My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive and
reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the restore
disc that came with the M200.

1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?

2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation of XP?
I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
installed.

3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is any of it
still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?


Thanks!!!

First, what type of crashes are you having? Any specific programs which
might simply be repaired? Any clues shown in Event Viewer? What type of
error messages are you getting? Did this start after your installed a
certain program or driver? What is the situation with the drivers? Are you
updated from Toshiba? Are you running Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet PC
Edition 2005?

I'd much rather see you fix whatever is wrong than wipe the hard drive and
start all over, Mike, which is why I asked questions.

The answers are: (1) Yes, if you use the DVD recovery to clean the system,
you're going to reformat the drive and start over; (2) You can order XP SP2
and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 (free CD, free delivery but it is four to six
weeks) here:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...d/confirm.aspx ; and (3)
Yes, it will reformat the hard drive, unless you opt to only reinstall
portions of it.

If you have a problem with the system, it may just be easier and quicker to
fix, than trying to first back up all your personal items (emails, saved
files, etc.) and then reinstall all your programs again.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive and
> reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
> restore
> disc that came with the M200.
>
> 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
>
> 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation of
> XP?
> I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
> installed.
>
> 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is any of
> it
> still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
>
>
> Thanks!!!
>
>
>

Hi Chris,

Well, it has been locking up on me recently, to the point where if I do a
CTRL + ALT + DELETE it sometimes does not even bring up the window to let me
shut it down. I have to shut the power down to it.

Also, I notice that even when I do shut down, I get a series of End of
Program windows showing me that a program is trying to shut down and I click
on a button to end the program, and this happens with multiple programs, and
I have to click on them all before Windows will even shut down, sometimes
multiple times. I have no idea why this started happening, I have not done
anything recently to the computer or installed anything.

I am not running SP2, I figured I would do a clean install and clear up
whatever is causing the problem and start fresh.

1.) Is there somewhere I can download the SP2 and burn it to disc so I can
just install it from disc?

2.)I am a heavy user of my notebook so I just figured that after a period of
time Windows starts having problems and you just have to reformat and
reinstall everything. Is this not necessarily the case? How often do you do
this? I am on this computer seven days a week for at least six to eight hrs
a day.

3.) Any idea what might be causing the problems?

Thanks!!!

"Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
news:uU4Ms1oAFHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> First, what type of crashes are you having? Any specific programs which
> might simply be repaired? Any clues shown in Event Viewer? What type of
> error messages are you getting? Did this start after your installed a
> certain program or driver? What is the situation with the drivers? Are
you
> updated from Toshiba? Are you running Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet PC
> Edition 2005?
>
> I'd much rather see you fix whatever is wrong than wipe the hard drive and
> start all over, Mike, which is why I asked questions.
>
> The answers are: (1) Yes, if you use the DVD recovery to clean the
system,
> you're going to reformat the drive and start over; (2) You can order XP
SP2
> and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 (free CD, free delivery but it is four to
six
> weeks) here:
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...d/confirm.aspx ; and (3)
> Yes, it will reformat the hard drive, unless you opt to only reinstall
> portions of it.
>
> If you have a problem with the system, it may just be easier and quicker
to
> fix, than trying to first back up all your personal items (emails, saved
> files, etc.) and then reinstall all your programs again.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
> news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> > My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive and
> > reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
> > restore
> > disc that came with the M200.
> >
> > 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
> >
> > 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation of
> > XP?
> > I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
> > installed.
> >
> > 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is any
of
> > it
> > still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
> >
> >
> > Thanks!!!
> >
> >
> >
>
>

I would first investigate the machine to make sure it is clean of (1) a
virus and (2) spyware/malware/Trojans/hijackers. Until we have concrete
answers, follow this:

The first you'll need to do with a complete anti-virus scan using your AV
software running the latest definitions, AND follow-up with a free scan
using Housecall at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ .

Second, visit www.aumha.org/secure.htm and obtain some of the free detection
software, follow their instructions and run them (more than one) against
your system to see what they find.

