REFORMAT BASICS
This is what works for me after doing this hundreds of times.
1) Take all hardware out of the computer that isn't necessary. This includes add-on video cards, floppy drives, slave HDs, additional USB ports or readers etc. The only thing needed is a DVD or CD drive (if you are re-installing from a disc), a keyboard, a HD, and an output for a monitor. On-board VGA is fine to use while reformatting, additional video cards can be added later. Notice how I didn't say a mouse was needed, it really is optional. Back in DOS there were no mice. You are probably reformatting for a reason, and removing everything will eliminate potential driver problems and faulty hardware that caused problems in the first place. If you suspect that a piece of hardware is malfunctioning, after the drive has been reformatted and updated, you can re-install all of the hardware piece by piece to check for problems.
The only things needed in the case:
HD
DVD or CD Drive
Keyboard
Monitor Output
2) Change the boot sequence to boot from the CD or DVD drive.
3) If there are any existing partitions on the HD, delete them. It is even better if you format the disc before re-installing the OS. Use NTFS for the file system.
4) Create and name the partition(s). If you unplugged everything, then your OS HD will be C like it should be. If you leave other things plugged in, there is no telling what drive letter it will be assigned. If your USB camera memory card reader is assigned C, it can lead to problems with some software during install. Install the OS.
5) After you are in Windows, don't expect the on on-board LAN or add-in LAN card to work unless it uses generic drivers. Get the LAN driver onto a flash drive or disc and installed first. Since the LAN is now installed you should be able to access the internet, install the rest of the MANUFACTURER's drivers after you are in Windows. It helps to keep a spare LAN card around that uses generic drivers just to get the computer onto the internet to install the correct drivers, then take that generic card out.
6) Install the rest of the hardware that was removed one piece at a time with the MANUFACTURER's drivers.
7) Don't install any programs yet. Install ALL of the Windows Updates and restart once more after they are all installed.
8) Create a Restore Point and then install programs, then tweak the OS.
1) Take all hardware out of the computer that isn't necessary. This includes add-on video cards, floppy drives, slave HDs, additional USB ports or readers etc. The only thing needed is a DVD or CD drive (if you are re-installing from a disc), a keyboard, a HD, and an output for a monitor. On-board VGA is fine to use while reformatting, additional video cards can be added later. Notice how I didn't say a mouse was needed, it really is optional. Back in DOS there were no mice. You are probably reformatting for a reason, and removing everything will eliminate potential driver problems and faulty hardware that caused problems in the first place. If you suspect that a piece of hardware is malfunctioning, after the drive has been reformatted and updated, you can re-install all of the hardware piece by piece to check for problems.
The only things needed in the case:
HD
DVD or CD Drive
Keyboard
Monitor Output
2) Change the boot sequence to boot from the CD or DVD drive.
3) If there are any existing partitions on the HD, delete them. It is even better if you format the disc before re-installing the OS. Use NTFS for the file system.
4) Create and name the partition(s). If you unplugged everything, then your OS HD will be C like it should be. If you leave other things plugged in, there is no telling what drive letter it will be assigned. If your USB camera memory card reader is assigned C, it can lead to problems with some software during install. Install the OS.
5) After you are in Windows, don't expect the on on-board LAN or add-in LAN card to work unless it uses generic drivers. Get the LAN driver onto a flash drive or disc and installed first. Since the LAN is now installed you should be able to access the internet, install the rest of the MANUFACTURER's drivers after you are in Windows. It helps to keep a spare LAN card around that uses generic drivers just to get the computer onto the internet to install the correct drivers, then take that generic card out.
6) Install the rest of the hardware that was removed one piece at a time with the MANUFACTURER's drivers.
7) Don't install any programs yet. Install ALL of the Windows Updates and restart once more after they are all installed.
8) Create a Restore Point and then install programs, then tweak the OS.
AFTER A FRESH OS INSTALL
Starting with a fresh install of Windows XP Service Pack 2, this will get it all back up to date.
1) Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=24
If you are able to download and install SP 3. go to step 3. If IE will not let you download Service Pack 3, go to step 2.
2) Download Mozilla Firefox. Outdated Internet Explorer may not let you download any Microsoft updates, so you have to find another way to get them if they are not on a disk already. If IE will not let you go to Windows Update, whenever you try it tells you that Windows XP is old, no longer supported, and you need to buy a new computer or operating system. Use FireFox to download Service Pack 3 from the link in step 1.
3) Windows Updates - Pick up the rest of the updates at Windows Update.
4) Check the drive(s) for errors. Defrag the drive(s). Using NTFS enables file compression, it's a good time to compress the drives.
If you are still using XP, then you probably have you own personal tweaks to it. Depending on how you are going to customize or secure it, make a slipstream disc and some of these steps will be eliminated in the future.
While XP was still being supported, for whatever reason sometimes I have had a horrible time getting Windows Update to work correctly. Now that Microsoft is not supporting it, I haven't had any of those issues...
If the Windows Update website is ever taken down, I made the list below or if you cannot get Windows Update to work, you can just install all the updates manually, the list below is in the correct order and tested on multiple computers with no installation errors.
1) Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=24
If you are able to download and install SP 3. go to step 3. If IE will not let you download Service Pack 3, go to step 2.
2) Download Mozilla Firefox. Outdated Internet Explorer may not let you download any Microsoft updates, so you have to find another way to get them if they are not on a disk already. If IE will not let you go to Windows Update, whenever you try it tells you that Windows XP is old, no longer supported, and you need to buy a new computer or operating system. Use FireFox to download Service Pack 3 from the link in step 1.
3) Windows Updates - Pick up the rest of the updates at Windows Update.
4) Check the drive(s) for errors. Defrag the drive(s). Using NTFS enables file compression, it's a good time to compress the drives.
If you are still using XP, then you probably have you own personal tweaks to it. Depending on how you are going to customize or secure it, make a slipstream disc and some of these steps will be eliminated in the future.
While XP was still being supported, for whatever reason sometimes I have had a horrible time getting Windows Update to work correctly. Now that Microsoft is not supporting it, I haven't had any of those issues...
If the Windows Update website is ever taken down, I made the list below or if you cannot get Windows Update to work, you can just install all the updates manually, the list below is in the correct order and tested on multiple computers with no installation errors.
.NET FRAMEWORK
.NET is not always backwards compatible. NET 4 is not an update or contain the same routines as NET 3.5, both must be installed.
NET 3.5: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=21
.NET 4: Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows 2008 R2 - KB2836939
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=39257
NET 3.5: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=21
.NET 4: Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows 2008 R2 - KB2836939
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=39257
IF WINDOWS UPDATE DOESN'T WORK (X86)
1) Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
2) Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
3) Security Update for Flash Player (KB923789)
4) Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
5) Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)
6) Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
7) Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
8) Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
9) Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
10) Update for Windows XP (KB952287)
11) Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474)
12) Security Update for Windows XP (KB923561)
13) Security Update for Windows XP (KB956572)
14) Security Update for Windows XP (KB952004)
15) Security Update for Windows XP (KB960803)
16) Security Update for Windows XP (KB959426)
17) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB973540)
18) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973869)
19) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973507)
20) Security Update for Windows XP (KB960859)
21) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973815)
22) Security Update for Windows XP (KB971657)
23) Security Update for Windows XP (KB956844)
24) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP 3 (KB954155)
25) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975025)
26) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974571)
27) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974112)
28) Security Update for Windows XP (KB969059)
29) Update for Windows XP (KB968389)
30) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB952069)
31) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318)
32) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392)
33) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904)
34) Security Update for Windows XP (KB972270)
35) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975713)
36) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975560)
37) Security Update for Windows XP (KB977914)
38) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978706)
39) Security Update for Windows XP (KB977816)
40) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979309)
41) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978338)
42) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978542)
43) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP3 (KB978695)
44) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979482)
45) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2229593)
46) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2115168)
47) Security Update for Windows XP (KB982665)
48) Security Update for Windows XP (KB981997)
49) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2347290)
50) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975558)
51) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979687)
52) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296011)
53) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2378111)
54) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2387149)
55) Security Update for Windows XP (KB982132)
56) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2423089)
57) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2443105)
58) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2419632)
59) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478971)
60) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2483185)
61) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478960)
62) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2393802)
63) Update for Windows XP (KB971029)
64) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2479943)
65) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2481109)
66) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2485663)
67) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508429)
68) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2506212)
69) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510581)
70) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2509553)
71) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2535512)
72) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507938)
73) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2566454)
74) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2536276)
75) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2570947)
76) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2592799)
77) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2564958)
78) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2544893)
79) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2619339)
80) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2620712)
81) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2584146)
82) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2631813)
83) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2585542)
84) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2603381)
85) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2598479)
86) Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP
87) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2661637)
88) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2653956)
89) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2676562)
90) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2659262)
91) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2686509)
92) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2691442)
93) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2655992)
94) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2719985)
95) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2698365)
96) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2712808)
97) Update for Windows XP (KB2749655)
98) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2723135)
99) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2705219)
100) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2727528)
101) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2770660)
102) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2757638)
103) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2802968)
104) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2780091)
105) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2807986)
106) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2820917)
107) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2813345)
108) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2834886)
109) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2850869)
110) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2859537)
111) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9 for Windows XP (KB2803821)
112) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2876217)
113) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2864063)
114) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2847311)
115) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2868038)
116) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862330)
117) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862335)
118) Cumulative Security Update for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB2900986)
119) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2876331)
120) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2868626)
121) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862152)
122) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2898715)
123) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2892075)
124) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2893294)
125) Update for Windows XP (KB2904266)
126) Security Update for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (KB2917500)
127) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2914368)
128) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2916036)
129) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2909212)
130) Windows XP End of Support Notification (KB2934207)
131) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2929961)
132) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2930275)
133) Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2936068)
134) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2922229)
135) Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2964358)
136) Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - October 2014 (KB890830)
137) Update for Windows XP (KB970430)
138) Update for Windows XP (KB2345886)
139) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510531)
140) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2909210)
141) Security Update for Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP (KB2964358)
142) Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile for Windows XP x86 (KB982670)
143) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2604121)
144) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2737019)
145) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2729449)
146) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2742595)
147) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2789642)
148) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2840628)
149) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2858302)
150) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 x86 (KB2861188)
151) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2898855)
152) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2901110)
153) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2836939)
154) Windows Media Player 11
155) Update for Windows XP (KB2492386)
156) Update for Windows XP (KB2632503)
157) Update for Windows XP (KB2808679)
158) Update for Root Certificates for Windows XP [November 2013] (KB931125)
159) Security Update for Windows XP with Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 and 11 (KB941569)
160) Update for Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP (KB939683)
161) Update for Windows Media Format 11 SDK for Windows XP (KB929399)
162) Security Update for Windows XP (KB954154)
163) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB973540)
164) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP 3 (KB954155)
165) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB952069)
166) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP3 (KB978695)
167) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975558)
168) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2378111)
169) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2487367)
170) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2742595)
171) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2736428)
172) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 11 for Windows XP (KB2834904)
173) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2858302)
174) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2901110)
175) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2836939)
176) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2533523)
177) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2468871)
178) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2600217)
179) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 x86 (KB951847)
2) Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
3) Security Update for Flash Player (KB923789)
4) Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
5) Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)
6) Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
7) Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
8) Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
9) Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
10) Update for Windows XP (KB952287)
11) Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474)
12) Security Update for Windows XP (KB923561)
13) Security Update for Windows XP (KB956572)
14) Security Update for Windows XP (KB952004)
15) Security Update for Windows XP (KB960803)
16) Security Update for Windows XP (KB959426)
17) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB973540)
18) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973869)
19) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973507)
20) Security Update for Windows XP (KB960859)
21) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973815)
22) Security Update for Windows XP (KB971657)
23) Security Update for Windows XP (KB956844)
24) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP 3 (KB954155)
25) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975025)
26) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974571)
27) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974112)
28) Security Update for Windows XP (KB969059)
29) Update for Windows XP (KB968389)
30) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB952069)
31) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318)
32) Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392)
33) Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904)
34) Security Update for Windows XP (KB972270)
35) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975713)
36) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975560)
37) Security Update for Windows XP (KB977914)
38) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978706)
39) Security Update for Windows XP (KB977816)
40) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979309)
41) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978338)
42) Security Update for Windows XP (KB978542)
43) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP3 (KB978695)
44) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979482)
45) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2229593)
46) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2115168)
47) Security Update for Windows XP (KB982665)
48) Security Update for Windows XP (KB981997)
49) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2347290)
50) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975558)
51) Security Update for Windows XP (KB979687)
52) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296011)
53) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2378111)
54) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2387149)
55) Security Update for Windows XP (KB982132)
56) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2423089)
57) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2443105)
58) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2419632)
59) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478971)
60) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2483185)
61) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478960)
62) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2393802)
63) Update for Windows XP (KB971029)
64) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2479943)
65) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2481109)
66) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2485663)
67) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508429)
68) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2506212)
69) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510581)
70) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2509553)
71) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2535512)
72) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507938)
73) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2566454)
74) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2536276)
75) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2570947)
76) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2592799)
77) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2564958)
78) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2544893)
79) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2619339)
80) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2620712)
81) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2584146)
82) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2631813)
83) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2585542)
84) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2603381)
85) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2598479)
86) Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP
87) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2661637)
88) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2653956)
89) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2676562)
90) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2659262)
91) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2686509)
92) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2691442)
93) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2655992)
94) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2719985)
95) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2698365)
96) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2712808)
97) Update for Windows XP (KB2749655)
98) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2723135)
99) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2705219)
100) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2727528)
101) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2770660)
102) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2757638)
103) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2802968)
104) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2780091)
105) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2807986)
106) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2820917)
107) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2813345)
108) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2834886)
109) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2850869)
110) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2859537)
111) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9 for Windows XP (KB2803821)
112) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2876217)
113) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2864063)
114) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2847311)
115) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2868038)
116) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862330)
117) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862335)
118) Cumulative Security Update for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB2900986)
119) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2876331)
120) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2868626)
121) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2862152)
122) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2898715)
123) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2892075)
124) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2893294)
125) Update for Windows XP (KB2904266)
