Coming Soon to My House...

[GetaGrrrip]

I must've been a good girl, cuz lookit what I got for Christmas from Msb71:

Ultra Wizard Case ATX Mid Tower Case
Abit Kn8 Socket 939 Mobo
Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego
Zalman 7000B CPU Cooler
2 WD 80 Gig SATA 2 HDD
Antec True Power 2.0 500 Watt PSU
Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT DDR2 256 MB PCI-E
2x512MB Crucial Ballistix Dual Channel DDR 400 PC 3200
Lite-On DVD RW Combo Drive
XP Home SP2 (can upgrade to Vista)
and …
Samsung 940BW 19” Widescreen LCD Monitor

:D

Yes, I feel spoiled, and it's a pretty cool feeling :D

[msb71]

sounds like a nice PC , can't wait to build it and pull you out of DellHell.

[P3-450]

Very nice GG :cool:

A very nice monitor too, I'm looking to buy that model in the new year, unless the SM-225BW 22" comes down in price by then :)

[GetaGrrrip]

You know it's a nice PC - and the build is a joint effort :)

My Dell is beyond

S




L




O




W

[GetaGrrrip]

Very nice GG :cool:

A very nice monitor too, I'm looking to buy that model in the new year, unless the SM-225BW 22" comes down in price by then :)

Thanks!
Yeah, I've been drooling over his computer for a long time...and seeing that monitor next to mine...it's kind of like champagne versus beer, LOL :)
Sam's Club had it in stock again before Christmas now that I'm piecing how he snuck all this by me...


:)

[bad karma]

very nice setup. It should keep you happy for quite a while =)

I too recently went from Dell to home-made. Its so much better. Welcome to the club =)

cheers

[stevejr]

Kinda like a Volkswagen and a Buick...they both get you there...but the Buick gets you there in style...

[GetaGrrrip]

Yeah, it'll keep me happy for a good while. Hopefully, after work we'll get to start putting it all together. :) Looking forward to that!

[lgbpop]

it's kind of like champagne versus beer, LOL
Congratulations, no more of that crappy champagne to deal with!

The components list looks well-thought out, have fun building it. Make sure you post progress reports in the Prurient Interest forum for the rest of us.:)

[GetaGrrrip]

Thanks!
Will definitely post progress reports. Msb thought out all of the components, he gets full credit for that. :) He's off today, so if he even thinks about putting any of it together, he's in big trouble.

:D

[msb71]

Wouldn't think of doing anything to this while your at work, just get home so we can put this baby together!

[Nix]

just get home so we can put this baby together!Nothing beats making babies. ;)

[buf]

After considerable thought, I may offer to trade either of mine for your outfit. Well, maybe I may consider trading both of 'em for your one; after it is up and running. Oh, you can keep the monitor. RSVP in 15 minutes to perhaps consummate the offer. :D

[GetaGrrrip]

Nix: Nothing beats making babies. ;)

I'll shush on that one ;)


buf: After considerable thought, I may offer to trade either of mine for your outfit. Well, maybe I may consider trading both of 'em for your one; after it is up and running. Oh, you can keep the monitor. RSVP in 15 minutes to perhaps consummate the offer.

Hmm...thanks, but I'll pass :)

We got it put together and running last night, all except for me trying to decide how to set it for Raid...got to do some research on exactly what I want to do there. I want to be able to do backups, but just not sure how I want to do them yet. Any tips appreciated. Is it a good idea just to keep my second drive as a storage drive?
Thanks in advance :)

[SuperSparks]

I'm not a big fan of RAID anymore (I used to be). Striped RAID is a disaster waiting to happen, and the performance benefits are questionable, and very dependant on the particular hardware used. Mirrored RAID doesn't offer much more data security than standalone drives, and you waste an entire hard disk's worth of space, and is certainly not something you can use in place of a proper data backup regimen in any case. The only RAID level that is worth considering is RAID 5, IMO (RAID 5 controllers are now being fitted to some high-end mobos). But you do need 3 drives and you will lose the space on one of them.

