[RESOLVED] Deleting Dual Boot and Reinstalling XP Pro problem

Hi,

I hope someone here can help. A few days ago, I turned on my spare Fujitsu P7010 laptop and a error screen showed up saying something like
"A problem is detected and Windows has shut down to prevent damage to my computer, If this is the first time you see this message.........." Then on a new line, it says DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Technical info:
STOP:0x000000D1 (0xEBCE8366, 0x0000002, 0x0000001, 0xF8399FOF
NDIS,YSY-address F8399FOF base at F83810000, Datestamp 41107ec3
beginning dump of physical memory
physical dump memory completed
contact system admin for..........

This has never happened before and from the error message, it seems to say that I have installed a new software to cause this problem and I should delete the new software. But I have not installed any new software. So, this is what I did next....

I inserted my backup copy of my Enterprise Edition of Windows XP Pro SP1 (I lost the original copy), hoping it will boot and do a fresh reinstall. It booted up, and started copying some files to the hard disk. Then is asked for the product key. But when I input the key, it says it is a invalid key !!! However, I have used the same disk and key code several times in the past without any problem.

In any case, it proceed to complete the installation and gave me 30 days to register my Windows XP Pro with SP1. But when everthing is installed, I noticed that many programs were not copied to the hard disk. Only a handful of the program were installed. But the laptop worked and I can also go on to safe mode.

I then tried to resolve the 30 days registration problem and had a copy of my friend's XP Pro with SP2 inserted and run. It let me input my friends key code and accepted it, but then it didn't went any further, but keep asking me to insert the original XP disk which I do not have. So the installation stopped there, but the 30 days registration disappeared as it says the code was accepted. (I seems to accept my friends key code for me to use with my SP1 version)

But when I restart my latop, it came up with 2 boot menu - Windows XP Pro with SP1 and Windows XP Pro with SP2 Setup and both on the same C drive.. I lost any partition it was there, so only C drive is present with D drive as my CD disk drive. ( D Drive used to be my second partitioned hard drive)

Judging from the boot menu, it seems Windows Pro with SP2 is not installed and is still waiting to be setup. So I use the SP1 boot to start Windows. But I didn't like the dual boot option and wanted to reinstall. I treid to format C from the A prompt by typing Format C: but it won't let me as it says C drive is the operating drive and cannot be formatted.

Can anyone help to explain
1) why suddenly my XP with SP1 key code no longer work and
2) how do I reformat my drive and to start a fresh reinstall.

A friend told me that a complete reformat of my hard disk may resolve the XP SP1 code non acceptance problem and I would like to try it given that as it stands, my laptop is not a full working one with lots of accessories and functions missing and only the basic ones being installed, including Internet Explorer and associated internet capabilities.

Many thanks for the help and apologies if this is a long "report" of the problem. Thanks for taking the time to read it and for any help you can give. My knowledge of computer is just about average, so please use simple plain instructions. Thanks

Just as an FYI, Windows XP SP3 fixes at least six "0x000000D1" problems:

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480

Quote:

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1. You receive a "STOP: 0x000000D1" error message on a computer that is running Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or Windows XP with Service Pack 2
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906882/
   
   
2. Stop error message on a Windows XP-based computer: "STOP 0x000000D1"
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/916595/
   
   
3. The computer restarts unexpectedly, or you receive an error message in Windows XP: "Stop: 0x000000D1"
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925922/
   
   
4. Stop error message when you set the ConnectOnRequestedInterfaceOnly registry entry to 1 on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP: "STOP 0x000000D1
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937367/
   
   
5. You receive a "STOP 0x000000D1" error after you create a network bridge on a computer that is running Windows XP
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/939010/
   
   
6. Error message when a Windows XP SP2-based multiprocessor computer uses driver Battc.sys: "STOP 0x000000D1
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/939780/

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To complete erase the contents of your hard drive, try DBAN (Darik's Boot And Nuke):

http://www.dban.org/about

Borrow a "Windows XP Professional with SP3" CD, boot from it, and then use your Product Key.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

Just as an FYI, Windows XP SP3 fixes at least six "0x000000D1" problems:

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480

To complete erase the contents of your hard drive, try DBAN (Darik's Boot And Nuke):

http://www.dban.org/about

Borrow a "Windows XP Professional with SP3" CD, boot from it, and then use your Product Key.