Third, after your system is clean, go into Control Panel/Administrative
Tools/Event Viewer and tap Application in the left panel. This will reveal
events in the right pane where you'll look for either yellow triangles with
black exclamation points or red circles with white X's in them. Those are
errors, and may be right-clicked to see a portion of the error message which
will help track down the issues.

Do not attempt to update to XP SP2 and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 before
making sure your system is error-free and running properly. The updates to
the operating system and the Tablet superset won't correct problems, and
will likely fail.

As for downloading, you can download the full XP SP2/Tablet PC 2005 package
here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Make sure the proper language for your present operating system is selected
correctly.

As for reformatting after a while, that isn't true with Windows XP (the base
operating system). I have several computers running nearly 24/7 which
haven't seen a format since Windows XP came out, and that was on October 25,
2001. 8-)
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
news:uwbYoLpAFHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> Hi Chris,
>
> Well, it has been locking up on me recently, to the point where if I do a
> CTRL + ALT + DELETE it sometimes does not even bring up the window to let
> me
> shut it down. I have to shut the power down to it.
>
> Also, I notice that even when I do shut down, I get a series of End of
> Program windows showing me that a program is trying to shut down and I
> click
> on a button to end the program, and this happens with multiple programs,
> and
> I have to click on them all before Windows will even shut down, sometimes
> multiple times. I have no idea why this started happening, I have not done
> anything recently to the computer or installed anything.
>
> I am not running SP2, I figured I would do a clean install and clear up
> whatever is causing the problem and start fresh.
>
> 1.) Is there somewhere I can download the SP2 and burn it to disc so I can
> just install it from disc?
>
> 2.)I am a heavy user of my notebook so I just figured that after a period
> of
> time Windows starts having problems and you just have to reformat and
> reinstall everything. Is this not necessarily the case? How often do you
> do
> this? I am on this computer seven days a week for at least six to eight
> hrs
> a day.
>
> 3.) Any idea what might be causing the problems?
>
> Thanks!!!
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> news:uU4Ms1oAFHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> First, what type of crashes are you having? Any specific programs which
>> might simply be repaired? Any clues shown in Event Viewer? What type of
>> error messages are you getting? Did this start after your installed a
>> certain program or driver? What is the situation with the drivers? Are
> you
>> updated from Toshiba? Are you running Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet PC
>> Edition 2005?
>>
>> I'd much rather see you fix whatever is wrong than wipe the hard drive
>> and
>> start all over, Mike, which is why I asked questions.
>>
>> The answers are: (1) Yes, if you use the DVD recovery to clean the
> system,
>> you're going to reformat the drive and start over; (2) You can order XP
> SP2
>> and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 (free CD, free delivery but it is four to
> six
>> weeks) here:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...d/confirm.aspx ; and
>> (3)
>> Yes, it will reformat the hard drive, unless you opt to only reinstall
>> portions of it.
>>
>> If you have a problem with the system, it may just be easier and quicker
> to
>> fix, than trying to first back up all your personal items (emails, saved
>> files, etc.) and then reinstall all your programs again.
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
>> news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>> > My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive and
>> > reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
>> > restore
>> > disc that came with the M200.
>> >
>> > 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
>> >
>> > 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation
>> > of
>> > XP?
>> > I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
>> > installed.
>> >
>> > 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is any
> of
>> > it
>> > still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks!!!
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Thanks for your advice! I quickly went into Event Viewer and there were TONS
of those yellow and red icons. I will go through the steps that you
recommended and report back here. Is there a certain point that it would
make more sense to reformat rather than try to correct all those errors?
Hopefully your recommendations take care of those problems.

It looks like lots of red error icons with source of either "Application
Error" "True Vector Engine"
"Application Hang"

Warning = "Userenv" a couple of "Outlook" ones, and a BUNCH of "Norton
Anti-Virus ones" from a couple of months ago. I had a virus that I got rid
of and it does not appear that it has shown this icon for NAV since.

I never knew about this feature.

"Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
news:ek76F8pAFHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> I would first investigate the machine to make sure it is clean of (1) a
> virus and (2) spyware/malware/Trojans/hijackers. Until we have concrete
> answers, follow this:
>
> The first you'll need to do with a complete anti-virus scan using your AV
> software running the latest definitions, AND follow-up with a free scan
> using Housecall at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ .
>
> Second, visit www.aumha.org/secure.htm and obtain some of the free
detection
> software, follow their instructions and run them (more than one) against
> your system to see what they find.
>
> Third, after your system is clean, go into Control Panel/Administrative
> Tools/Event Viewer and tap Application in the left panel. This will
reveal
> events in the right pane where you'll look for either yellow triangles
with
> black exclamation points or red circles with white X's in them. Those are
> errors, and may be right-clicked to see a portion of the error message
which
> will help track down the issues.
>
> Do not attempt to update to XP SP2 and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 before
> making sure your system is error-free and running properly. The updates
to
> the operating system and the Tablet superset won't correct problems, and
> will likely fail.
>
> As for downloading, you can download the full XP SP2/Tablet PC 2005
package
> here:
>
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
> Make sure the proper language for your present operating system is
selected
> correctly.
>
> As for reformatting after a while, that isn't true with Windows XP (the
base
> operating system). I have several computers running nearly 24/7 which
> haven't seen a format since Windows XP came out, and that was on October
25,
> 2001. 8-)
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
> news:uwbYoLpAFHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> > Hi Chris,
> >
> > Well, it has been locking up on me recently, to the point where if I do
a
> > CTRL + ALT + DELETE it sometimes does not even bring up the window to
let
> > me
> > shut it down. I have to shut the power down to it.
> >
> > Also, I notice that even when I do shut down, I get a series of End of
> > Program windows showing me that a program is trying to shut down and I
> > click
> > on a button to end the program, and this happens with multiple programs,
> > and
> > I have to click on them all before Windows will even shut down,
sometimes
> > multiple times. I have no idea why this started happening, I have not
done
> > anything recently to the computer or installed anything.
> >
> > I am not running SP2, I figured I would do a clean install and clear up
> > whatever is causing the problem and start fresh.
> >
> > 1.) Is there somewhere I can download the SP2 and burn it to disc so I
can
> > just install it from disc?
> >
> > 2.)I am a heavy user of my notebook so I just figured that after a
period
> > of
> > time Windows starts having problems and you just have to reformat and
> > reinstall everything. Is this not necessarily the case? How often do you
> > do
> > this? I am on this computer seven days a week for at least six to eight
> > hrs
> > a day.
> >
> > 3.) Any idea what might be causing the problems?
> >
> > Thanks!!!
> >
> > "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> > news:uU4Ms1oAFHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> >> First, what type of crashes are you having? Any specific programs
which
> >> might simply be repaired? Any clues shown in Event Viewer? What type
of
> >> error messages are you getting? Did this start after your installed a
> >> certain program or driver? What is the situation with the drivers?
Are
> > you
> >> updated from Toshiba? Are you running Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet PC
> >> Edition 2005?
> >>
> >> I'd much rather see you fix whatever is wrong than wipe the hard drive
> >> and
> >> start all over, Mike, which is why I asked questions.
> >>
> >> The answers are: (1) Yes, if you use the DVD recovery to clean the
> > system,
> >> you're going to reformat the drive and start over; (2) You can order
XP
> > SP2
> >> and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 (free CD, free delivery but it is four
to
> > six
> >> weeks) here:
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...d/confirm.aspx ; and
> >> (3)
> >> Yes, it will reformat the hard drive, unless you opt to only reinstall
> >> portions of it.
> >>
> >> If you have a problem with the system, it may just be easier and
quicker
> > to
> >> fix, than trying to first back up all your personal items (emails,
saved
> >> files, etc.) and then reinstall all your programs again.
> >> --
> >> Chris H.
> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> >> Associate Expert
> >> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
> >>
> >>
> >> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
> >> news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> >> > My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive
and
> >> > reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
> >> > restore
> >> > disc that came with the M200.
> >> >
> >> > 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
> >> >
> >> > 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation
> >> > of
> >> > XP?
> >> > I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
> >> > installed.
> >> >
> >> > 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is
any
> > of
> >> > it
> >> > still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Thanks!!!
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