My preference these days is to just use standalone drives, with regular backups to external media and over the LAN.

[GetaGrrrip]

Thanks for the insight. I may decide to have one drive as just storage and not deal with Raid at all.
Still trying to decide right now....

[buf]

Wish I could help you with the RAID question but have never used it and so I defer to Nick and his experience. I have begun doing my backups to an external hard drive. Cloned wife's just yesterday in about 45 minutes while cloning about 38 GBs. I have such a drive for each of our 3active computers and each drive is in it's own case Using Acronis True Image 9.0 I have found the cloning process to go very very quickly and easily.
An aside: sorry you don't feel led to accept my generous(?) offer but I understand. No need to offer 2 of my prized Border Collies coz I don't see you getting rid of your new play toy---don't blame you. And congrats for getting it up and running; now you can really appreciate the old "clunker".

[Train]

Put a ATA133 card with a HUGE hdd in the old machine and you can backup through the network to it. Yep, make a file server out of it.

Might want to go to Gigabit nic's and add a Gigabit switch in to speed things up.

10/100 system transfers at about 80Megs and a 10/100/1000 about 480megs.

One of my backup routes Plus I used data dvds.

[buf]

Sounds like a workable plan Train. May consider it. I forgot to mention that I do burn a DVD sometimes, not often. Am not sure Acronis will allow a DVD to be used to restore a hd. I seem to recall that "was" a problem at some point. Haven't researched that lately. I also have those MANY CDs I formerly used for backups; not current now though.

[Train]

Did I not see something posted about a floppy that would let you restore from those Acronis cds/dvds?

Basic setyp
Modem - cat5-router - Cat5 - switch - cat5 to - computers


Acronis True Image 10.0 Home
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/support/kb/?aid=697&topic=Products

Creating bootable media (floppy disks, CDs, or flash drives), which will enable you to start your computer when the operating system becomes unstable and you cannot boot your machine


Restart your computer by hitting the F11 key in case you computer does not boot correctly with the Acronis Recovery Manager. Even if your operating system has been deleted, the Acronis Recovery Manager can boot your computer


Never used it myself.

[GetaGrrrip]

Train: Put a ATA133 card with a HUGE hdd in the old machine and you can backup through the network to it. Yep, make a file server out of it.

Might want to go to Gigabit nic's and add a Gigabit switch in to speed things up.

10/100 system transfers at about 80Megs and a 10/100/1000 about 480megs.

One of my backup routes Plus I used data dvds.

I like the idea of a file server. Leaning towards that at the moment. I take it I wouldn't even need an OS on the huge drive? So long as we're networked, wouldn't msb and I be able to use the same file server?

Thanks for the suggestion :)

I'm definitely not going with any type of Raid.

Hey buf - I think I'm good on Border Collies for a while anyway. Not saying 4 is too much, just saying I don't think I have the time for another one at the moment. :)

I know the floppy drive bit was for Buf, but we went ahead and put an old floppy drive in the new machine, too. For now, I just can't see not having a floppy drive.

[buf]

The maker of the software encourages everyone who has any version of True Image to create a bootable backup. I have always burned a bootable CD for such purposes. Never had to use it for that but I seem to recall that I did use it once to just boot into True Image to restore a backup from CDs. Some folks may always use the bootable floppy or the CD.

[buf]

I can't not get used to being without a floppy drive. And I do have several flash drives but I still like the floppy.

[Train]

"I like the idea of a file server. Leaning towards that at the moment. I take it I wouldn't even need an OS on the huge drive? So long as we're networked, wouldn't msb and I be able to use the same file server?
"

Just so long as you have a os to boot the computer. Even 98 will work and tcp/ip will then take care of converting NTFS to Fat32. If you wish to use that OS.

Example; With a 98 machine with a 30GB bios limitation , I added ata133 card which fools the onboard bios into allowing a me to install a 400GB hdd. I could actually add 4 hdds 137,000,000GB in size if they made them.
Would have to put in a larger power supply to pull the 4 hdds as mine is just to small. 180 watts, UGHHHH!

[Nix]

Mirrored RAID doesn't offer much more data security than standalone drives, and you waste an entire hard disk's worth of space, and is certainly not something you can use in place of a proper data backup regimen in any case.My Dell system came setup with mirrored raid which I turned off so I could use the second HD for proper backups using Ghost.

One night I was 'experimenting' with turning the mirror raid back on and successfully managed to wipe both drives :mad:

So, I think you need to set it up from the outset, or you'll wipe your data.

[buf]

Now that is not funny. A hard lesson learned and never to be forgotten!!!!

[GetaGrrrip]

If you think this needs to be moved, please do so, but it's problems with my new machine, so maybe it can stay here.

Anyway, some quick notes on what's going on...

After getting all the hardware installed, and finally getting it started - WOO HOO! Here are where the problems begin.... :mad:

Got XP Home loaded, but during process of loading, it asked for SP2…thought that was on the CD? (Is there a way to tell if SP2 is on the computer w/o being online?) Anyway, went ahead got XP loaded, then started loading hardware drivers. Started with chipset, then went to display driver, Nero, etc. etc. anyway, wouldn’t load Acrobat Reader because Install Shield was asking (or error msg?) for iKernel.exe Went to my old computer, and got the updated ikernel.exe on a floppy, tried to get it to work on new machine, but still no luck....

Thinking that the best route for now (after I cool off some) is to format HDD, and start everything fresh.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thank you as always.

[buf]

IF SP2 is installed, it will be listed in the Control Panel>add/remove and probably at the bottom of the apps. you have installed. Did you get a full XP Home CD or only a recovery disk? Hope SP2 is on the disk. A long download otherwise. PM me and I'll send you a burned copy of mine F.O.B. Don't know about Acrobat because I don't use it; use foxit reader instead.
EDIT: If you must go on line then at least have the Windows Firewall installed---it is better than no protection at all.

[Train]

How I go about it.
Install OS with SP2 slipstreamed.
got it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
Burned it to several cd so I do not have to do that again.

Now I install SP2 if it has not been slipstreamed. Clients.

Install mobo drivers
Install video drivers
install firewall
Install AV
Get the 64 updates. IE7 I refuse.

And now I am ready to install my programs.

Foxit Reader 2.0 for Windows not adobe reader
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

Check System properties, it shows SP2 if installed.
http://www.slp.k12.la.us/tech/System%20Properties%20SR2.gif

[GetaGrrrip]

buf: IF SP2 is installed, it will be listed in the Control Panel>add/remove and probably at the bottom of the apps. you have installed. Did you get a full XP Home CD or only a recovery disk? Hope SP2 is on the disk. A long download otherwise. PM me and I'll send you a burned copy of mine F.O.B. Don't know about Acrobat because I don't use it; use foxit reader instead.
EDIT: If you must go on line then at least have the Windows Firewall installed---it is better than no protection at all.

Buf, found out that SP2 is installed. Still don't understand why we're having this blankety-blank iKernel.exe problem. :mad: We have uninstalled it, then reinstalled it with an updated version - still no joy at this time, but we're working on it. We uninstalled Acrobat Reader and will go with Foxit reader instead since I absolutely hate Acrobat Reader. Thanks for the tip :)
Also, thank you so much for your kind offer to send me SP2, but since it's on there after all, I won't need to take you up on it.


Train: How I go about it.
Install OS with SP2 slipstreamed.
got it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Burned it to several cd so I do not have to do that again.

Now I install SP2 if it has not been slipstreamed. Clients.

Install mobo drivers
Install video drivers
install firewall
Install AV
Get the 64 updates. IE7 I refuse.

And now I am ready to install my programs.

Foxit Reader 2.0 for Windows not adobe reader
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

Check System properties, it shows SP2 if installed.
http://www.slp.k12.la.us/tech/System...ties%20SR2.gif

Msb burned a copy of SP2 from the link you gave us - thank you very much :) Now we have it just in case we need it.
We have installed all drivers / software but are still getting the iKernel.exe problem with the PowerDVD and the Monitor set up disc.

