with the machine. Browse to Drivers folder on the disc and whola… you are done.

There were some issues with sound, which I resolved by downloading the drivers from the manufacturer site.

I haven’t yet tried using the Windows 7 64 Bit on Mac Book, but if the drivers are available, it should work too.

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Tags: Apple, Mac, macintosh, Microsoft, Windows7

Are you ready for Windows 7?

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


It would be a simple question to answer if you are considering only Minimum system Requirements.

But you have ensure more comprehensive check of your system to ensure hassle free transition to Windows 7.

Following are few things you need to take care off before attempting upgrade/installation of Windows 7.

There are tools and scan utilities available which if you download and run on your machine will provide you with all the required information related to conflicting software, Drives etc.

Below are few tools which you can try:

1. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:

This tool generates a report which details out known compatibility issues. It will also give suggestions on how to take care of compatibility issues.

2. PC Pit Stop Utility:

This site will prompt for installation of an ActiveX control. Install this ActiveX and you will get a comprehensive scan result of your PC wrt Windows 7 readiness.

 

Cheers!!!

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Tags: check, compatibility, Compatibility check, compatibility issues, compatible, hardware, minimum, readiness, requirements, system, Upgrade, Window 7, Windows 7

Can I upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7?

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


Yes!!!!! You can.

But here is the catch, Microsoft has not provided option to directly upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP. There are various options of getting Windows 7 on the computer, but almost all of them would result in you losing your data and your programs.

There is but one way by which you can atleast preserve your data.

Even though, Upgrade is not an option in the setup if we are running it on Windows XP, however we can migrate files and settings from old installation to new one. In order to accomplish this you will have to use Windows easy transfer. You will basically have to transfer the data using this utility to a removable media and then transfer it back once the installation is done. You will however lose all the installed programs and will have to install them back!!!!.

 Following is the summary of the activites involved:

  • Move your files/data using Windows Easy Transfer onto an external media (External HDD, Flash Drive).
  • Install Windows 7 (Remember to choose Custom Installation – Upgrade).
  • Move the files/data back on the computer using Windows Easy Transfer.

Now, this seems elementary, but this might not be a smooth sail throughout.

Ensure that your computer meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 7 and also run a compatibility check.

In order to get a step by step details of the upgrade process, visit following link:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674%28WS.10%29.aspx

Also, you will find Screen Shots of the installation steps at BlogsDNA:

http://www.blogsdna.com/3217/step-by-step-guide-to-upgrade-windows-xp-to-windows-7.htm

 

Microsoft has also released video of how data migration can be simplified through User State Migration Tool (USMT) version 4.0. Click here to watch the video. (You will have to install Microsoft SilverLight for this)

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Tags: howto, Microsoft, Upgrade, USMT, Window 7, Windows 7, Windows XP, XP