---

Hi SpywareDr. Thanks for the link. I didn't think I have any virus or spyware on that spare computer as I seldom use it for internet access. The last time I use it, it was working properly.

Very slim chance that I know anyone having a XP with SP3 to borrow from. Any alternative ?

Is the Nuke software you mentioned the same as the one I know called Eraser ? It also use for cleaning up the hard disk of all traces by overwriting passes on the hard disk. But fior a good clean, it takes ages, over 24 hours !!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

Hi SpywareDr. Thanks for the link.

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No problem. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

I didn't think I have any virus or spyware on that spare computer as I seldom use it for internet access. The last time I use it, it was working properly.

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See the six links above for the reasons why Windows XP SP1 and/or SP2 can suddenly stop working properly with a "0x000000D1" error.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

Very slim chance that I know anyone having a XP with SP3 to borrow from. Any alternative ?

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Service Pack 3 is available for download from Microsoft:

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File (544.9 MB)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
  
  
• Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers (316.4 MB)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

You can also order Windows XP Service Pack 3 on a CD ($3.99 USD):

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Quote:

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To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites, as appropriate for your region:

Asia
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

Europe and Africa
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

North America
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

South America
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

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Once you have SP3, you would then slipstream (integrate) SP3 into XP and then boot from the resultant CD:

Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 3 and Create Bootable CD
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Windo...ce_Pack_3.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

Is the Nuke software you mentioned the same as the one I know called Eraser ? It also use for cleaning up the hard disk of all traces by overwriting passes on the hard disk.

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Don't know, I always DBAN. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

But fior a good clean, it takes ages, over 24 hours !!!

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Yep, it can take awhile. How long depends on the speed of the computer and hard drive as well as the size of the hard drive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

No problem. :)


See the six links above for the reasons why Windows XP SP1 and/or SP2 can suddenly stop working properly with a "0x000000D1" error.


Service Pack 3 is available for download from Microsoft:

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File (544.9 MB)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
  
  
• Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers (316.4 MB)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

You can also order Windows XP Service Pack 3 on a CD ($3.99 USD):

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

[/indent]Once you have SP3, you would then slipstream (integrate) SP3 into XP and then boot from the resultant CD:

Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 3 and Create Bootable CD
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Windo...ce_Pack_3.html

Don't know, I always DBAN. :)


Yep, it can take awhile. How long depends on the speed of the computer and hard drive as well as the size of the hard drive.

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Hi Spywaredoc,

Thanks for getting back so quickly.

I tried to install DBAN on my C drive, but it does not work or have I tried to install it incorrectly ? I double clicked on the file that was downloaded and it just says the downloaded file is unknown and cannot be open. It says somewhere on the DBAN site that it is for a floppy. Should I just download it onto a floppy disk and use it as a boot disk or something ? I can't find any instruction how to use it.

Thanks for the clarification regarding the SP3. I was under the impression that I need to get one that already incorporates Windows XP Pro with SP3. But having read throught the links on how to slipstream these 2 programs onto a disk, I feel it is too technical for me. Besides, it says it need a original Windows XP Pro disk to do the slipstream. I have lost the original ! Any other way round it without having to spend lots of $$ to get one that is already incorporated.

BTW, can I not use SP3 and somehow reformat my C driive, then reinsall back my Windows XP Pro with SP1 and then update the SP1 to SP2 ? I can then just download and install the patch that cause the error on SP2. Any good this way ?

I think if I can reformat the C drive somehow, I can then reinstall the OS again and see if it works ! Comments ?

