One or two queries that are concerning me:

1. If I upgrade my Bios, will I have to reinstall XP?
2. Is there a way of building a complete back-up to a second Harddrive inclunding the windows directory and the user.dat etc
3. is eSupport.com a reliable Bios supplier?

Thanks in advance

regards

Russ Manhire
Lincolnshire
UK

1. It should have no effect - apart from possibly removing troubles. It
is not something I would do for the hell of it, though, only if there is
some trouble traced back to the BIOS

More

2. Windows XP Backup Made Easy

3. I've never used it but here is a search with some opinions:
eSupport.com

Good luck

Thanks yet again Jephree - those reviews don't appear too good, but I suppose only the people with problems complain!!

Having backed up my complete C Drive (with MS Backup), a restore over a clean XP installation still does not completely reload all my settings. I presume this is because not all of the settings can overwrite files that are in use.

How do the experts do it??

regards
Russ

I am not an expert but a searcher & learning along the way.

Another link I should have given you is this:

File & Settings Transfer wizard

Have you tried to restore these particular files/ settings in Safe Mode?

What files/ settings are not restoring?

Here is a google group search you might want to browse:

restore backup on clean xp install

Hi Jephree - in the end I used restore from backup again and reinstalled the bits and pieces where registry entries were no longer valid.

The problem is the 'All Users' bit, which I presume will be in use, no matter who I log on as.........

Anyway I'm back to normal with SP1 reinstalled. I suspect if I want to load SP2 then I will need to try the BIOS upgrade.

If I go that route I'll post the results on here

Once again thanks for your help

Talk again soon

regards
Russ
Linconshire
UK

Hey Boz;

Glad things are getting back towards normal.

Just my own curiosity:

Did you try Safe Mode?

Why do you feel you need to flash the BIOS for SP2?

(& just btw when I upgrade my BIOS I get the download from the board manufacturers site.)

SP1 should serve you fine as long as you keep it updated & run your own firewall & AV.

Good luck

Mornng Jephree --- No I didn't try Safe mode, but If (or when) I go for the BIOS upgrade , if it screws up again I'll give it a try.

Incidently, there is one of the current security upgrades from MS that has the same effect on my machine as SP2, sadly I can't remember which. I will download over the next few days and install one at a time and let you know.

Re the BIOS upgrade, American Megatrends refer fupgrade seekers to eSupport.com but acouple of those reviews that you refered me to aren't toocomplimentary. I'll need reassurance that I can 'revert to previous' before I'll risk it. In any event I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again

Regards
Russ