Mike, the TrueVector errors generally are generated by the ZoneAlarm
program. I would follow through with my other suggestions, perhaps
disabling (don't just "exit" from the ZA icon in the Systray, it still runs
underneath) ZoneAlarm and see if the system stabilizes a bit, and then first
make sure your system is clean of an virus (or other) infections.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
news:eksFwlqAFHA.3616@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> Thanks for your advice! I quickly went into Event Viewer and there were
> TONS
> of those yellow and red icons. I will go through the steps that you
> recommended and report back here. Is there a certain point that it would
> make more sense to reformat rather than try to correct all those errors?
> Hopefully your recommendations take care of those problems.
>
> It looks like lots of red error icons with source of either "Application
> Error" "True Vector Engine"
> "Application Hang"
>
> Warning = "Userenv" a couple of "Outlook" ones, and a BUNCH of "Norton
> Anti-Virus ones" from a couple of months ago. I had a virus that I got rid
> of and it does not appear that it has shown this icon for NAV since.
>
> I never knew about this feature.
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> news:ek76F8pAFHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> I would first investigate the machine to make sure it is clean of (1) a
>> virus and (2) spyware/malware/Trojans/hijackers. Until we have concrete
>> answers, follow this:
>>
>> The first you'll need to do with a complete anti-virus scan using your AV
>> software running the latest definitions, AND follow-up with a free scan
>> using Housecall at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ .
>>
>> Second, visit www.aumha.org/secure.htm and obtain some of the free
> detection
>> software, follow their instructions and run them (more than one) against
>> your system to see what they find.
>>
>> Third, after your system is clean, go into Control Panel/Administrative
>> Tools/Event Viewer and tap Application in the left panel. This will
> reveal
>> events in the right pane where you'll look for either yellow triangles
> with
>> black exclamation points or red circles with white X's in them. Those
>> are
>> errors, and may be right-clicked to see a portion of the error message
> which
>> will help track down the issues.
>>
>> Do not attempt to update to XP SP2 and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 before
>> making sure your system is error-free and running properly. The updates
> to
>> the operating system and the Tablet superset won't correct problems, and
>> will likely fail.
>>
>> As for downloading, you can download the full XP SP2/Tablet PC 2005
> package
>> here:
>>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>> Make sure the proper language for your present operating system is
> selected
>> correctly.
>>
>> As for reformatting after a while, that isn't true with Windows XP (the
> base
>> operating system). I have several computers running nearly 24/7 which
>> haven't seen a format since Windows XP came out, and that was on October
> 25,
>> 2001. 8-)
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
>> news:uwbYoLpAFHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi Chris,
>> >
>> > Well, it has been locking up on me recently, to the point where if I do
> a
>> > CTRL + ALT + DELETE it sometimes does not even bring up the window to
> let
>> > me
>> > shut it down. I have to shut the power down to it.
>> >
>> > Also, I notice that even when I do shut down, I get a series of End of
>> > Program windows showing me that a program is trying to shut down and I
>> > click
>> > on a button to end the program, and this happens with multiple
>> > programs,
>> > and
>> > I have to click on them all before Windows will even shut down,
> sometimes
>> > multiple times. I have no idea why this started happening, I have not
> done
>> > anything recently to the computer or installed anything.
>> >
>> > I am not running SP2, I figured I would do a clean install and clear up
>> > whatever is causing the problem and start fresh.
>> >
>> > 1.) Is there somewhere I can download the SP2 and burn it to disc so I
> can
>> > just install it from disc?
>> >
>> > 2.)I am a heavy user of my notebook so I just figured that after a
> period
>> > of
>> > time Windows starts having problems and you just have to reformat and
>> > reinstall everything. Is this not necessarily the case? How often do
>> > you
>> > do
>> > this? I am on this computer seven days a week for at least six to eight
>> > hrs
>> > a day.
>> >
>> > 3.) Any idea what might be causing the problems?
>> >
>> > Thanks!!!
>> >
>> > "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
>> > news:uU4Ms1oAFHA.2060@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> >> First, what type of crashes are you having? Any specific programs
> which
>> >> might simply be repaired? Any clues shown in Event Viewer? What type
> of
>> >> error messages are you getting? Did this start after your installed a
>> >> certain program or driver? What is the situation with the drivers?
> Are
>> > you
>> >> updated from Toshiba? Are you running Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet
>> >> PC
>> >> Edition 2005?
>> >>
>> >> I'd much rather see you fix whatever is wrong than wipe the hard drive
>> >> and
>> >> start all over, Mike, which is why I asked questions.
>> >>
>> >> The answers are: (1) Yes, if you use the DVD recovery to clean the
>> > system,
>> >> you're going to reformat the drive and start over; (2) You can order
> XP
>> > SP2
>> >> and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 (free CD, free delivery but it is four
> to
>> > six
>> >> weeks) here:
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...d/confirm.aspx ; and
>> >> (3)
>> >> Yes, it will reformat the hard drive, unless you opt to only reinstall
>> >> portions of it.
>> >>
>> >> If you have a problem with the system, it may just be easier and
> quicker
>> > to
>> >> fix, than trying to first back up all your personal items (emails,
> saved
>> >> files, etc.) and then reinstall all your programs again.
>> >> --
>> >> Chris H.
>> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> >> Associate Expert
>> >> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>> >> > My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive
> and
>> >> > reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
>> >> > restore
>> >> > disc that came with the M200.
>> >> >
>> >> > 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
>> >> >
>> >> > 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after
>> >> > installation
>> >> > of
>> >> > XP?
>> >> > I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
>> >> > installed.
>> >> >
>> >> > 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is
> any
>> > of
>> >> > it
>> >> > still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks!!!
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