Thanks for your time with this problem. Greatly appreciated.

DBAN run from a bootable cd/dvd.

It is never installed.

Tutorial.
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/09/11...ur-hard-drive/

Brief instructions, (detailed instructions, with screenshots can be found with Google):

Boot from your Windows XP CD and delete all partitions.

Windows setup will then ask if you want to create a new partition the full size of the hard drive. Let it do it.

Windows setup will then prompt you if you want to format the new partition. Tell it yes.

Windows setup will then ask if you want to install Windows on the new, formatted partition. Yep, let it do it.

(Some where along in here Windows setup will prompt you for your Product Key. Type it in and continue to follow the onscreen prompts).

Once XP is up and running, load Internet Explorer and go immediately to Windows Update ( http://updates.microsoft.com ).

Windows update will offer to install Service Pack 3, mixed in among many other updates. Let it install at least all 'Critical' updates.

(Note that you may have to install a few updates before SP3 is finally offered).

During this process you will be prompted to reboot once in a while. Do it, and then immediately head back to Windows Update. Keep repeating this process until there are no more updates to install.

That's it. You should now be running Windows XP with SP3. (SP3 includes all the updates in SP1 and SP2).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

DBAN run from a bootable cd/dvd.

It is never installed.

Tutorial.
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/09/11...ur-hard-drive/

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Hi Train,

Thanks for the great link! Very clear and I have no problem with it including the link on how to burn a CD from a ISO file. But.....there's always a but somehow ! :)

I went as far as downloading the XP Pro burner the link suggested and managed to burn the DBAN on to a CD. But I am bothered that when I open the CD, and read the README, is says this is for Apple Mac despite the fact that I selected the first option ( for DBAN for recent Intel........) from the DBAN link SpywareDr gave, http://dban.org/ . The options from the site Download are as follows :

Preview Releases
Download Darik's Boot and Nuke 2.0.0
for DBAN for recent Intel and AMD computers. (You probably want this file.)
for DBAN for Apple Power Mac

Any idea if I have download the right version ? I can't find any other versons there to download.

Many thanks for your help.

Oh btw, great site and great people here who are really helpful !!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

Brief instructions, (detailed instructions, with screenshots can be found with Google):

Boot from your Windows XP CD and delete all partitions.

Windows setup will then ask if you want to create a new partition the full size of the hard drive. Let it do it.

Windows setup will then prompt you if you want to format the new partition. Tell it yes.

Windows setup will then ask if you want to install Windows on the new, formatted partition. Yep, let it do it.

(Some where along in here Windows setup will prompt you for your Product Key. Type it in and continue to follow the onscreen prompts).

Once XP is up and running, load Internet Explorer and go immediately to Windows Update ( http://updates.microsoft.com ).

Windows update will offer to install Service Pack 3, mixed in among many other updates. Let it install at least all 'Critical' updates.

(Note that you may have to install a few updates before SP3 is finally offered).

During this process you will be prompted to reboot once in a while. Do it, and then immediately head back to Windows Update. Keep repeating this process until there are no more updates to install.

That's it. You should now be running Windows XP with SP3. (SP3 includes all the updates in SP1 and SP2).

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Hi Doc,

Thanks. I have no problem with what you instructed as I have done as you said in the past. I was under the impression that I need to make a CD incorporating Windows XP Pro and SP3 in the same disk.

I wish the process about loading the XP to boot up and selecting the option to format the partition is there. This is where my problem lies. I was not given any option when I put the CD in the CD try, start the pc and it just start copying some files from the CD to my HDD until it asks for my CD Key. When I entered it, is says it is not valid, even though I have done this in the past and the CD keys were accepted. BTW, in the past, I was offered several options when I use the CD to boot up. But for some reasons, not this time !! This is why things were in a mess.

Although the CD key was not accepted. the copying went no futher and when I removed the CD and rebooted, some of the Windows file were there and Windows worked. I guess it copied the files from the CD up to where I entered the key. The situation then is that there is notification that I have 30days to register my copy.

