Expert Zone > Chats

Windows XP General Chat (May 23, 2006)

Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Please note: portions of this chat have been edited for clarity.

Introductions

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
We will begin by introducing ourselves to you. I'm Lance Zielinski. I'm a lab engineer for the Windows Platform SDK team. I've been at Microsoft for 6 years, primarily working on Windows. It's a pleasure to join you today!

Dave Massy (Moderator):
I'm Dave Massy. I work on the Internet Explorer team as a Program Manager. Currently we are all busy working on Internet Explorer 7 which is available as beta 2 from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
I'm David Bristol in Product Support. I support all of the Windows Media Technologies including the player, server, encoder and SDK's. I've been supporting those products for about 6 years now.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi, I'm Fred Nava. I'm on the Windows Shell Test Team. I test the Vista Metadata UI and FTP Folders and I like hot apple pie with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

Start of Chat

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: Xp not enough memory while running a Task, what do I do? I have 256k on memory *-)
A: What sort of task are you trying to do? Is there a particular program you're trying to run?

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Hi, I'm Kelli Zielinski, I've been a tester on the Windows Shell/User Experience team for 6 years.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: i_download_trojans _: dave massy.....lance....i have to leave but im gonna try to ask u why can i not download ms beta products....it skips right over the run and install and says thank you for downloading...I’ve had hp on phone and microsoft on phone
A: Sorry without more specific details of the repro steps it is really difficult to advise what the problem might be.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: Down loading files
A: Downloading them with IE, FTP?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What is the difference between Windows XP Professional Edition and Corporate Edition?
A: Hi Eric, I've never heard of Windows XP Corporate Edition. It might be a simple branding device for Volume Licensing but the only actual client SKUs for Windows XP were Windows XP Starter Edition, Windows XP Home Edition, and Windows XP Professional Edition.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Got more questions? We're here to help! Or, if you've got feedback about a feature, let us know. We appreciate constructive input!

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: Will the "click to activate and use control" stay in IE7 when released or will you fix this issue related to the eola patent issue ?
A: I'm unable to answer any specific questions refering to legal issues as I am not a lawyer. The current behavior in the IE6 update and in IE7 beta 2 is expected to be in the final IE7 release.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Juanit0, please use the "Ask the Experts" button and ask your question. :)

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: Does anyone know how to disable the Restore tab on an XP SP2 PC for shadow copy (MMC would be nice!). I have a 2003 public drive that I don’t want users to have the ability to “restore” it by accident.
A: There's a policy for this; it's under Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, System Restore (in group policy).

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: We have lots of Access 97 running here. Will I be able to run Aceess97 on Vista?
A: Application compatibility is really important for the Windows Vista team and I am not aware of any issues running older versions of Office on Windows Vista.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: How do you Talk to a MS Expert one on one over the phone is their a name and number.
A: The best thing to do is get a PSS case opened. The numbers are listed on http://support.microsoft.com/

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I want to copy my address book from my PC to my laptop I have it on my desktop on my laptop
A: Hi Laura, your Address Book question is a little unclear. You can export your your Windows Address Book data from your PC and import it into your laptop. There are Import and Export options in the Windows Address Book that you can use. Is that the answer you're looking for?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: please I got a doubt to answer
A: What is you’re question, Jaunit0? We'd be glad to help.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: help please!
A: Juanit0, I don't see a specific question from you. Can you ask it here and we will do our best to answer it if we can.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred Neva: We are MSDN here. It looks like our Key only lets us test one copy of Vista at a time. Could that be true?
A: Hi Jason_H,

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: Experts. Do you know of any plans or a date for MAX to make it to 64bit XP? Will it be preinstalled with Vista?
A: It is not known at this time.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Does XP Home allow Control Panel options to be run with different privileges? If so how? It's a pain to have to switch users all the time and I hate running XP Home with administrator privileges all the time!
A: You should be able to right click the control panel from any account, and select "Run as..."

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):

A: Hi Jason_H, I'm not familiar with the licensing constraints for MSDN subscribers. Is that described anywhere in your licensing agreement?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Thanks Fred Navva, all I know is it's called Windows XP Professional Corporate Edition and when you install it, it asks for a product key yes, but it doesn't need activation to work.
A: Hi Eric,

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):

A: So it sounds like it is some type of Volume Licensing arrangement. Underneath, it is still Windows XP Professional Edition.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are you aware of any application that can completely remove Norton antivirus corporate edition 10.x from an XP computer? The product Symantec offers does not remove every instance of it in the registry.
A: The best thing to do is to talk with Symantec and see if they have any recommendations for manual removal.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I can't get it into my email
A: Hi Laura, What email do you use?