On 1/25/2005 12:45:21 AM, "Mike" wrote:
>Thanks for your advice! I quickly went into Event Viewer and there were TONS
>of those yellow and red icons. I will go through the steps that you
>recommended and report back here. Is there a certain point that it would
>make more sense to reformat rather than try to correct all those errors?
>Hopefully your recommendations take care of those problems.
>
>It looks like lots of red error icons with source of either "Application
>Error" "True Vector Engine"
>"Application Hang"
>
>Warning = "Userenv" a couple of "Outlook" ones, and a BUNCH of "Norton
>Anti-Virus ones" from a couple of months ago. I had a virus that I got rid
>of and it does not appear that it has shown this icon for NAV since.
>
>I never knew about this feature.
>


As far as a certain point where it makes more sense to reformat rather than
to correct errors, it really depends on personal preference. Some of us
rebuild our systems every couple months, some do it every 6 months, others
hold to a one year point, and some just never do.

If you're not doing a lot of installing and uninstalling of software like
some of us do, then the need isn't as great. I do it so regularly simply
because of bloat, things that hang around even after an uninstall. But if you
have a pretty static computer, and you're not installing a lot of things on
it, there's not nearly as much need for a complete refresh like that nearly
as often.

I always liked, even before I started doing some of the things I do now that
force me to do it more often, to rebuild it every 6 to 12 months.

Another factor that only you can answer is how many programs do you have that
will need to be installed again after you restore the image? And how much
data do you have on the system that's personal things, like word documents
and other stuff that you created and put there. You'll want all of those
personal files moved off of the system before the reimage onto another
computer either over the network, or just burnt to CD, so you don't lose
anything. And if you have a ton of programs you've installed since you got
the tablet, you'll have to go through all of those installs again. If you
haven't installed much, then the job isn't nearly as arduous as it is for
people who have a few hundred programs they reinstall every time they
rebuild.

Sorry to seem so fuzzy, but just letting you know the most common factors
people use to decide on whether it's worth rebuilding from scratch or not.

