101 replies to this topic

[jeff matthews]

Hello, I was recently on another topic discussion forum because of some major issues with my pc. I thought it had something to do with maleware so this guy Ken helped me with those issues, but apparently my problem is more about driver updates and possible hard ware or software incompatibility issues.

This was the topic i was at so if you need to read bout it to catch up we been talking about so it makes more sense, do so.

http://forums.whatth...howtopic=112906

Ken directed me to this area of the forum for help with installing windows 7, upgrading my computer so it runs smooth. Now there is a few things i want to go over with exactly what i want to have done so this doesn't sound confusing. First of all I already printed out the "printing version" of installing windows 7 so i have it handy. I also have another laptop so i can respond to these topics well installing and repartitioning my drive and installing windows 7 on my computer.

There are a few errors that i notice right off the bat and you can also read bout them in the other forum discussion i had with ken. But i will just briefly tell you what they are. First error is a "data prevention execution" that pops up when ever i open up any folders, it then closes out all my programs, makes the task bar disappear and then it reappears again after a short time. It makes all my programs non responsive so they have to close. The 2nd error i get is very similar to the first. When i open up folders, it gives me a dialog box that shows my CPU information at the top but under it, is a very big long line of scrambled text. I try to close it and it won't close. This also causes my programs to be non responsive and close out on me.

The third error i get i think is pertaining to my external hard drive. I have this external hard drive with all my backed up data on it. Its configured in windows as the I volume. What happens some times when i open it. Is the drive shows an error at the bottom right corner of the screen next to my tool bar that says "$Mft file corruption" After researching this online, i found out that the Mft files refer to the root files of the hard drive and with out them, windows won't be able to recognize the drive. So when i go back to my hard drive after that error occurs. It still shows that i have 60gb of space left out of 900gb. So its not like it reformatted, i just can't open up anything. The folders are there, but all the files completely disappear. So after researching this i downloaded a "active partition recovery for windows" software. I used it to fix the root Mft files and then the drive works. But only for a little while. then it just goes out again. Now in my opinion this can be two different things. Either my OS is corrupted and causing this issue to my external hard drive or my external hard drive is bad. But i have only had the drive for around a few months so i don't see how it can be damaged that quick. Considering those other 2 errors that i pointed out. I have came to the conclusion that my OS is just bad. Anyways this won't really matter because i plan on upgrading to windows 7 which brings me to my next part of the post.

I have never upgraded windows 7 before and i am not very talented with upgrading any OS, so i will need some help with this. I have tried upgrading windows xp lots of times but i usually end up with out of date drivers, codec problems BSOD errors and alot of other things. So i want to do it properly this time. You can look in kens post and see that i posted my "Windows 7 advisor log" to see if this computer is able to run windows 7. I happen to know it will be able to because i plan on upgrading to 4 gigs of ram so memory usage shouldn't be a problem. My problem is mostly about software conflicting issues and out of date drivers so this is what i really need help with.

There is a few things that i want to consider before partitioning my drive. First of all, i want to back up all my saved user id's and passwords on the internet. I can't afford to loose all that information. I have all my banking account information, game files, and business accounts on there. So some how i want to be able to back up my "stored user id's and passwords". The other thing i need to back up is my Favorites list for firefox since that is the primary browser i use. The third thing i want to back up is all my license information from software i installed. Some of that info i don't have any more and i know if i repartition the drive, that information will disappear.

I have already backed up all my physical data to my external hard drive. Like my documents, programs and stuff like that. Though im sure alot of its outdated. I want to make sure that when i reinstall windows 7 that those programs will not conflict and cause issues with windows 7. I also want to probably some how scan these files on the external hard drive with a scan virus program just to make sure they are safe, before importing them to my new C drive with my primary OS on it.

A few things i want to take care of after the installation and i will talk about them more as we go along in this discussion but i just want to tell you so your aware of it. When i install windows 7. I want to make sure that i have all my drivers updated with all my hardware. I also want to install a codec pack that enables me to use all the video codecs for like high quality streaming. I am planning on having it built for games and videos as well so i want the best updated video codecs so im able to take advantage of that. I have one installed now thats called "K lite codec" pack but it caused alot of issues with my computer so i had to disable alot of its features. I can even post some logs of my computer detailed information with some free user programs to show you exactly the technical specs of my pc, just ask me when you need this information or what software to dl. After the installation is all set and done then i want to make sure everything is fully updated of course and also i want to install some good anti virus or spyware protection programs on my computer so im safe and then i probably want to make a system restore point.


Ok anyways, thats most of what i want to take care of, sorry if that seems like alot but im a very novice user when it comes to windows 7, i have never used it before so i have no idea how it runs. I have only used XP. Anyways Ken said your the best team for this kind of work so i hope to receive a response from you pretty soon so you can walk me through all these steps and show me how to repartition my drive and install windows 7. After this is all done ill probably be copying this convo if you don't mind for future reference, If you have any other questions bout more of my issues, please ask. thanks!