So what I did was I got a copy of my brother's XP with SP2 and load it. It asks for the CD key and I entered it with the new key. It accepted. Then asked for the original CD to be loaded. I don't have that and it freezes there. When I took out the CD and reboot, the 30 days notification is gone and I am left with 2 options at bootup. One is my first install ( or partial install) and the other is a option to (continue the) SETUP with the second install of Win Pro with SP2.

I then went into the Boot Loader and deleted the line for the second install, and reboot. The second SETUP option is still there at boot up, but the default is on the first install. When I checked the Boot Loader again, the second OS line is still there !

This is where I am at the present. I was about to use the DBAN CD I just burnt, but ...see my reply to Train regarding this.

Oh, btw, when I checked the key with a free Key Finder software, it says I am using the brother's product key and not my original key !! So it seems my first installation with Win Pro with SP1 has somehow accepted another key code to run it ! Very odd !!!

I'm hoping the README on the DBAN CD I burnt is incorrect when it says that version is for Apple Mac even thought I've download an Intel version.

Still stuck !!! :)

BTW, what is a error run time ? This came up on my regular laptop today when I started up. But it disappeared after I reboot. Wondered why all these is happening after faultless use of both laptops for so long !

DBAN will work as it is written in such a manner that it will cross platform.
Using the default, it will over write everything on the hdd 3 times and bury everything except actual physical damage on the surface of the disk.
Besides, the new Apples now have a Intel cpu.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

DBAN will work as it is written in such a manner that it will cross platform.
Using the default, it will over write everything on the hdd 3 times and bury everything except actual physical damage on the surface of the disk.
Besides, the new Apples now have a Intel cpu.

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Thanks Train. Good to know I don't have to go gooling to find the suitable version.

Only thing now is for me to find how to back up the whole system first before using it since if after formatting it and the CD key still does not work, I am no closer to the solution. At least my latpop in the current state somewhat works and I may not be able to recreate the same condition again if reformatting the HDD and making a fresh reinstall does not work.

I don't have a sotrage media that is capable to hold my whole system image of 74.52GB even thoguht the Used space at the moment is 8.687GB and the Free space is 65.833 GB NTFS files system. I only have a DVD Read and the biggest capacity of my pen drive is 5GB. I have Macrium Reflect Free Edition back up program. I don't know if there is a way to use two CD disk or 2 pen drive to separate the whole back up data using this back up software. Any ideas ?

The other uestion is: Do I only need to copy the Used Space info as a backup or do I need to copy the Free Space also to so that I have a mirror image of the whole system backed up ?

Any suggestions and/or ideas ?

Acronis, a favorite of lots of folks here.
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/

A USB hdd can be used.

I use 3, with only one on site at a time.

Data that is in my documents, photos and the like I also burn to data DVDs. OK, so I have stuff that I would really hate to lose. The extra expense and work is worth it to me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

Acronis, a favorite of lots of folks here.
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/

A USB hdd can be used.

I use 3, with only one on site at a time.

Data that is in my documents, photos and the like I also burn to data DVDs. OK, so I have stuff that I would really hate to lose. The extra expense and work is worth it to me.

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Hi Train,

Thanks. But at the moment, backing up is the the the last problem. I tried to use the DBAN disk I burnt earlier to see if it work. But sadly, it does not. It does not run when the laptop is boot up. I reburnt the disk a a couple of times and each time with the same result.

When I look at the content of the disk, there are a few text files and a few files that when I clicked on them, it says files cannot be open and asked if it could search the web for the right program to open the file.

So looks like either the software I downloaded from EBAM site is corrupted or it is strictly for Apple Mac as the ReadME on it says.

So I am not prgressing any furrther :( Please help !!!!! Anyone experienced this before ?

Check your Hard Drive manufacturers site for a diagnostics disk, most of them offer an option to Zero the drive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

Check your Hard Drive manufacturers site for a diagnostics disk, most of them offer an option to Zero the drive.