We're still reading up on iKernel.exe problems, but if there are more suggestions, we are listening. Thinking that formatting the HDD and starting again is just going to show the same problems.

Thanks for the help :)

[buf]

You are welcome and Msb also, of course. I think you will like foxit. it is much smaller and faster.
Keep plugging away on that ikermal problem. Wish I could help you with that but perhaps someone will come along shortly that knows something about it. Know you two must be anxious to get that "baby" up and running.

[liam858]

Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter for the slipstream, i just did one and renamed the finished article to what i thought it should of been and had problems booting from the CD.


Liam

[msb71]

Liam, SP2 is installed on the OS , it shows up in system properties,it asked for it during the setup ( I was never asked for it when i did mine a couple of months ago) why we thought it wasn't in there.Everything is working fine except for the ikernel.exe ( InstallShield engine). some driver's or software went in fine some didn't. I want to get the new build online and see what can be done to resolve this issue, rather than making floppies only to have the ikernel.exe error come up again when trying to install the ikernel update, we'll keep you guys posted.

[Train]

Before you do the next install, do yourself a BIG favor!
Look at the face of the cd real closely, see any smudges, finger prints, etc. Now wet it with warm water, place a couple drops of liquid dish soap on it and use your finger tips and clean it real good, rinse real well and let dry.

95% or better rubbing alcohol can be used also.

Now look at the surface again. Bet you see a big difference.

And if you are using a DVD device, those cds have to be a lot cleaner than what we needed for the old cd-roms.

Yep,learned the hard way.

[buf]

While looking for ..... I came across this and you may need it IF you have only the Recovery Disk.
Make Windows Installation disk from Recovery Disks
http://www.easydesksoftware.com/recovery.htm

[msb71]

we got a OEM XP disk , full install disk to be exact, thinking of doing a full re-install to see if it works better the second time.

[Train]

May I suggest using a lens cleaner first.

[msb71]

We will most definitly clean the disc before we do another install. Thanks for all the help here guys.
Mike

[GetaGrrrip]

Doing an over-the-top install now, will report back afterwards. With any luck, that iKernel.exe issue will be resolved.

Thanks for all the help :)

Happy New Year!

[GetaGrrrip]

Okay, the over-the-top install didn't help - yes, we cleaned the CD, thanks for that tip, too. So, now we're thinking that the XP disc itself may be corrupt. It is missing a few things - for example - system tools is pretty much empty except for files and transfer wizard and security center.

Interested to see what anyone else thinks, but we're leaning hard towards RMA'ing the XP CD and getting a different one. Glad he bought it from newegg.com - shouldn't be a problem sending it back :)

Thanks in advance, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

:D

[Train]

Happy New Year and have a wreckless one.

I too have had to RMA a XP cd.

[buf]

GG/Mike, your latest news is the pits. Hate to hear of your continued troubles. disappointment. Don't forget to call and ask for an RMA # before sending the CD back to NewEgg. Of course, you know that but I don't want you to be delayed any longer in getting your new PC working.

[GetaGrrrip]

Thanks guys :)
We'll get that CD RMA'd after the New Year. In the meantime, I think I'll mix us up a couple of Top Shelf Margaritas - who needs Champagne anyway?

The Happiest New Year to you all!

:D:D

[GetaGrrrip]

Thought we might have a problem RMA'ing the XP Home CD since there is only a month's time period from date of invoice - it was purchased in November. However, since it was purchased from Newegg and as a Christmas gift they understood the delay in finding the problem and are going to replace it. :)

Another good pluck for Newegg :)

[buf]

The world (around here) is waiting for your next report. Hope will get the RMAed CD soon. Can't wait to hear a screaming WHOOPEE coming outta those VA. hills.!!!