Jeff

Edited by jeff matthews, 05 July 2010 - 02:22 PM.

[Doug]

Hi Jeff, Is the XP operating system still functional on this machine? "Some" of your requests about userID and password may be difficult to manage in this Forum environment. But we'll line out what we can help you with, and list what we may not be able to help with. *** don't do anything to disable or change the present XP operating system, until you have recovered/stored securely the important pieces of information you wish saved. Please be patient while we consider steps to help you.

[jeff matthews]

Hey doug, thanks. Yes its still functional. It just has those errors that i stated and im not sure if thats an OS problem or a hard drive problem. But its most likely some kind of an OS corruption. Other smaller errors consist of like not being able to stream high quality movies, i get alot of videos skipping on me and i think thats probably pertaining to wrong codecs installed. I never mentioned this but i also plan on upgrading my computer's hardware pretty soon. Like installing a new "Intell" mobo and CPU i5. Right now my computer should be able to run windows 7 with its current specs though. Yes i will follow all the steps, i won't even attempt to try and delete the partition my self so no worries. I am very excited bout windows 7. I heard its a much more stable operating system so i am definitely ready for the upgrade. Windows XP just has way to many holes in it, virus problems and not enough security. I prefer not to use it any more. As you can see from all my other topics on this site, this OS has gaven me nothing but trouble.

[Lee]

If you are going to upgrade your motherboard Jeff. It might be a good idea to do that before setting up W7, as you will then have to re-install W7 all over again because you will be dealing with a 'new' computer.

[jeff matthews]

You sure? I don't think it matters as long as you don't change the hard drive partition. You should still be able to update your drivers for the new hard ware you install and keep the current windows 7 OS on your C drive. But yeah if i have to, i will, i have already ordered my new mobo it just hasn't gotten here yet.

[Lee]

No your wrong there Jeff. It's not as simple as you imagine. The big problem won't be your hard drive partitions, it will be your registry, a different Bios, MBR and new drivers. Everything is going yo be wrong and if you believe XP to be unstable, your going to think W7 is the 'Titanic' after you swap motherboards Firstly a 'Repair Install' will be required and if that works successfully, you will then have to deal with the other issues. I've done it once and it was not as simple as I thought it was going to be, not by a long shot and I was already very familiar with installing an OS {many times and through no fault of the OS). How did it turn out for me? I ended up re-installing the OS ! Also worth pointing out if your going to replace your motherboard, you will have computer warrenty issues, if it is still under warranty. That wouldn't both me but it might bother you or others.

Edited by Tathra, 05 July 2010 - 05:49 PM.

[jeff matthews]

Warranty issues won't bother me since my computer was built by my own hands around 6 years ago. I learned never to buy already built computer's you just don't get a good enough motherboard and they use cheap parts. So when ever i upgrade my computer, i always buy the parts my self and then build it. But ok i hear you. It might be a good idea to install my Mobo/CPU first before upgrading to windows 7. That won't be very long though, i am getting new parts probably tomorrow so ill be ready to start building then. I can address some other issues though right now from what i pointed out in the discussion like backing up certain archives and files.

[Lee]

I know swapping out a mobo can be done with W7 (and XP), but results can be very mixed. Mobo first and a W7 2nd sounds like a sensible choice Jeff PS You might want to check that you can get W7 compatible drivers for your hardware and download them to disk. When I installed W7 I checked after the install. No drivers for my Printer or Scanner were available. I'm not ready to junk either, so now I'm having to run a duel boot XP and W7 as I need the XP for any Printer or Scanning jobs.

Edited by Tathra, 05 July 2010 - 06:28 PM.

[jeff matthews]

Ok, well im waiting for my new hardware to come, could you please assist me in helping me with the issues of backing up my files. Like my firefox favorites, User ID's and password information. All my other data is already on my external HD. Also i am pretty sure i know how to build a computer but there are a few things i get confused bout, mostly hooking up the motherboard with the write connections. Is it possible that you can link me a tutorial some where that would better assist me with that.

[Doug]

Your new MotherBoard will come with a Manual.

As to software licences, you may benefit from runing BelArc Advisor
http://www.belarc.co...e_download.html
Print out your BelArc Advisor Report, since it may be handy when looking up Drivers after your new installation.
I like to have a copy printed out for each machine that I work on.

Some of the software that you may have installed will not be detected by BelArc.
In those instances you may need to contact the publisher/sales folks you dealt with.

As to logon usernames and passwords. your best course of action may be to logon to your important sites and select the
Forgot username and Forgot Password options.

It can be long and tedious, but will be sure to get you the information you wish to preserve.

