rec.autos.simulators

by **Rafe McAulif** » Mon, 22 Oct 2001 17:36:59

I agree and disagree. If you have had Windows installed for a long
while and it's cluttered, slow, unstable, then yes, take the
opportunity to reinstall Windows clean. But I don't see the need to
format your HDD, this is not necessary. Just delete Windows and
Program Files folders (or rename them).

BUT the best way to go is to get Windows to remove all your current
hardware and install the new hardware, drivers, etc. again. The trick
is to open Regedit and delete the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ENUM" key (and
all subfolders). You MUST do this when you shutdown for the final time
and then install the new harware.This will remove all current
hardware, Windows will detect all the new stuff and you'll have a much
easier time.

Rafe Mc

>FWIW, I don't like the idea of 'dirty' motherboard installs. It just isn't
>worth the trouble it causes. False Economy...

>This is a good time to clean out the rafters. Back up all important
>documents, including mail, game settings, car setups, etc...

>Install the new hardware. Format the drive, and start from scratch.

>Once the basic Operating System, Patches and Drivers are all installed and
>working properly, Ghost the system to a CDR using either Ghost or
>DriveImage. Now, continue with adding applications, games etc... When all
>are installed, Ghost it again as your "Quick Recovery" image.

>Now copy your data and settings back.

>Yes, it takes more time. However, I think the effort is well worth it and
>pays off in stability in the long run.

>JMHO :)

>-Larry

by **Larr** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 00:18:07

If you are deleting the Windows and Program Files folders, why not go the 1
extra step and format the HD?

You are hopefully building up a system that will work for a long, long time.
Why cut back at this point?

It's a fine time to test the hard drive fully, and there's not much better
way than to format it clean.

To each his own :)

-Larry

> I agree and disagree. If you have had Windows installed for a long
> while and it's cluttered, slow, unstable, then yes, take the
> opportunity to reinstall Windows clean. But I don't see the need to
> format your HDD, this is not necessary. Just delete Windows and
> Program Files folders (or rename them).

> BUT the best way to go is to get Windows to remove all your current
> hardware and install the new hardware, drivers, etc. again. The trick
> is to open Regedit and delete the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ENUM" key (and
> all subfolders). You MUST do this when you shutdown for the final time
> and then install the new harware.This will remove all current
> hardware, Windows will detect all the new stuff and you'll have a much
> easier time.

> Rafe Mc

> >FWIW, I don't like the idea of 'dirty' motherboard installs. It just
isn't
> >worth the trouble it causes. False Economy...

> >This is a good time to clean out the rafters. Back up all important
> >documents, including mail, game settings, car setups, etc...

> >Install the new hardware. Format the drive, and start from scratch.

> >Once the basic Operating System, Patches and Drivers are all installed
and
> >working properly, Ghost the system to a CDR using either Ghost or
> >DriveImage. Now, continue with adding applications, games etc... When
all
> >are installed, Ghost it again as your "Quick Recovery" image.

> >Now copy your data and settings back.

> >Yes, it takes more time. However, I think the effort is well worth it
and
> >pays off in stability in the long run.

> >JMHO :)

> >-Larry

by **Haqsa** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 01:44:41

That's a good point. I have always taken the route of just installing
the new hardware and letting Windows detect it. As a result my registry
is huge, which slows down everything from bootup to minor program
configuration changes. I wonder whether the steps you suggest would
help clean up my existing machine? I suppose I could just back up the
registry first and try it, but I'm not sure I have the bawllz, hehe.

> I agree and disagree. If you have had Windows installed for a long
> while and it's cluttered, slow, unstable, then yes, take the
> opportunity to reinstall Windows clean. But I don't see the need to
> format your HDD, this is not necessary. Just delete Windows and
> Program Files folders (or rename them).

> BUT the best way to go is to get Windows to remove all your current
> hardware and install the new hardware, drivers, etc. again. The trick
> is to open Regedit and delete the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ENUM" key (and
> all subfolders). You MUST do this when you shutdown for the final time
> and then install the new harware.This will remove all current
> hardware, Windows will detect all the new stuff and you'll have a much
> easier time.

> Rafe Mc

> >FWIW, I don't like the idea of 'dirty' motherboard installs. It just
isn't
> >worth the trouble it causes. False Economy...

> >This is a good time to clean out the rafters. Back up all important
> >documents, including mail, game settings, car setups, etc...

> >Install the new hardware. Format the drive, and start from scratch.

> >Once the basic Operating System, Patches and Drivers are all
installed and
> >working properly, Ghost the system to a CDR using either Ghost or
> >DriveImage. Now, continue with adding applications, games etc...
When all
> >are installed, Ghost it again as your "Quick Recovery" image.

> >Now copy your data and settings back.

> >Yes, it takes more time. However, I think the effort is well worth
it and
> >pays off in stability in the long run.

> >JMHO :)

> >-Larry

by **Rafe McAulif** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 10:52:40

It's a pretty simple fix, and does 95% of what a full clean install
does. I did it when I replaced my mobo and cpu a few months ago, but
thought it didn't work, I had some instabilities. So I dleleted the
lot, reinstalled windows to find....Exactly the same problems!!!

Turned out to be a faulty mobo (not stable at 266mhz fsb). Swapped it
for a different model, deleted the ENUM registry key and it's been
magical ever since. HEAPS easier than reinstalling Windoze.

Rafe Mc

by **Haqsa** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 11:09:25

Rafe,

Does it ask for all the drivers again, or is it able to find the ones
you have installed already?

Thanks,
Hal

> It's a pretty simple fix, and does 95% of what a full clean install
> does. I did it when I replaced my mobo and cpu a few months ago, but
> thought it didn't work, I had some instabilities. So I dleleted the
> lot, reinstalled windows to find....Exactly the same problems!!!

> Turned out to be a faulty mobo (not stable at 266mhz fsb). Swapped it
> for a different model, deleted the ENUM registry key and it's been
> magical ever since. HEAPS easier than reinstalling Windoze.

> Rafe Mc

by **Phillip Arche** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 12:19:49

the guy at the store says the Asus and Abit are good. What is
Mark,

You might like to look at M/boards using the SIS735 chipset.
Tomshardware (I think) gave them good reviews and the price is right. I've
just bought an ECS board (to go with an Athlon XP 1500+), which seems to be
good so far and it will take either SDRAM or DDR (but not both). So you can
keep your old memory now and upgrade later is money's tight.
Just my 2cents...
Phillip..

by **mark jeangerar** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 15:13:10

I don't like the idea of a dirt install either, but with hundreds of
plug-ins on tens of programs... and then there's the racing folders, and
each sim has multiple patches....

Does Ghost allow me to move a complete program? What does it do? Can I avoid
repatching?

--

"Racing! - Science for the action minded."

mark

> FWIW, I don't like the idea of 'dirty' motherboard installs. It just
isn't
> worth the trouble it causes. False Economy...

> This is a good time to clean out the rafters. Back up all important
> documents, including mail, game settings, car setups, etc...

> Install the new hardware. Format the drive, and start from scratch.

> Once the basic Operating System, Patches and Drivers are all installed and
> working properly, Ghost the system to a CDR using either Ghost or
> DriveImage. Now, continue with adding applications, games etc... When
all
> are installed, Ghost it again as your "Quick Recovery" image.

> Now copy your data and settings back.

> Yes, it takes more time. However, I think the effort is well worth it and
> pays off in stability in the long run.

> JMHO :)

> -Larry

> > > I will be upgrading my core rig in a month or so and want to make sure
I
> > > don't get anything contrary to my main goal, sim racing. I will get a
> new
> > > case, MB, chip, ram, sound card, and maybe a modem. My chip will be an
> AMD
> > > Athlon T-Bird 1.4Ghz and I will continue to use my V5agp until it
> stinks.
> > So
> > > I need to know a few things that only the experience of this group can
> > > answer:

> > > Mother Board - the guy at the store says the Asus and Abit are good.
> What
> > is
> > > the trick Athlon counterpart? I'm fairly conservative with my
computers,
> > > I've no problem sacrificing a little performance for stability.

> > I would go for an Asus 266 board, preferably the A7M over A7A for best
> > performance. There have been some issues with Abit boards regarding
> > compatibility of late though they are renowned for being good for
> > overclocking - which I guess you aren't going to do.

> > > Ram - I noticed they put a lot of letters in front of RAM now, what's
> the
> > > correct ram for ***? Is 256 necessary, or will 128 be fine?

> > Go for 256DDR as it is very cheap now, so simply buy a 256 stick.

> > > Sound card - SB Live? I've heard problems.... anything else that works
> on
> > > everything?

> > If you are going to get a new one I would suggest the SB Audigy. I
believe
> > it addresses the issues of the SB Live.

> > > My modem is ISA. I thought I read somewhere that PCI modems are less
> > > reliable in a race connection. Is there any truth to that, or am I
> making
> > > shit up in my head? I need to know if I should get an ISA slot on my
MB.

> > Not heard that, wasn't it USB modems that had this problem? Hopefully
> > someone else can confirm that before you decide as ISA slots could
> restrict
> > your choice.

> > > Finally, I really do not want to reinstall, repatch, and reextragoody
> all
> > my
> > > software. Is it possible to simply uninstall the hardware in window98
> > before
> > > powering down?

> > I regularly change all those things without reinstalling. It is a good
> idea
> > to remove the software components of things you will remove (SB Live,
> modem)
> > first then shutdown.

> > Also copy the new motherboard drivers and the Windows cab files to your
> hard
> > disk, you can guarantee the CD drive will be the last thing that works!

> > Just install the motherboard first, when it has done everything and
boots
> > with all system devices sorted shutdown and add the other cards (Sound &
> > modem)

> > The biggest concern when swapping boards is a blue screen on startup
> > referring to your IDE controller, don't worry. You will then be left
with
> > your HD in MSDOS compatibility mode - there is a simple registry fix for
> > this. So don't fret!

> > HTH

> > Tony

by **mark jeangerar** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 15:13:46

What MB was that by the way? The unstable one?

--

"Racing! - Science for the action minded."

mark

> >That's a good point. I have always taken the route of just installing
> >the new hardware and letting Windows detect it. As a result my registry
> >is huge, which slows down everything from bootup to minor program
> >configuration changes. I wonder whether the steps you suggest would
> >help clean up my existing machine? I suppose I could just back up the
> >registry first and try it, but I'm not sure I have the bawllz, hehe.

> It's a pretty simple fix, and does 95% of what a full clean install
> does. I did it when I replaced my mobo and cpu a few months ago, but
> thought it didn't work, I had some instabilities. So I dleleted the
> lot, reinstalled windows to find....Exactly the same problems!!!

> Turned out to be a faulty mobo (not stable at 266mhz fsb). Swapped it
> for a different model, deleted the ENUM registry key and it's been
> magical ever since. HEAPS easier than reinstalling Windoze.

> Rafe Mc

by **mark jeangerar** » Tue, 23 Oct 2001 15:14:34

Very good to know. And if it goes bad I'm right back to step one, which is
where I'd be anyway.

--

"Racing! - Science for the action minded."

mark

> I agree and disagree. If you have had Windows installed for a long
> while and it's cluttered, slow, unstable, then yes, take the
> opportunity to reinstall Windows clean. But I don't see the need to
> format your HDD, this is not necessary. Just delete Windows and
> Program Files folders (or rename them).

> BUT the best way to go is to get Windows to remove all your current
> hardware and install the new hardware, drivers, etc. again. The trick
> is to open Regedit and delete the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ENUM" key (and
> all subfolders). You MUST do this when you shutdown for the final time
> and then install the new harware.This will remove all current
> hardware, Windows will detect all the new stuff and you'll have a much
> easier time.

> Rafe Mc

> >FWIW, I don't like the idea of 'dirty' motherboard installs. It just
isn't
> >worth the trouble it causes. False Economy...

> >This is a good time to clean out the rafters. Back up all important
> >documents, including mail, game settings, car setups, etc...

> >Install the new hardware. Format the drive, and start from scratch.

> >Once the basic Operating System, Patches and Drivers are all installed
and
> >working properly, Ghost the system to a CDR using either Ghost or
> >DriveImage. Now, continue with adding applications, games etc... When
all
> >are installed, Ghost it again as your "Quick Recovery" image.

> >Now copy your data and settings back.

> >Yes, it takes more time. However, I think the effort is well worth it
and
> >pays off in stability in the long run.

> >JMHO :)

> >-Larry

by **Rafe McAulif** » Wed, 24 Oct 2001 13:44:18

An Abit KT7A, with the VIA kt133a chipset. It was OK at 200 fsb, once
I set it to 266 it would lock up within 20 secs of booting up. Changed
to an Iwill KK266-R and that has been legendary ever since. THE most
stable mobo I've ever owned. Able to overclock to 310mhz fsb (not that
I'm using that, sticking to 266 ATM)

Rafe Mc

On Mon, 22 Oct 2001 00:13:46 -0600, "mark jeangerard"

>What MB was that by the way? The unstable one?

by **Rafe McAulif** » Wed, 24 Oct 2001 13:45:19

It will ask for the drivers again, you can either reinstall them or
direct them to c:/windows or /system if you wish.

Rafe Mc

>Rafe,

>Does it ask for all the drivers again, or is it able to find the ones
>you have installed already?

>Thanks,
>Hal

>> It's a pretty simple fix, and does 95% of what a full clean install
>> does. I did it when I replaced my mobo and cpu a few months ago, but
>> thought it didn't work, I had some instabilities. So I dleleted the
>> lot, reinstalled windows to find....Exactly the same problems!!!

>> Turned out to be a faulty mobo (not stable at 266mhz fsb). Swapped it
>> for a different model, deleted the ENUM registry key and it's been
>> magical ever since. HEAPS easier than reinstalling Windoze.

>> Rafe Mc

by **Tim Mise** » Thu, 25 Oct 2001 07:06:36

I would consider choosing an Athlon XP instead of the aging 1.4 Tbird. The
XP's are so much faster and you can get XP 1700+ for well under $200.

-Tim

by **Christopher Hodde** » Sat, 27 Oct 2001 05:54:24

I did a similar thing not too long ago to my PC and just didn't bother to
format harddrives etc. This was the bane of my life until I formated and
reinstalled everything last week. You would not believe the difference that
makes to your PC... Everything seems to run just like you bought it from
the shop last week, with last weeks specs. I highly recommend formatting
and reinstalling your PC after a change of processor and motherboard, if
only so it boots up faster.

Chris