Also, if you want to hunt down some of those errors if you decide to not
rebuild, you can note the event ID in the event viewer, and part of the
phrasing in the log, then go to http://support.microsoft.com/search and start
searching for information. Some of them will be known things and you can
often find quick fixes to get rid of the error. Some of them you'll always
get, they may be a known thing, and are "normal" warnings, such as some
services that start up a little too quick, and one of the other things they
needed hadn't started at that point yet. You'll see the error, but it still
works because after the dependency started, it worked as it should. So you
may not be able to get rid of everything you see in the event logs.

As far as SP2, you can always download it from here
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

You can then burn it to CD or just have it on another computer if you have a
network at home. That way you can install it as soon as you're done with the
reimage without having to connect to the internet to download it.

Hope this info helps. :)

--
John D [MVP]

Is the Toshiba Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD Portege M200 disc the
right one to restore XP Tablet edition for the M200?

Yes. What is the condition which causes you to want to restore the Tablet
PC? You need to back up all your personal files if you do so.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Dave" <daver******.com> wrote in message
news:BE1BEAE9.132%daver******.com...
> Is the Toshiba Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD Portege M200 disc the
> right one to restore XP Tablet edition for the M200?
>

Update:

I ran NAV and it found 5 viruses including the one that was supposed to have
removed previously. Not sure how I got them, but I decided to reformat.

I did the following:

- Reformatted with the restore disc
- enabled the new firewall
- installed SP 2 from a CD
- installed NAV
- connected to the net
- updated Windows
- updated NAV

I was previously using Zone Alarm as my FireWall. Is the new one built into
SP2 sufficient enough to replace Zone Alarm?

Also I notice a huge improvement in handwriting recognition!

Thanks for all the help!!!


"JDThree [MVP]" <john@removeforspam.lakesidenetworks.com> wrote in message
news:%23lwEXquAFHA.3016@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> On 1/25/2005 12:45:21 AM, "Mike" wrote:
>>Thanks for your advice! I quickly went into Event Viewer and there were
>>TONS
>>of those yellow and red icons. I will go through the steps that you
>>recommended and report back here. Is there a certain point that it would
>>make more sense to reformat rather than try to correct all those errors?
>>Hopefully your recommendations take care of those problems.
>>
>>It looks like lots of red error icons with source of either "Application
>>Error" "True Vector Engine"
>>"Application Hang"
>>
>>Warning = "Userenv" a couple of "Outlook" ones, and a BUNCH of "Norton
>>Anti-Virus ones" from a couple of months ago. I had a virus that I got rid
>>of and it does not appear that it has shown this icon for NAV since.
>>
>>I never knew about this feature.
>>
>
>
> As far as a certain point where it makes more sense to reformat rather
> than
> to correct errors, it really depends on personal preference. Some of us
> rebuild our systems every couple months, some do it every 6 months, others
> hold to a one year point, and some just never do.
>
> If you're not doing a lot of installing and uninstalling of software like
> some of us do, then the need isn't as great. I do it so regularly simply
> because of bloat, things that hang around even after an uninstall. But if
> you
> have a pretty static computer, and you're not installing a lot of things
> on
> it, there's not nearly as much need for a complete refresh like that
> nearly
> as often.
>
> I always liked, even before I started doing some of the things I do now
> that
> force me to do it more often, to rebuild it every 6 to 12 months.
>
> Another factor that only you can answer is how many programs do you have
> that
> will need to be installed again after you restore the image? And how much
> data do you have on the system that's personal things, like word documents
> and other stuff that you created and put there. You'll want all of those
> personal files moved off of the system before the reimage onto another
> computer either over the network, or just burnt to CD, so you don't lose
> anything. And if you have a ton of programs you've installed since you got
> the tablet, you'll have to go through all of those installs again. If you
> haven't installed much, then the job isn't nearly as arduous as it is for
> people who have a few hundred programs they reinstall every time they
> rebuild.
>
> Sorry to seem so fuzzy, but just letting you know the most common factors
> people use to decide on whether it's worth rebuilding from scratch or not.
>
> Also, if you want to hunt down some of those errors if you decide to not
> rebuild, you can note the event ID in the event viewer, and part of the
> phrasing in the log, then go to http://support.microsoft.com/search and
> start
> searching for information. Some of them will be known things and you can
> often find quick fixes to get rid of the error. Some of them you'll always
> get, they may be a known thing, and are "normal" warnings, such as some
> services that start up a little too quick, and one of the other things
> they
> needed hadn't started at that point yet. You'll see the error, but it
> still
> works because after the dependency started, it worked as it should. So you
> may not be able to get rid of everything you see in the event logs.
>
> As far as SP2, you can always download it from here
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> You can then burn it to CD or just have it on another computer if you have
> a
> network at home. That way you can install it as soon as you're done with
> the
> reimage without having to connect to the internet to download it.
>
> Hope this info helps. :)
>
> --
> John D [MVP]