Here's a step-by-step for preserving your Firefox Favorites.
http://www.ehow.com/...-bookmarks.html

Best Regards

[jeff matthews]

Ok thanks, i completely backed up all my data. Exported my firefox favorites and went over each of my user id's and passwords that i wanted to remember. I just took the long and tedious route and wrote them down on flash index cards lol. Oh well that works. I also used Belarc advisor, this program is wonderful. It got all my information for all my important serial codes as well as my specs of my pc and everything. EDITED / removed linked information Is there any thing particular really critical that i should note in this log from belarc adviser. Also when i install windows 7 do you happen to know of a good software to use that will detect all my new hard ware drivers, because i have a hard time being able to look up every individual drier, usually i get the wrong driver by mistake so it would be very helpful if i can use a program to detect missing drivers cause i know w hen i install windows 7. It will definitely seem like the titanic lol. Because no drivers will be installed so i definitely have to take care of that right away. Also i hope windows 7 enables you to connect to the internet right away and set up a network connection or do you have to dl a network driver for that to. I just got my mobo/cpu today so i will be building that right away and then get back to you if i have any trouble with setting up my computer with its new hardware.

Edited by Doug, 06 July 2010 - 02:41 PM.

[Doug]

Jeff, You may be pleasantly surprise with how thoroughly Win7 will find and provision the needed drivers. But there is the possibility of a driver or two needing to be added. Windows will most likely identify what is missing and offer a search and a web search. Vista does a pretty good job of this operation. Let's hope Windows 7 does as well for you. I'm optimistic. If not we can visit the problem later. As to your Belarc Report... Thankfully the "link" you provided is simply a link to a saved file on your computer and cannot be accessed remotely from these Forums. Don't post that kind of information and don't post the report in open forum. That report has valuable proprietary information and license IDs that are of high value to potential thieves. I wouldn't want you to become victim of a scan-bot. If later you may need clarification of any report information, I'll give you instructions for communicating the information safely. Good work on getting your logon and password information recorded. Hope all goes well for you and your new hardware.

[jeff matthews]

Wow I didn't know that Well good thing you removed it. I'll remember that next time and ill let you know if i have any more questions in regards to the belarc report.

Ok, im building my new compouter but not sure where to place all the fans. My current build is horrible, the wiring is all messed up, its pretty much suffocating so i don't want to do that with my new build. I need to make sure my PC is able to run efficiently and have proper air flow. My current pc in 90 degrees whether right now, is just like a fire cracker. The temps are running so high that if i play any games or anything like that, it will just freeze.

This is the case i have for my new build.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129058

In addition i also bought a few more fans, which are these ones.

For some reason my Case didn't come with a side panel fan so i had to buy an extra one. So i bought 2 of these

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835233035

The case comes with 2 intake fans in the front, 1 exhaust fan in the back and 200MM fan at the top of the case blowing air down.

This is the CPU/mobo combo i bought.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115215
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813188055

Hopefully all of these parts are compatible.

The current grahpics card i have im just going to use the same one. Its kind of old but its an 8800 GTS Nvideo 356Mb. I couldn't find it on newegg cause its kind of old but im pretty sure its suffecient enough for my new build.

Also I had to buy some DDR3 ram, because my DDR2 ram is incompatible with my new motherboard.

So i bought a stack of these http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231277

In addition to this my most main concern is that my current PSU will be able to run all these components. I actually have a 750 Watt Raidmax

This is my exact PSU that im going to be using for all of these components.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817152036

In the future i also plan on upgrading my graphics card to one of these http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130434

I am also running 2 internal HDD's and like 2 external HDD's in my computer. So i hope my PSU can handle all this stress load. Some one told me it would be ok but i want to hear from you guys though.

Now that you know what my entire build is going to be like. is there any thing else i should buy for the build. For my Computer. Or em i pretty much set with that. I was going to use my old wiring but its kind of fat so it takes up alot of room but i think i will be ok as long as i tie it back with Zip ties.

If you have any questions bout my build, let me know.

Edited by jeff matthews, 07 July 2010 - 03:12 AM.

[jeff matthews]

Im not sure where to place a third intake fan, i was thinking bout doing that. Cause if you look at the case, there is a place where there is two intake fans in front of the hard drive bays. But At the top part of the case, there isn't none there. Do i need to buy a bracket so i can screw it on there, or how do i do that exactly. Im not very familiar with placing fans lol.

[Lee]

Just a little tip Jeff. You said you are re-using your video card. The 8800GT which is a good card but the fans are rubbish (as almost all VC fans are) and will be well overdue for a replacement by now. Obviously you are concerned about cooling with all the extra fans you bought, So you might like to do your VC a favour while everything is apart and replace the fan with a bit of decent cooling. The VF900-Cu is nice Zelman fan for an 8800GT but there are other Zelmans for that card too. They all mostly come with a 'Fanmate' for fan speed control too. Cheap as chips!