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Hi dneilson,

Thanks for joining in this discussion and for your sugestion. Do I take it that you think my Hard Drive may have a problem ? What does Zero the drive mean ? Thanks for the clarification.

Zero potions means a program that will reset the hdd surface back to manufacture specs, thus wiping anything on it out.

aybe this will help.
http://www.geekornerd.com/2009/06/30...ny-hard-drive/

Added reading you may like.
http://www.webopedia.com/didyouknow/..._harddrive.asp

Hard drive diagnostics

Fujitsu Utilities
http://www.fcpa.com/support/hard-dri...utilities.html

IBM Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Hitachi Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Maxtor Maxblast 3
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=57

Maxtor PowerMax
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=22

Seagate Seatools
http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/

Western Digital Software & Drivers
http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n

Samsung
http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...ort_HUTIL.html

Make sure the CD/DVD device is set before the hdd in BIOS.
F12 during boot up of my laptops, lets me pick which device to select for that one time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

Hard drive diagnostics

Fujitsu Utilities
http://www.fcpa.com/support/hard-dri...utilities.html

IBM Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Hitachi Drive Fitness Test
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

Maxtor Maxblast 3
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=57

Maxtor PowerMax
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=22

Seagate Seatools
http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/

Western Digital Software & Drivers
http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n

Samsung
http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...ort_HUTIL.html

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Hi dneilson,

Thanks for all the link. I've looked at both the Fjuitsu and Hitachi link, but can't find the right downloads. I have a Fujitsu Lifebook P series and I think the hard disk model is a Travelstar and ithe downloads on the links says it excludes use on this model.

I've googled using the model number which is IC25N080ATMR040...M040AD1A,
and it's 80GB. But again, no diagnostic downloads for this either. But I did came across a site that offers general Fujitsu diagnostic downloads with a choice of either SCSI or ATA/IDE hard disk. Any idea which is the one I have from the model number ?

Thanks for your help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

Make sure the CD/DVD device is set before the hdd in BIOS.
F12 during boot up of my laptops, lets me pick which device to select for that one time.

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Hi Train,

Thanks for the clarification on what Zero mean and for the link to additional reading. And yes, I have not forgotten changing the BIOS on the priority bootup from CD.

I tried the F12 bootup idea, but does not work on mine. I got a stuck key error instead. So I need to do a permanent change on the BIOS. I suppose I could leave the default permanently to boot from CD, then Floopy and finally the Hard Disk ?? Any long term negative effective if left at this priority all the time ?

The one you have is IDE. There will be no negative effects if you leave that boot order.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

The one you have is IDE. There will be no negative effects if you leave that boot order.

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Hi - thanks for the info.

I ran the diagnostic software, and it shows my HDD model. But for some reason, it does not let me select it to test it :( Any idea why ?

I got the diagnostic download from here:
http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/c...tml#diagnostic

Nothing seems to work so far :confused:

I haven't used that that particular diagnostics so i afraid I can't be of help, however, there are many sharp people here so I'm sure someone will jump in and help you.

Try the seage diagnostic tool. It should pick it up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

I haven't used that that particular diagnostics so i afraid I can't be of help, however, there are many sharp people here so I'm sure someone will jump in and help you.

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Hi dneilson,

Thanks for the reassurance. I sure hope so :)

Thanks for all your help so far.

All the best

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

Try the seage diagnostic tool. It should pick it up.

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Hi,

I assume when you said seage, you meant seagate ? I googled seage and nothing came up. In any case, I went ahead and downloaded the seagate tools (SeaTools) for Windows and after saying .Net Framework 2.0 or higher is needed to run it, I did as it asked and ater installing .Net Framework, the diagnostic tools works !!! :D A big thanks !!!

So how come Seagate works and the Fujitsu tools does not ? What's the connection ?