It all depends on your preferences regarding the firewall, Mike. ZA tracks
both inbound and outbound traffic, and you need to set it up to be
effective. The Windows Firewall does a very good job, and will protect your
system if your on a LAN or company network, too.

Personally, I wouldn't run either ZA or anything Norton on any of my
systems. They both seem to have little claws into everything. And neither
quits if you "exit" from the icon in the Systray. They remain running in
the background, underneath everything. There is quite a difference in
performance without Norton (Symantec) running on your system.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone



"Mike" <mike12******.com> wrote in message
news:Ow1JbD0AFHA.2640@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Update:
>
> I ran NAV and it found 5 viruses including the one that was supposed to
> have removed previously. Not sure how I got them, but I decided to
> reformat.
>
> I did the following:
>
> - Reformatted with the restore disc
> - enabled the new firewall
> - installed SP 2 from a CD
> - installed NAV
> - connected to the net
> - updated Windows
> - updated NAV
>
> I was previously using Zone Alarm as my FireWall. Is the new one built
> into SP2 sufficient enough to replace Zone Alarm?
>
> Also I notice a huge improvement in handwriting recognition!
>
> Thanks for all the help!!!
>
>
> "JDThree [MVP]" <john@removeforspam.lakesidenetworks.com> wrote in message
> news:%23lwEXquAFHA.3016@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> On 1/25/2005 12:45:21 AM, "Mike" wrote:
>>>Thanks for your advice! I quickly went into Event Viewer and there were
>>>TONS
>>>of those yellow and red icons. I will go through the steps that you
>>>recommended and report back here. Is there a certain point that it would
>>>make more sense to reformat rather than try to correct all those errors?
>>>Hopefully your recommendations take care of those problems.
>>>
>>>It looks like lots of red error icons with source of either "Application
>>>Error" "True Vector Engine"
>>>"Application Hang"
>>>
>>>Warning = "Userenv" a couple of "Outlook" ones, and a BUNCH of "Norton
>>>Anti-Virus ones" from a couple of months ago. I had a virus that I got
>>>rid
>>>of and it does not appear that it has shown this icon for NAV since.
>>>
>>>I never knew about this feature.
>>>
>>
>>
>> As far as a certain point where it makes more sense to reformat rather
>> than
>> to correct errors, it really depends on personal preference. Some of us
>> rebuild our systems every couple months, some do it every 6 months,
>> others
>> hold to a one year point, and some just never do.
>>
>> If you're not doing a lot of installing and uninstalling of software like
>> some of us do, then the need isn't as great. I do it so regularly simply
>> because of bloat, things that hang around even after an uninstall. But if
>> you
>> have a pretty static computer, and you're not installing a lot of things
>> on
>> it, there's not nearly as much need for a complete refresh like that
>> nearly
>> as often.
>>
>> I always liked, even before I started doing some of the things I do now
>> that
>> force me to do it more often, to rebuild it every 6 to 12 months.
>>
>> Another factor that only you can answer is how many programs do you have
>> that
>> will need to be installed again after you restore the image? And how much
>> data do you have on the system that's personal things, like word
>> documents
>> and other stuff that you created and put there. You'll want all of those
>> personal files moved off of the system before the reimage onto another
>> computer either over the network, or just burnt to CD, so you don't lose
>> anything. And if you have a ton of programs you've installed since you
>> got
>> the tablet, you'll have to go through all of those installs again. If you
>> haven't installed much, then the job isn't nearly as arduous as it is for
>> people who have a few hundred programs they reinstall every time they
>> rebuild.
>>
>> Sorry to seem so fuzzy, but just letting you know the most common factors
>> people use to decide on whether it's worth rebuilding from scratch or
>> not.
>>
>> Also, if you want to hunt down some of those errors if you decide to not
>> rebuild, you can note the event ID in the event viewer, and part of the
>> phrasing in the log, then go to http://support.microsoft.com/search and
>> start
>> searching for information. Some of them will be known things and you can
>> often find quick fixes to get rid of the error. Some of them you'll
>> always
>> get, they may be a known thing, and are "normal" warnings, such as some
>> services that start up a little too quick, and one of the other things
>> they
>> needed hadn't started at that point yet. You'll see the error, but it
>> still
>> works because after the dependency started, it worked as it should. So
>> you
>> may not be able to get rid of everything you see in the event logs.
>>
>> As far as SP2, you can always download it from here
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> You can then burn it to CD or just have it on another computer if you
>> have a
>> network at home. That way you can install it as soon as you're done with
>> the
>> reimage without having to connect to the internet to download it.
>>
>> Hope this info helps. :)
>>
>> --
>> John D [MVP]
>
>

