reinitializing my hard drive

[angler2229]

I am going to take the big plunge and nuke my laptop. I have backed up all my files and fonts. I have been able to find all the exes of the downloaded software that I really want to reload. One I have not been able to find is the exe for my Norton's Antivirus 2006 which I resubscribed to over the Internet in February.

I called Symantec and was told by their support expert, that I would have to rebuy the software, and that they would add my unused months to the new software. That's not what I really want to do. Do you know a better way for me to continue using what I already have? Maybe I am overlooking something simple.

I also saw that to avoid reactivating XP, I could find a file that would help. I looked in the system 32 folder for the wpa.dbl that the FAQ says will allow me to continue using XP without having to reactivate; however, I can only find wpa. Is this a problem?

If I reinitiate my hard drive without the proper wpa.dbl, is Microsoft going to allow me to reactivate anyway? I have never had to do this before.

Thanks ahead for the info.

Daniel

 

[captaincrunch00]

Formatting and reinstalling computers is something that is done hundreds of time per day all over the world.

It's a piece of cake, I really doubt you'll need the WPA file or whatever file you are worried about for Microsoft Activation... I know I've never once had a problem.

As to the Symantec stuff, find the serial number of what you subscribed to, and go to:

https://fileconnect.symantec.com/selectlicenselang.html

and download the program from there.

Or just call back and get a different Tech who isnt an idiot and they'll send you to a download site to download the program that you already paid money for. You do not need to buy it again, call back or find the license key and download it again.

Also when you called the Symantec guy a "Support Expert" you had me laughing like a maniac. He's probably some college kid who got 3 days of training and reads from manuals.

You do NOT need to buy that program again, you already did. Prove it to them with a license number, a bill of some kind, or something and they will get you a copy somehow.

 

[Frank4d]

To make finding wpa.dbl easier, open My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View, and un-check the box for "Hide extensions for known file types".

 

[gargoyle47]

Was you laptop pre-loaded when you got it?? Was everything loaded onto it?
Do you have the COA code for this laptop?

Are you going to use a retail version of WinXp or do you have a recovery disk??
Or
Do you restore from hidden partition?

Do you have all of the drivers of you laptop? Modem, graphics, and etc....?

Also what is the make and model of the notebook?




Never Say Never (Romeio Void)

Homebuilt MSI MD5000MD-5000 M-ATX, 2.4Gig, 393mb, WinXp Pro
Homebuilt Iwill KK266R-Plus, 768mb, WinXp Pro

 

[gbaughma]

Formatting and reinstalling computers is something that is done hundreds of time per day all over the world.

You know, this is actually a pet peeve with me. What this is saying is that hundreds of times a day, people give up on figuring out what the problem is, and reformat and reinstall.

I have *maybe* done two reformats since XP came out.

It's a good thing that everything isn't thought of the same way.

"My kid's stupid. oh, well... he's bio-degradable... let's wipe this one out and start over!"

"Darn it, that money in my bank account isn't sorted very well.... throw it away and start new!"

"I don't like the way the new roof on my house installed... Oh, well... Tear it down and start over!"

I'm disappointed at the number of techs who's answer seems to be "Sorry, Mr. Jones, but your computer is too screwed up (and I don't have the technical expertise to fix it)... we'll have to reformat and reinstall."

I'm even more disappointed by the number of USERS who expect that to happen at some point.

Learning to troubleshoot XP and actually FIXING it, finding out which driver, DLL, corrupted file, etc. is the *real* problem, is the *true* joy in fixing computers. Not being beaten. Not throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

You may find this post offensive, and if you do, don't worry... you'll probably be reformatting your system to remove all trace of it anyway.



Just my 2¢

"In order to start solving a problem, one must first identify its owner." --Me
--Greg

 

[wolluf]

If you're actually installing XP (rather than using a restore disk) and you have a valid XP licence, than you will be able to reactivate without saving files etc.

Also if actual install, as mentioned above, you will probably need drivers to hand (though it is possible XP may have them - but unlikely to have them all for a laptop).

On the anti-virus - have you considered using a much better, free product - have a look at AVG (it doesn't clog your machine like Norton, and in my experience is more effective).

 

[dglienna]

You'd be better off eliminating NAV if you reinstall.

The biggest problem is going to be finding the drivers for your laptop. MFG site might have them, but some have no way to get the right version for your machine.

Often, it's hit or miss. In the case of Windows Vista, sometimes you have to just give up!

-David
2006 Microsoft Most Valueable Professional (MVP)
2006 Dell Certified System Professional (CSP)

 

[G0AOZ]

Sure, if you're fixing the computer for yourself or a friend, and you have all the time in the world, then it may be very satisfying to solve and understand whatever problem there is. However, many of us work in the commercial world where time is money. It is often not financially viable to spend hours on sorting and understanding what's wrong. So the quick option is taken to wipe and reinstall, or restore a previously made image and get the customer back on line...
ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[angler2229]

Thanks to all who have responded.

My laptop is a Toshiba, and I will be using the recovery Cd that shipped with it. It should have all the driver i need. I also have an official SP2 disk that i got from a tech conference.

I talked to Bangalore's "best" when I contacted Symantec, and it did take a while to explain what reinstalling meant. But, I did talk slowly and distinctly and finally got the point across.

I thatnk you for your info, and will let everyone know the progress or lack thereof.

Daniel

 

[gbaughma]

G0AOZ G0AOZ DE KC0KRB

Well, yes, having an image of a machine, that's made FOR that machine, with all the drivers, patches, updates, etc. I do that (mainly when someone leaves and I'm setting up the laptop for the next person). But to just "give up" on a machine and reformat instead of troubleshooting it... that's what I'm talking about.

Anyway... did you do Field Day this year?

73

KC0KRB



Just my 2¢

"In order to start solving a problem, one must first identify its owner." --Me
--Greg