126) Security Update for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (KB2917500)
127) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2914368)
128) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2916036)
129) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2909212)
130) Windows XP End of Support Notification (KB2934207)
131) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2929961)
132) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2930275)
133) Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2936068)
134) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2922229)
135) Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2964358)
136) Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - October 2014 (KB890830)
137) Update for Windows XP (KB970430)
138) Update for Windows XP (KB2345886)
139) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510531)
140) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2909210)
141) Security Update for Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP (KB2964358)
142) Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile for Windows XP x86 (KB982670)
143) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2604121)
144) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2737019)
145) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2729449)
146) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2742595)
147) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2789642)
148) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2840628)
149) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2858302)
150) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 x86 (KB2861188)
151) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2898855)
152) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2901110)
153) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2836939)
154) Windows Media Player 11
155) Update for Windows XP (KB2492386)
156) Update for Windows XP (KB2632503)
157) Update for Windows XP (KB2808679)
158) Update for Root Certificates for Windows XP [November 2013] (KB931125)
159) Security Update for Windows XP with Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 and 11 (KB941569)
160) Update for Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP (KB939683)
161) Update for Windows Media Format 11 SDK for Windows XP (KB929399)
162) Security Update for Windows XP (KB954154)
163) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB973540)
164) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP 3 (KB954155)
165) Security Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB952069)
166) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5 & 11 for Windows XP SP3 (KB978695)
167) Security Update for Windows XP (KB975558)
168) Security Update for Windows XP (KB2378111)
169) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2487367)
170) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2742595)
171) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2736428)
172) Security Update for Windows Media Format Runtime 11 for Windows XP (KB2834904)
173) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2858302)
174) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2901110)
175) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2836939)
176) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2533523)
177) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2468871)
178) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2600217)
179) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 x86 (KB951847)
DRIVERS
Aspire M1610 Drivers
Audio - Realtek Audio Driver - 5.10.0.5436
Chipset - SIS Chipset Driver - 6.14.10.3790
Lan - SIS LAN Driver - 2.0.1039.1070
Dell ATG D620 Drivers
EeePC 904HA Drivers
Intel Desktop Board D845GLVA
Audio - Realtek Audio Driver - 5.10.0.5436
Chipset - SIS Chipset Driver - 6.14.10.3790
Lan - SIS LAN Driver - 2.0.1039.1070
Dell ATG D620 Drivers
EeePC 904HA Drivers
Intel Desktop Board D845GLVA
PROGRAMS AFTER REFORMAT
"CLOUD" WINDOWS XP SETUP
Rather than have to make a big process of installing a new HD or reformatting, I keep everything off of the OS HD except for the OS and installed programs. Those two things need be re-installed anyway if switching drives. User desktops and documents can be stored on another partition or HD. Then after a fresh OS install, it is only a matter of copying the partition over to a new drive (or just leaving that HD hooked up to the MB) and redirecting shortcuts. This way I can have a fresh OS and registry on a new HD in about an hour with no noticeable difference to any user.
Relocate each user's documents and desktop to an alternate location:
Registry Key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
It also helps to not place documents or files on a desktop, instead post a shortcut to that document or file.
Use Google Chrome Bookmarks to sync bookmarks and browser tabs across all devices - no backups needed
Relocate each user's documents and desktop to an alternate location:
Registry Key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
It also helps to not place documents or files on a desktop, instead post a shortcut to that document or file.
Use Google Chrome Bookmarks to sync bookmarks and browser tabs across all devices - no backups needed
FASTER START-UP TIME AND PROCESS MONITORING
The thing that really freaks me out about the new Windows OS is the amount of processes that are necessary just for the computer to run. Windows XP only needs about 20 processes to run perfectly fine. To speed up start-up time and reduce the amount of drain on the system, use the Task Manager to find programs that are running that aren't necessary. Updaters that always run in the background are common and a waste of performance.
First, delete any shortcuts that are in the Startup folder on the Start Menu.
Use the settings in the programs with these updaters etc to not start when Windows starts. If this isn't an option, you can use MSCONFIG to stop these programs from starting up.
It may take while to see what processes do what, but after some time it will become natural to recognize the ones that aren't necessary. The plus side to this is that once all the processes are known, it makes it easy to spot spyware and viruses. As long as you monitor the process regularly, malicious software can be spotted regardless if an antivirus program has up to date definitions, or new malware that hasn't been identified yet.
First, delete any shortcuts that are in the Startup folder on the Start Menu.
Use the settings in the programs with these updaters etc to not start when Windows starts. If this isn't an option, you can use MSCONFIG to stop these programs from starting up.
It may take while to see what processes do what, but after some time it will become natural to recognize the ones that aren't necessary. The plus side to this is that once all the processes are known, it makes it easy to spot spyware and viruses. As long as you monitor the process regularly, malicious software can be spotted regardless if an antivirus program has up to date definitions, or new malware that hasn't been identified yet.
HOW TO PREVENT MALWARE
The easiest solution is to use an antivirus program. These need to be updated regularly, and can take up a lot of resources. If you are installing a program that you plan on uninstalling, or you aren't sure if it is safe, there are a few things that you can do.