I use my M200 to surf the web at different wifi hotspots such as school,
hotels while on the road, etc.

while using these connections, is there anyway to know how secure my
connection is? In other words, if they
have their connection set-up properly, can someone access my computer while
I'm connected? I'm just worried about
virusses and spyware and trying to figure out how I got them in the first
place.

Will a software firewall prevent anyone from getting into my computer while
surfing with WiFi?

Thanks.

Windows XP SP2 and the Tablet PC Edition 2005 will do that, Mike. Check out
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx for the After you
install section.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Mike" <mike12******.com> wrote in message
news:evb8ZU9AFHA.3264@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>I use my M200 to surf the web at different wifi hotspots such as school,
>hotels while on the road, etc.
>
> while using these connections, is there anyway to know how secure my
> connection is? In other words, if they
> have their connection set-up properly, can someone access my computer
> while I'm connected? I'm just worried about
> virusses and spyware and trying to figure out how I got them in the first
> place.
>
> Will a software firewall prevent anyone from getting into my computer
> while surfing with WiFi?
>
> Thanks.
>

I didn't read through the rest of the thread, but in my personal experience
I have to reformat about every 6 months because I install a lot of software
and betas that seem to boggle my machine down over time. Anyway, be careful
to make backups of all important files, and try to go through each program
and figure out if there are data files associated with them that you want to
backup as well. Since I simply backup My Documents, I have to go through
individual programs that often don't keep data in My Documents (a shame they
don't have a central My Data folder).

As long as your drive is bootable (and this is very important), the M200
restore process is actually very quick. It took me 10 minutes to restore my
M200. I luckily bought it recently so it already had SP2 on it. One thing
you could consider is downloading SP2 onto a USB key or external drive, so
you can install it without connecting to the internet.

Then again, my pop doesn't bother with anti-virus or security updates and he
seems to have no issues with his computer, but then again he doesn't do
anything "brash" or go to unnecessary sites online...

-Andy

"Mike" <mikec******.com> wrote in message
news:uh%23zIaoAFHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> My M200 is starting to crash on me, so I want to reformat the drive and
> reinstall XP. I bought the Toshiba external drive, and will use the
> restore
> disc that came with the M200.
>
> 1.) Anything I should be aware of prior to doing this?
>
> 2.) What is the best way to get the Service Pack 2 after installation of
> XP?
> I would prefer not to connect to the internet until I have this SP
> installed.
>
> 3.) Does using the restore disc actually wipe all the old data? Is any of
> it
> still accessible through the GUI without using any special programs?
>
>
> Thanks!!!
>
>
>