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: but it never goes on
A: Is there any error message. Does it show downloading and installing the updates?

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: My tool bar and start button have disappeared, how do I bring them back? I try and press the 'windows' key on my keyboard and that doesn't open the start menu either.
A: This may help: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378; I don't think it will take the step of the in place upgrade, however, so I wouldn't worry about going that far.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: will their be another version of XP come out in the future
A: There are no plans to release additional versions of XP (Windows Vista will be the new product), but there may be an additional service pack in the future.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred Nava: Well I thought by default we got like 5, but I could be wrong. I will have to talk to my boss about it, since they all go to him. But I have been REALLY enjoying the builds. I just can not register them. Please keep up the fine work!
A: Thanks, Jason_H. We're working very hard to get Vista out the door as quickly as we can and it is nice to hear good feedback from our loyal users.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: My tool bar and start button have disappeared, how do I bring them back? I try and press the 'windows' key on my keyboard and that doesn't open the start menu either.
A: Are there icons on your desktop?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Can I ask a question about WinXP's Device Manager?
A: Yes you may!

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: OK, 1 more time....I can’t access my Outlook express...I get 2 error messages. 1 being "OE could not get started" then some gibberish about my not having enough disk space...Second error message says my MSOE.DLL will not initialize
A: Did you see my previous answer with a link? How much free space do you have on your hard drive?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: outlook express
A: Hi Laura, I just opened Outlook Express and there is an Import function: File->Import->Address Book

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: no
A:http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378 may help, but don't do the in place reinstall; it sounds like a file is corrupted or something along those lines there.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: how do I get it so I can use it when I write email?
A: So from the Windows Address Book app, do an export to a WAB file, then in Outlook Express, do a File-Import-Address Book then find the WAB file you created from your export.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: when I close the IE window and I go to turn off computer, it says installing 1 of 28, and it never goes on...
A: Rather than assign automatic updates can you try visiting http://www.windowsupdate.com and download updates that way? It may be you need to update the windows update control for it to work.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: With Windows Media Player 11, have there been any reports of WMP 11 freezing while ripping a CD to MP3 at 192kbps when the CD is scratched?
A: I've not seen that specific issue, but if a CD is scratched make sure you turn on "use error correction" under Tools/Options/Devices (properties on the CD drive).

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Win2K's DevMgr PRINT action lists details about each device driver file under the "Device Drivers:" heading. WinXP's DevMgr PRINT action lists this heading as well but does NOT list the details about each device driver file.
A: Bob, I'm not quite sure what you are looking at. Could you give us a repro of what you are doing?

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: my question is do I have to wait million of years until windows completes the installation of 1 of 28 update???
A: You need to wait for it to download and install the updates. If there are 28 then that may take some time but not millions of years :)

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred: Agreed. BTW, by any chance, have you seen Vista with Airo running on a Radeon Xpress 200M? I plan on getting Vista for both my laptop and my desktop. I am hoping I can run it on my lappy with all the "shiny" turned on.
A: Hi Jason_H, be on the lookout for the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. This is a small app that you can run to see if your target PC will be able to run certain scenarios without upgrading. One of them is running the Aero UI. I tried a private copy on my home PC and I have to upgrade my video to a heftier card if I want it at home.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Could any expert help me please?
A: EMMAGRI, what's your question. Be glad to help if I can. :)

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: How much will Vista cost?
A: You can find all details for Windows Vista as they come available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: because I don't know if it's really installing the updates...
A: that's why I'm asking you to try the explicit visit to www.windowsupdate.com rather than using automatic updates so we can work out where the issue is.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: The first step in that solution involves pressing the Start button, I don't have one. Yes, I have desktop icons, just no bottom bar.
A: The icons were all I wanted to know about for now; I know you have no start button. :) How long has it been gone? Has the machine been logged off/rebooted since?