I've run several different diagnostic from the tools and so far, my HDD passed them. It's now in the middle of doing a Long Generic test and I am sure it'll pass also. Fingers crossed !! The question next is whether is there a tool to Zero the HDD ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slickcondo

The question next is whether is there a tool to Zero the HDD ?

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Just DBAN it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

Just DBAN it.

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Hi Doc,

Nice to hear from you again.

Not sure if you've read my response to my using DBAN.. I can't get it to work. I've tried to CD way, no luck, the DOS way, also no luck !!! They just don't boot up and I've burnt the CD way abotu 3 times, using different CD and different burner software. Tried the DOS way twice. Not sure why it's not working !

If either method had worked, I won't have been looking for the manufacturer diagnostic tools hoping that it will come incorporate the zero tool for the HDD. I've found a working diagnostic tool, courtsey of Train, but no zeroing facilities.

As you have Seatools working you can zero the drive. Boot with it and look at the top options--the letter "Z" will do it--it's called erase drive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

As you have Seatools working you can zero the drive. Boot with it and look at the top options--the letter "Z" will do it--it's called erase drive.

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Ooops !! I wish I had come here first before doing what I did !! I tried to make a fresh reinstall. Please see the LATEST UPDATE post below. I have a few questions there also.

Thanks for all your help and support.

LATEST UPDATE

Ok, this is what happened.

Having got fed up not making much progress so far, though along the way, I've learnt quite a bit - thanks to everyone for all your contributions, time and patience - I decided to take the bull by the horn and tried to make a fresh reinstall.

Here's what happened - as much as I can remember as it was pretty late last night when I made this attenpt. Booted up with the Enterprised CD with SP1 incorporated and it went to Windows Setup. Started copying files from the CD to hard disk or was it just checking existing files ( ?? ). Then it asked if I want to repair or make a fresh install without repair. I selected new install without repair. It then asked if I want to make any partition and asked me to select c: drive or the other drive without drive letter of 8MB. When I selected the 8MB by accident, it created another 8MB, again without any drive letter. But nothing else happens. I tried to delete one of the 8MB drives, but it won't let me.

Status then was a c: drive and two 8MB drive without drive letters. I then selected the c: drive and it asked for me to specify the size of the new partition I wanted. After that, it started installing the rest of the Enterprise Edition to hard disk. When it's finished, it asked for the Key Code. I input the Enterprise edition key, it says Not Valid. Used the other Key and it got accepted.

After rebooting, the dual boot up is gone and the laptop seems to work properly-ish. I say _ish becuase:

1) some of the functions like the Wireless Lan drivers were not installed and I had to download it from the Fujitsu site. On first attempt to install the driver, the blue screen error appeared again !!! Turned off computer and reboot. Selected the last known good status position. Tried to reinstall the driver again and it went without any problem.
2) what still bugs me is why the CD key to the Enterprise edition was not accpeted when in the past, there's no problem.
3) also bugging me is the two 8MB. Will this cause any problem further down the line ?
4) the new partition, E: dirve was not fromatted unlike in the past when it was automatically formatted and the partition size was then automatically created. I formatted E: by going into My computer and selected that drive to format.

I've now installed most of my standard programs - antivirus, firewall, etc including updated to SP3

Main Questions:
1) can I change the partition size from here and if so, how ? Through Disk management ?
2) any harm to leave the two invissible 8MB drives alone ?
3) Can I remove one of the 8MB without reinstalling again ? I can't see them on disk management. Is there a way to see them and what's in it ?
4) is there a limit to the use of the key if I were to reinstall again ? I think a full version allows for installing on 2 computers. I have used the second key code twice already. If I were to use it again, will it says it's no longer valid ?
4) do I consider the issue that I originally posted here as resolved and can give it this status ?

Many thanks to everyone for your suggestions and help so far. Hope you can clarify some of my questions asked here. Thanks and have a good weekend.