[GetaGrrrip]

Still waiting, and actually patiently at this point - newegg is great for letting us RMA it. :D With luck, we think it'll be here Wednesday or Thursday.

[SuperSparks]

Hey GG, we are all longing to hear the outcome :) Did the replacement CD work OK?

[GetaGrrrip]

Actually, Fed Ex just dropped it by today, and since the Rugrat is now napping, I shall get started and report back :D

[buf]

Well, just wake Rugratus and tell him if he hadn't sleeping on the job, he would have that new equipment up and running. :D Hope your news is good news.

[msb71]

I am happy to send a post from GG's new PC , everything is going great now, all drivers are loaded properly.I'll let GG tell the rest of the story.

[buf]

I'll let GG tell the rest of the story. :D
What great news and I think you would do well to let her write up the story. She *seems* to be longer winded :D :D
Again, your news is the best yet about the new PC. :)

[GetaGrrrip]

..... She *seems* to be longer winded :D
Again, your news is the best yet about the new PC. :)

Longer winded eh? :rolleyes: Hmm...how shall I take that? :D Msb surely isn't known for being quiet...oh no no no. He does need a good dose of "Webster's Immodium" from time to time. (You know, to control running of the mouth!)

I didn't report back last night since I had some problems that I wanted msb to help with. Even though I did reformat, for some reason I was still missing files after installing XP again. :confused: He ended up doing a different reformat and when he re-loaded XP, all was well again. Apparently, he chose a different option than what I had. I'm still not 100% sure why what I did didn't work, but all is well now. He loaded all the drivers for me, and I hope to be using that computer VERY soon! Maybe tonight?? I know it's going to smoke my old Dell!

[buf]

I knew I was opening the door for your "come back" but that is OK because of your good good news. Am happy for you and I also know that you would have gotten it right. Guess he must have c/p my reply to you in an email.
BTW, that immodium is a good med but I didn't know it was also for the upper anatomy. :p

[GetaGrrrip]

Hey, Webster's Immodium is good stuff - I can tolerate him when he's taken it! :p

Anyway...I really hope to get everything I need loaded soon, and use that new computer ASAP!

:D

[buf]

Too bad you didn't already have a workable backup image disk--you would have it running in 15 minutes. Also, hope you already have that backup software and if you do, make a backup as soon as you can. Would be an excellent time to do it. You could down load Acronis at Newegg for $30, I think. Ain't as good as have the real CD but I suppose you could burn a copy of it, if you save the download, for yourself.

[GetaGrrrip]

Well...IT'S SMOKING FAST!!! :D (Now for those with faster machines, just shush and let me enjoy this.)
Was only allowed to be on it for a few minutes yesterday evening since Rugrattus had other ideas about what his Mommy should be doing...but WOW! For anyone thinking about buying a ready made or building your own, BUILD your own - it's really quite easy - especially with all the wonderful help available from the good people here at VDr :)

I hear you on the backups, and I will be doing those soon. Backing up all files from the old Dell to CD, but will have a routine backup system on the new build. (For some reason, I always have those "nags" of Philgo's in mind when I think of backing up files ;))

As for the comebacks Buf, if you leave the door wide open like that, you know I just have to...:p

Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions - and to msb71 for surprising me with all of the components at Christmas :)

[buf]

Best news I've read today!!! This weekend will just fly by since that new apparatus is up and running. I purposely left the door open and you took the bait and responded just as I knew you would. :p Good wishes and luck to ya.

[GetaGrrrip]

Yep, I took the bait, but it was well worth it :)

I still have to get a new keyboard and mouse...this mouse and I hate each other so far, this keyboard isn't cutting it either. But wow, I'm just loving this computer! :D

[buf]

Wanted to send this the other night but could not find it (couldn't remember it's name!!). Anyway, I did think about you two during those late nights working on the new puter.

[GetaGrrrip]

You hit the nail on the head there! Rugrattus only allows one of us to be on the computer at a time or he gets into trouble on purpose for the attention.

Ahhhh, sure is nice to have this computer up and running! :D