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have been to MS websites to try and find something that will assist me in fixing problem. I have failed. That is why I am here....looking for someone who may have had similar problem
A: Could you give me some details on the solutions you've tried?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Device Drivers:
C:\WINNT\system32\hal.dll
File size: 82176 bytes
File version: 5.00.2195.6691
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
Copyright: Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp. 1981-1999
A: Bob, I see what appears to be console output, but not how you are getting it.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I get the import and export wizard
A: Hi Laura, I'm investigating this for you right now.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: let me say one thing I do not understand
A: So you want to use the same contacts for Outlook Express and for Microsoft Outlook? You have never used Outlook Address Book?

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: When I try to start my printer spooler, I get the error message "The dependency service or group failed to start" (error 1068). How can I fix this?
A: The Microsoft print spooler depends on the RPCSS (Remote Procedure Call (RPC)) service. Is this service disabled?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: I have problems with my windows validation, could you help me?
A: Please describe the problem you're having with Windows Validation, EMMAGRI

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: that was an expression, the problem is that the SATA disc light doesn't work when windows is supposedly installing...
A: Can you try www.windowsupdate.com and see if the updates get installed rather than using automatic update? That way we can isolate the issue.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have no idea if the RPC service is disabled. How can I find out?
A: Go to Start/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: but when it says looking for your best updates for your PC, it never changes...
A: What version of Windows and IE are you using? How long are you waiting?

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: and after hours it doesn't change...
A: Is this on www.windowsupdate.com or automatic update?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I have OE on my PC, but Microsoft outlook on my LP
A: Hi Laura, so which direction did you want to go... Outlook to OE , or OE to "Outlook ?

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: does anybody know what error message 0x800C012E, 5 concerning OE means
A: Take a look at this KB: 275543OLEXP: How to Troubleshoot the Invalid Page Fault Error Message http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;275543

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: And after it loaded like this, I tried to reboot one more time, it loaded the same way.
A: Cool, that's what I needed to know. If you press the Start button on your keyboard, I believe you said nothing happens. Press ctrl+alt+esc to bring up Task Manager, to to the file menu, choose Run, and type control (then press OK). Click on the link that says Appearance and Themes, then Taskbar and Start Menu. Let me know what options are checked in that window under the taskbar tab.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: when I choose manual select o when I choose express...
A: Does it show any progress on downloading. Is there an error message? Without that it is difficult to say what might be going on.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: My rpc is started.
A: It may be a permissions issue then. I'd suggest calling in to PSS because it will take a while to troubleshoot.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: If I have an Intel dual core chip, should I see 2 CPU's in the task manager??
A: This depends on version of windows. XP Pro should show two if I'm correct, but XP Home will still only show 1.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: it shows progressing saying: looking for the best updates for your computer
A: But it has identified 28 updates? That doesn't sound correct.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Procedure to print device info in WinXP DevMgr is a bit different than Win2K procedure. I think it's an option on right-click pop-up menu.
A: I see what you mean. I don't know why this was changed for Windows XP. There's nothing we can change for XP, but if you have feedback for Windows Vista on what you liked about that feature, I can make sure the device manager team gets it.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: I had one this morning. Then I restarted after uninstalling some programs I didn't need and then it loaded up how it is now.
A: Ah, okay. This might be a little more tricky. Do you have any software for virus protection on your machine?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Will Vista be able to run with EFI (newer BIOS)?
A: Dave, can you please elaborate what you mean? EFI to me is a command shell on Itanium systems. :)

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: OE to outlook
A: Hi Laura, I think I have it... So from OE, you've exported a CSV format file. If you have Excel installed, it will be associated with Excel since Excel is the primary app for CSV files. OE is able to use them also, however. From the Import/Export Wizard choose "Import Internet Mail and Addresses", click Next, choose Outlook Express and check "Import Address Book", click Next and then finish off the wizard as you see fit. That should import your OE address book into Outlook.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: Um.. there is no 'Appearance and Themes' icon in the Control Panel that was opened up.
A: Is there one for Taskbar and Start Menu, then? (it depends on which Control Panel view you're set to)

