Windows XP (January 30, 2007)

Chat Topic: Windows XP
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity

Introductions

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi folks! My name is Massimiliano (Max)! I work as a design test engineer for Windows International Sustained Engineering. This is my first year at Microsoft!!

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi, I'm Karin, the new Samples Program Manager working on the Windows SDK in Developer Division. I gather samples from product teams around MS for the SDK. It's good to be with you today!

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Hi Tiff! If you want to ask the experts about anything, this is the place to do it! Just ask your you question and click the "ask the experts" checkbox.

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi, my name is Mark and I am an escalation engineer in the Enterprise Platforms Support division of Customer Support Services.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Hello everyone. My name is Dean Rowe and I was the Development Lead for Windows DVD Maker.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
My name is Mina. I work for the Windows International Group. I am based in Canada and represent the Canadian market. My job is to make sure that the Windows is meeting the local market needs and requirements. For example making sure that the standards are added to our platform, I have worked on providing Language Interface pack for MS Office and MS Windows for the Inuktitut language. The first aboriginal language release in North-America. I have been working for Microsoft for 10 years. I am fluent in French. It's a pleasure to see you here today! :)

Start of Chat

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Mikemc, I found Vista really easy to install at home. Much easier than XP. Networking is a lot simpler. I love that when I go to a coffee shop or WiFi park, it detects the network and presents me with a choice of network types (home, work, public) and adjusts the security settings based on what I choose. When I set Vista up on my home machine it sniffed out all my network settings and ‘just worked’ without me doing anything. I clicked on the IE icon and I was online. Instantly.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: On my windows startup screen, i keep seeing 2unread mail messages. Everything has been read. How do i get it off my screen?? Thanks for the help.
A: Tiff, you can download Microsoft Power Toys for Windows XP at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx. It has a utility to clear those pesky messages away!

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I heard that all editions of Vista are available on a Vista DVD. It is just the key one enters during installation that differenciates them. Is that true?
A: I believe the files are actually different on the disc as well.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):Q: I cant get all users on my computer can you help me?
A: Hi Eddy

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: Can you elaborate on which system your are running ?

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: We have worm and trojan viruses on our computer running Windows XP. Is there anyway to get rid of them without totally reformatting the computer?
A: Once a machine is infected, we recommend a clean installation to ensure that the malware has been eliminated. You can spend alot of time trying to remove all traces of the malware and there is still no guarantee that it has been completely removed. I know it can be time consuming but the time spent initially to rebuild the system can save alot of headaches in the future.

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hi, not sure if I have come to the right place, but I have an unusual problem with Excel, could someone help me?
A: I might be able to help. What's the issue?

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Sometimes when I boot up, the icon doesn't appear. When that happens, none of my programs will work. I am forced to reboot...how can I fix this?
A: Which icon are you talking about? Are you talking about the desktop icons?

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Ok, here goes...I have not installed SP2 because some music software I have will not work with SP2 (Digidesign Pro Tools). I received an icon in my system tray that resembles a star and says "This version of Windows XP is not up to date"?
A: ProTools SHOULD have a patch update to support XPSP2. I had the same problem with Cubase SX3, and the latest update from the vendor fixed my problem. But... for Windows Vista I have to update to Cubase 4... :( I'll be waiting a while I think. ;)

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Our maching didn't come with a separate windows xp cd so after I totally wipe it out how do I reinstall it?
A: Machines typically come with a "System" disc that should allow you to restore your computer to the state it was when you bought it.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Eddy more questions so i can understand what is going on. Windows version ? how are you proceed to see the users? are you the admin user on this machine ?

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I know NetBEUI was an unsupported protocol in XP but you were able to install it from the Windows installation CD. Can you install it the unsupported NetBEUI protocol in Vista?
A: What happened to the NetBEUI protocol?NetBIOS Extended User Interface (NetBEUI) is a network protocol usually used in small local area networks (LANs) of 1 to 200 computers. NetBEUI is fast and small and works well within a LAN, but it is not routable, which means that computers that are not located on the same local network or subnet can't use it to communicate. NetBEUI has mostly been replaced by TCP/IP. Support for NetBEUI was discontinued in Windows XP. You can use TCP/IP or network basic input/output system (NetBIOS), both of which are installed by default in this version of Windows.

