Something So Simple Can Be So Frustrating
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 13:51 | 291 viewsWell, that’s what I did!
OtherMac’s computer that he let me use till mine is fixed was filled with a lot of unknown processes running in the background, and there was a lot of hard drive space unaccounted for. Since this was just something to help me get a new portfolio put together again, since my older replacement computer wasn’t up to specs to run Adobe CS3 Master Collection, all I really needed was my media programs. A fresh install of the OS and a format should take care of all that, right?
OtherMac mentioned on his way out the door that he doesn’t have any install disks if I decide to format, but I knew/thought the Windowz XP install would automatically detect any needed drivers anyway.
Boy, was I wrong!
The install didn’t detect the on board network device, the on board sound device, or the on board video device. Notice I’m mentioning the ‘on board’ words. There was no actual manufacture names of the devices, therefore, no drivers that could be used. Because that would also explain the extra disk space that was unaccounted for. That extra disk space actually held the backup files because it is one of them PCs that are sold with all the crap on the hard drive instead of on an OEM CD.
When I did the fresh install, I opted for the, “ERASE EVERYTHING” option and started from scratch. Thus deleting all the driver information belonging to all the on board devices.
So when the OS was all installed, I could get online to allow XP to automatically get drivers because the network device didn’t have any drivers to work with.
The frustration set in and I couldn’t think straight. Thankfully OtherMac came up with the idea to swap the Network Card from my old PC and use it in his. It worked! I figure that while I’m at it I may as well swap my sound card into it also. I got Internet connection, XP updated everything, even the video drivers, and all is fine now. YAY!
It’s running a lot smoother now. I’ve re-installed Adobe CS3 Master Collection and now all I have t o do is start my portfolio creating again.
Even though it took me the entire day to do this, it was worth it. I’ve freed up a shitload of Hard Drive space, and things aren’t locking up on me any more. YAY!
But, let that be a lesson to you. If you plan on formatting, make sure you don’t erase the partition holding all the good shit, or at least have a driver CD handy. XP may not be able to update drivers when you don’t have an Internet connection. 
![:)]](http://www.macbrosplace.com/smilies/yahoo_onphone.gif ":)]"){kind=small}
May 13th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
This is the story that I hear over and over again. This is yet another reason that I avoid using Windows at home – the reinstall is usually necessary after a certain period and when its time, it takes forever. And, its usually destructive of your data.
Ubuntu – 1/2 hour install. All devices detected and working. I’ve done this on 3 very different PCs just lately.
Yes, its preaching, and yes, its good for you.
MrCoreys last blog post..Thoughts on a Slow Sunday
May 13th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
@MrCorey – This is actually the first time I had a difficult time. I’ve done this before and when it was finished, all the drivers were installed automatically too. Never had a problem like this before.
If I could go away from Windows I would, but all my media applications are on Windows, and having double OS is pointless when I spend 99% of my time in Windows applications.
May 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
In that case, you install Virtualbox and run XP as a virtual OS and install your stuff on it.
MrCoreys last blog post..Thoughts on a Slow Sunday
May 13th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
@MrCorey – that to me would be overkill. Why install an OS and not use it if your going to use a virtual one. LOL
May 13th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
OR put some thought into it, look up the motherboard manufacturers site, download the fucking drivers, and burn them to a cd BEFORE you flatten the drive. Then reinstall them at your leisure. OR actually fix the problems instead of reinstalling windows..
but if people did all of that stuff i wouldn’t have a job now would i?
Computer technicians. Fixing your fuckups since 1981.
Thats gonna be my company logo
May 13th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
@Uhh Yeah – I have three shit boxes here and I’ve completely erased all shit from them and reinstalled XP and never had an issue. This is the only one that did.
If all went according to plan, a reinstall would have been shorter than trying to sort through all the crap that was installed on this thing over the past few years. That was my thinking. Time is one thing I don’t have.
But once I got MY NIC in there, I was good to go anyway.
PS: Cant read anything on the inside. Tobacco sludge and gunk cover the words. LOL (Bro smokes a lot)
I’m just glad I got it all working again. It’ll do to get me running again.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
nah. could have had that running like new in half an hour, and not lost anything
May 15th, 2009 at 2:55 am
@Uhh Yeah – well good for youoooooo.
May 18th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Yeah i’m just that good macbros
May 18th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
@Uhh Yeah – Smell something?
May 19th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
haha. hey dont hate on me John. I dont come in here saying you aint good at… whatever it is you do.
May 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
@Uhh Yeah – …………….