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: I need help, please...
A: Have you asked a question? I don't see one from you in the queue.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: it says installing 1 of 28 and it never changes... so I have to reset the machine...
A: Try installing only one update at a time and see if there is one particular update that is failing. If there is, look up the KB for that article and see if you can download the install package for that update and install manually.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: ok I have jut replaced my mother board and cannot activate winXP I am told the number i gave on the phone was wrong and i don’t not have a disk for XP it was bundled in the PC at purchase. How can I re-activate winXP to get things running again?
A: Bean, unfortunately there isn't much you can do if you've misplaced the media and CD key for Windows. However, if you have the CD key, you can call the toll free number provided in the Windows Activation wizard and get an update. If you'd changed your hardware configuration a few times, chances are the product key has been "used up". I've had this happen on my home systems. Calling the 1-800 number got me squared away.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: where can you download Vista Beta 2?
A: Hi ASP, I don't have the exact URL right now but since we've announced it, I'm sure http

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):

A: I'm sure http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista will have that information shortly

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have read that Vista will have full support for EFI: Extensible Firmware Interface.
A:http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/Library/6b03fad7-665e-49f3-8e7d-e1a6a5be9cf01033.mspx?mfr=true

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred: Are you saying that the "Customer Preview Program" (CPP) Is going to open up today for Vista?
A: Hi Jason_H, I'm saying that Beta2 is going to be a very generally available distribution so it will be downloadable to many more people. I'm sure this information will be available on http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista very soon.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred, just address book, not mail and rules?
A: Yes, correct.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: I want to install the updates manually but I can't from that site, where i can download one update at a time?
A: Do you get a prompt or information bar at the top of the window for the Windows Update Control when you visit www.windowsupdate.com?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Was the device drivers info dropped from WinXP DevMgr on purpose (if so, why is heading for it still generated?) or is it a bug that can be fixed or some option I can use to get it to print that detail as it does in Win2K?
A: This is a good question, Bob. Best I can do is drive this issue to the Device Manager team. I honestly don't know, but can drive it to the appropriate team and request they publish a KB article to address the issue.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: I want to install the updates manually but I can't from that site, where I can download one update at a time?
A: The KB article should have a separate download link.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: I had one this morning. Then I restarted after uninstalling some programs I didn't need and then it loaded up how it is now.
A: Do you have virus protection on this machine?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: What is the 800 number you are referring too?
A: When you launch the product activation wizard (when you are required to activate your OS), you have an option to call or do it online. Select the call option.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: no, I don't have problems with OCX's or plugins that’s well in my PC
A: You need the Windows Update control installed for this to work. Do you have that control installed?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: is anyone investigating my question, is there a workaround for XP Home so that I can run Control Option icons with "Run as..." so I don't have to run with administrative privileges all the time?
A: Hi Wet Socks, I'm taking a look now. Sorry for the wait.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: KelliZ: Home would show 2 with HT CPU's. Why not Dual Core?
A: I'll ask someone if you can hold on just a second; I know that Home edition shipped without any multiproc support at all, but that may have changed in SP2.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: LanceZ, the only XP Home edition Control Panel icon that allows "Run as.." is Folder Options, is there a way to enable the rest of the icons to allow "Run as..."?
A: Fred is currently looking into this for you. Please give him a moment to get the details for you. ;)

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: can you write the URL of KB knowledge base?
A: http://support.microsoft.com is the main page, but if you know the KB number, update number, issue description or similar you can search on it from there.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: Yes, I have one for Taskbar and Start Menu, but when I double click it. Nothing happens.
A: That's the icon in the control panel, yes. But do you have virus protection installed on the machine?

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The only Control Option item that allows "Run as..." is Folder Options, is this just a limitation on XP Home?
A: Hi Wet Socks, it looks like this is a known bug for Home Edition... http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=281560

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: yes in a previous visit to windowsupdate.com it's been installed
A: Can you tell me exactly what you see when you visit www.windowsupdate.com? It sounds to me like the control is not working.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred, I have a few options, select destination, I checked Outlook contacts folder, and under options, I have 3 choices, replace dups with items imported or allow dups, or do not import dups, which do I check under options?
A: Hi Laura, that's up to you. I would allow dupes to protect against overwriting contact data that you might want to keep.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Could you guys please put out a commercial to bash MAC's like the ones apple is running now bashing PC's (windows)!!
A: Heh... we will forward your suggestion to the Windows Marketing team... :D

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I have problems with my validation code, could you help me please?
A: Hi EMMAGRI, we get this question on occasion and we normally cannot help with activation problems. You will need to contact PSS for help with this.

Fred Nava [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Fred, ok, did that, now I get a import summary that says, 0 of 0 addresses imported and 0 of 0 distribution lists imported
A: Hi Laura, it sounds like your problem might be more involved and requires a call to PSS.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: Yes, KelliZ.. I think just in my removing of programs I don't need I accidentally removed something I needed perhaps? I might just try and go back to a saved restore spot to see if that works. If there isn't a way to bring it back by another means.
A: I don't think you can remove anything you don't need; I would try the system restore first, though, because it may solve the problem, but it still leaves you with software on the machine. See if you can do a search on the internet for the names of the apps you want to uninstall, just in case there's one that's taking it out when it goes. This also has some suggestions: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318027. The one about the new user would be particularly good to try. You can use Task Manager (ctrl+Alt+esc) to run things when you need to.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: I have problems with my validation code, could you help me please?
A: Here's a URL that might help as well. http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: after I choose express download or custom, appears a green progress bar saying: windows update is looking for the best updates for your computer... and it never changes...
A: Can you disable the control in the add-in manager on the tools menu and try again?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Fred, PSS?
A: Product Support Service. http://support.microsoft.com

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: We are using AD. Our students log in as restricted users and have no access to the Control Panel. AD does not allow a group policy to remove or add items to the task bar. How can we remove say the Language Bar on an XP Pro workstation for a user?
A: I think you would have to do this through the registry. On a test machine, use regmon.exe from sysinternals.com to find out what key is changing when add or remove the task bar.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: Hello, I’m back. I was wondering if u could answer a question about why i can not download from Microsoft. I do get automatic updates. We checked my windows and it is legit. We ran active x test. If I try to download defender, it skips right over the install
A: Without precise repro steps it is difficult to know what the problem might be. Is there any error code?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
We have five more minutes left until the chat is finished. Please wrap up the questions so our experts can finish answering them for you.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: The scan I was told to do earlier apparently found something, and is asking for the Window's XP disk. Going to try and see if that fixes it, if not.. I'll be back. Thanks for the help.
A: Definitely do it. You can also try an in lace reinstall if it comes to it. I hope it helps at least a little, sorry I couldn't solve the problem here, but hopefully you've at least got some things to try.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: If I have an old app that uses Access97 running on an XPsp2 PC, how do I stop the CPU from pegging out 100%CPU for the first 1 minute it opens or just by clicking on the window? The PC's are pentium4 with lots of ram and disk.
A: You probably don't. I may be that that old app is stuck in some loop looking for something that is not found on your system and has to time out before you can use the program.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: I did they told me the number on the screen was wrong it was just a recording not a human
A: They do get you to a real person, you just need to select the correct options to speak to a representative. I was able to do this by calling and following the menu options to speak with someone.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Thanks LanceZ. I'd appreaciate that and hope to see a KB about it soon (or maybe even a fix).
A: I've got a note to e-mail the Device Manager team after this chat. My pleasure!

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: no error codes for me
A: Sorry I don't know what to suggest. The newsgroup at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.general may be able to help after the chat

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Q: Ok I wil try another form thank for help!
A: try the newsgroup http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.general

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: I am having a problem with booting up my PC, error message "ntldr missing", I've used the XP disk to access Windows through CD support, and have tried the "R" repair the installation, it hasn't worked, is there any other way to work around this issue without having to repartition or delete the HD completely? PS: I would really prefer to keep my files intact
A: You can select the install process, let setup find the existing windows, and do an install over the existing windows. This won't lose any settings for you.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Q: KelliZ: Home would show 2 with HT CPU's. Why not Dual Core?
A: I'm not a huge expert on Task Manager and Home edition, but it's my understanding that Home edition doesn't support multiproc in any form. Now, it's possible that changed during a service pack, but I'm not completely certain. Have you seen this work before (HT)?

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
OK, this chat is coming to a close. The experts will finish answering the existing questions, but will be taking no more questions.

DBristol [MS] (Expert):
Q: It is either going to be that your hard drive is out of space (too many files) or there is an error with the program that you are running.

Dave Massy (Moderator):
Thanks all. The chat has been fun.

LanceZ [MS] (Moderator):
Q: LanceZ: I have let the computer run through this function on its own, it seems to be reinstalling files that were lost, corrupted etc, and when it reboots on its own after the whole process, the same error message appears again......
A: Hmm. you may have a hard drive failure. You will need to contact Product Support (http://support.microsoft.com) or your computer manufacturer for additional assistance.

KelliZ [MS] (Expert):
Thanks everyone, hope to see some of you again soon!