"8MB" - Some space at the end of the disk is reserved by Setup in case you later want to upgrade the disk to a dynamic disk. Dynamic disk information is saved at the end of the disk. The amount that is reserved is a minimum of one cylinder, or 1MB, whichever is greater. One cylinder can be up to 8MB, depending on drive geometry and translation.

(Note: 8MB is barely enough room to hold maybe three pics from my little point-and-shoot 10MP camera).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

"8MB" - Some space at the end of the disk is reserved by Setup in case you later want to upgrade the disk to a dynamic disk. Dynamic disk information is saved at the end of the disk. The amount that is reserved is a minimum of one cylinder, or 1MB, whichever is greater. One cylinder can be up to 8MB, depending on drive geometry and translation.

(Note: 8MB is barely enough room to hold maybe three pics from my little point-and-shoot 10MP camera).

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Thanks Doc for the info. so I guess the the extra 8MB I accidently created is a waste of memory then ! :(

Yes but, 8MB is a measly 0.0078125 GB . . . less than 1% of your "74.52GB" drive. In other words, your 74.52GB is now 74.51GB.

74.52GB (GigaBytes) = 80,015,240,724 bytes

80,015,240,724 bytes - 8,388,608 bytes (8 MegaBytes) = 80,006,852,116 bytes

80,006,852,116 bytes / 1,073,741,824 (bytes per GB) = 74.51GB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SpywareDr

Yes but, 8MB is a measly 0.0078125 GB . . . less than 1% of your "74.52GB" drive. In other words, your 74.52GB is now 74.51GB.

74.52GB (GigaBytes) = 80,015,240,724 bytes

80,015,240,724 bytes - 8,388,608 bytes (8 MegaBytes) = 80,006,852,116 bytes

80,006,852,116 bytes / 1,073,741,824 (bytes per GB) = 74.51GB

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OK doc. It's just that I don't like wastage :). AAnyway, since my last post here, I came across a partition software and managed to claimed about 6MB back to my second partition - D: drive without losing any data. It's a bit of a job getting the right amount of MB as the amount you stated you wanted is pretty different from what it actially is. If anyone wants to have a go regarding resizing partitons without cause data loss, etc, have a look at:

http://majorgeeks.com/EASEUS_Partiti...ion_d5967.html

Hope this is helpful to someone :)

BTW, I still haven't come across any software that Zero the hard drive for future use. dmeilson said that Seagate's SeaTool for diagnostic have this facility. But on checking, it's not there. Not too sure if it is in the Advanced Test part as the help is not too clear. But certain can't find any Z at the top of the page :(

All in all, I'm quite happy what I've got on my computer so far and what I've learnt. Only still puzzled why the installation is not behaving as it should - ie asked if you sant to format the drive before installing and automatically set the partition size as it used to.

Thanks everyone for your help and contributions. So how do I mark this as resolved ? I can't find any button to do this ? I hope it's just writing "Resolved" on the title as I've done :) Have a good weekend.

You can mark the post Resolved by clicking on Thread Tools at the top of the messages and select it from the drop down.Don't know why you don't have the "Z" option as mine has it, only thing might be is we have different versions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dneilson

You can mark the post Resolved by clicking on Thread Tools at the top of the messages and select it from the drop down.Don't know why you don't have the "Z" option as mine has it, only thing might be is we have different versions.

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The Seagate SeaTool version I have is 1.0.00

I mentioned before that the DBAN was not working for me on CD as well as from Floppy. That was the 2.0 version. I spent this very windy wet afternoon here today gooling for the 1.0.7 that was mentioned somewhere and managed to download the Floppy version which worked !!! It seems when you don't need what you were looking for, they somehow appears !!! Just like the bus service here in the past :)

BTW, is there a way to set the screen display default to see all the icon as a Thumbnail instead of Tile ? From the HDD, it seems once you set the display the way you want it for each page you visit, they stayed as you set it. But for other external devices, eg USB, they seem to go back to Tiles display when you go back to the same page again. It never happend before. Small point here, I know, but quite annoying !

Anyway, have a good weekend.