If the file is small enough, email it to yourself. Most email providers scan attachments for malware. If it shows up in your inbox without any warnings, it MAY be okay.
Install a virtual machine that is self contained and can be deleted in seconds. You can create as many virtual machines as you want and choose any of the parameters for the OS of the virtual PC.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4580
If the file is small enough, email it to yourself. Most email providers scan attachments for malware. If it shows up in your inbox without any warnings, it MAY be okay.
Install a virtual machine that is self contained and can be deleted in seconds. You can create as many virtual machines as you want and choose any of the parameters for the OS of the virtual PC.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4580
WIRELESS PRINTING ACROSS DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEMS
It is possible to share a printer connected to a machine to any other machine on the same network to print wireless. It works seamless in XP, but gets harder as the operating system gets newer.
Printer Hardwired to XP machine:
XP Wireless Machine: Easy install
Vista Wireless Machine: Easy once you trick the Vista OS into thinking it is hardwired
Link:
Windows 7: Takes a lot of playing around
The problem is mostly with the drivers, the best bet is to use a universal printer driver if one is available for the printer.
Printer Hardwired to XP machine:
XP Wireless Machine: Easy install
Vista Wireless Machine: Easy once you trick the Vista OS into thinking it is hardwired
Link:
Windows 7: Takes a lot of playing around
The problem is mostly with the drivers, the best bet is to use a universal printer driver if one is available for the printer.
ACCESS DENIED ON PRIVATE FOLDERS ON A RECOVERED HD
Take ownership and set permissions of the files or folders:
(You can select multiples.)
Assign Ownership
If you get an error message, click "Okay" on the error message then click "Advanced"
Click on the "Owner" tab and add your local user as an owner, and click "Apply" and then "Okay" then click the next "Okay"
Then set the permissions.
Set Permissions
Right click on the folder and select "Properties."
Click on the "Security" Tab.
Click "Add."
Add your local username and then click "Check Names," then click "Okay"
Add "Full Control" and click "Apply" and then "Okay."
(You can select multiples.)
Assign Ownership
If you get an error message, click "Okay" on the error message then click "Advanced"
Click on the "Owner" tab and add your local user as an owner, and click "Apply" and then "Okay" then click the next "Okay"
Then set the permissions.
Set Permissions
Right click on the folder and select "Properties."
Click on the "Security" Tab.
Click "Add."
Add your local username and then click "Check Names," then click "Okay"
Add "Full Control" and click "Apply" and then "Okay."
EASIEST AND FASTEST WAY TO BACKUP A HD
After trying many different ways, I have found that just plugging an empty HD into a SATA port of the MB and copying the files over is the fastest and easiest way. USB and network backups take a long time. It doesn't require any special software, there are no monthly fees, but the hardest part is that you have to remember to actually do it.
DUPLICATE FILES AFTER RESTORING BACKUPS
If you are working with a lot of recovered files, there will be duplicates after you restore or copy them over. This program is decent at finding duplicates and lets you choose which files to delete.
Duplicate Cleaner
With the free version, in the options set the maximum amount of duplicate files to 199, then mark files for deletion by location. First, select a directory to preserve files in, this reduces the time greatly.
Set the search filters conservatively at first, then gradually open the filter.
Duplicate Cleaner
With the free version, in the options set the maximum amount of duplicate files to 199, then mark files for deletion by location. First, select a directory to preserve files in, this reduces the time greatly.
Set the search filters conservatively at first, then gradually open the filter.
INSTALL IPHONE DRIVERS WITHOUT INSTALLING ITUNES
Download iTunesSetup.exe
Do not execute, but open iTunesSetup.exe file with an archiver. ( WinZip, WinRar, etc)
Only install: AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi.
Do not execute, but open iTunesSetup.exe file with an archiver. ( WinZip, WinRar, etc)
Only install: AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi.