From: dragonsclaw@NOTmindspring.com   
      
   On Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:02:48 +0100, "Mr Pounder"   
    wrote:   
      
   >   
   >"Grinder"  wrote in message   
   >news:vIWdnXG76ohXHfvPnZ2dnUVZ_uednZ2d@mchsi.com...   
   >> On 10/22/2013 8:15 AM, Mr Pounder wrote:   
   >>> Running XP Pro, SP3.   
   >>> Computer was custom built about 7 years ago, not by me.   
   >>> Sometimes on bootup I get the message "no drives found" and or   
   >>> "Windows\system\32\config\system missing" and am prompted to do the   
   >>> repair   
   >>> option with the disc.   
   >>> When I have tried to do this I'm told that the Windows on my computer is   
   >>> newer than on the disc. The disc has SP2 on it.   
   >>> Press Ctrl Alt Delete and all is fine for a few weeks.   
   >>> I use AVG, Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and defrag when required.   
   >>> If I just reload Windows from the disc will it remove all of my stuff   
   >>> and   
   >>> will I have to suffer the endless downloads?   
   >>> Sorry for being dumb.   
   >>   
   >> It sounds like your install of Windows had developed some pot holes. Seven   
   >> years is a pretty good run, so I would advise you to find a technician   
   >> that will:   
   >>   
   >> 1) Backup your computer   
   >>   
   >> 2) Format the hard drive   
   >>   
   >> 3) Install, activate and update Windows XP   
   >>   
   >> 4) Reinstall software you use and have licenses for   
   >>   
   >> 5) Restore your documents, music, pictures, etc from the backup   
   >>   
   >> If there is a hardware problem, like a flaky hard drive, that should show   
   >> up in this process.  You're probably ok, but it's better to find that out   
   >> now instead of having to suffer random failures.   
   >>   
   >> If you have "borrowed" software on your computer, this could be a little   
   >> abrasive, as the tech will not/should not bring that software back.   
   >>   
   >> This service should cost less than $100.  Be specific in what you request   
   >> to be done, and make them be specific in describing what it will cost.   
   >   
   >I should have said that my computer has been doing this for about 6 years.   
   >The shop that built it has closed down due to "personal problems". He did   
   >not go bust.   
   >I was trying to avoid the format. Will reinstalling not help?   
   >Thanks for the help.   
   >   
   PATA Drive problems can also be caused by incorrect cables  or drive jumper   
   settings   
      
   Just because it 'works' sometimes does not indicate that it was correct and   
   not susceptible to electrical noise.   
      
   1) Always use the Last connector on the cable   
   (leave no un terminated wings flapping :) )   
   2) Pay attention to Master/Slave/Cable Select/Single  jumpers  IMHO CS should   
   only be used on the 66 wire cables  Follow the drive manufactures advice.   
   Multi Generation PATA drives don't always play nice on the same cable   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)