ErikF[MSFT] (Expert):
@bertlev: What do you mean by "Original Setting"? How did connecting to 2003 SBE "as a client" affect the XP machine's settings?

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Our maching didn't come with a separate windows xp cd so after I totally wipe it out how do I reinstall it?
A: Photoldy, in a case like that you usually have the OS install bits shipped on the hard drive. You'll need to contact your OEM or go to their support site to learn how to access it. It's different with each system. Example - on my Vaio, I press F10 during bootup to go into the recovery utility.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The icon I am speaking of is in the bottom tray, next to my time of day.
A: Are you talking about the icon for a specific program?

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hi, not sure if I have come to the right place, but I have an unusual problem with Excel, could someone help me?
A: Can you give me more information about your problem?

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: I went to the web site you suggested. I didnt find one i thougt would work.. Im a little leary of doing the wrong thing.
A: Tiff, I believe Tweak UI will have what you're looking for!

Jeff V [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have an vista question. i noticed that only the business and ultimate editions of vista support remote desktop. does that mean RDC client is not a part of vista or that a remote user cannot RDC INTO any edition of vista other than the two I mentioned?
A: Keith, it means that Business and Ultimate are the only two versions that can be RDC'd into. The RDC client *should* come with the home editions; if not, the RDC client can certainly be downloaded from the Microsoft website.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The icon "magically" appeared one day with a remark about upgrading to SP2...I never did upgrade because of the Music Software compatibility issue. It resembles a "star" outlined in black.
A: Hmmm. I haven't seen that behaviour before. Have you checked with the company that writes your Music Software to see if they have an update that works with SP2 now?

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Eddy try this. To locate the list of local user profiles, right-click My Computer, click Properties, and then click Settings on the Advanced tab under User Profile.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: The icon "magically" appeared one day with a remark about upgrading to SP2...I never did upgrade because of the Music Software compatibility issue. It resembles a "star" outlined in black.
A: Hmm... I see some updates for your DAW at http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=54&langid=100&eid=1395&categoryid=36. Have you contacted Digidesign and asked them about the supportability? Another idea is to run in compatibility mode. You can right click on the icon that launches the app and select a compatibility option from the properties tab.

Jeff V [MS] (Expert):
Q: thanks for the remote desktop answer. what about vpn support. can i use any edition of vista as a vpn client?
A: Keith: I am unaware of any restrictions there would be on the client software you would be able to run on the home editions. That said, you should be able to use your home edition of Vista as a VPN client.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: i am running xp on a new laptop that i bought last summer ... can it be updated to vista
A: I would run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and that will check how well your laptop will run Vista. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx, but if you bought it last summer the chances are that it will run Vista fine.

ErikF[MSFT] (Expert):
@bertlev: On the Login Screen do you have the option of selecting the local machine, and not the SBE server, as your domain?

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: i am running xp on a new laptop that i bought last summer ... can it be updated to vista
A: you can download and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to find which edition of Windows Vista is right for you and to see if your current PC is ready to run it.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: On how many computers can a copy of Office 2007 Professional editions be installed? How about other editions?
A: Hi Avi

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Thanks, Ill try that. What was the web address again??
A: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx. Tweak UI is on the bottom right hand corner.

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: i am running xp on a new laptop that i bought last summer ... can it be updated to vista
A: the upgrade advisor is here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: I you have one single licence it can only be installed on one computer. Here is a site that can provide you with other options such as a volume license program. http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx. thanks

ErikF[MSFT] (Expert):
@bertlev: could you check the XP machine's network settings so that it is in a Workgroup, and not a domain?

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi Avi the license fall under the same model. So I can help you. See my answer provided. thanks

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Karinm: Trying to Slipstream SP2 to run Vista compatability Wizard. MS says make 2 folders C:\xpcd\i386 and C:\XPSP2. When I create the folder it won't let me type ":", "\" or "/".
A: You should create the xpcd folder first and then create the i386 folder underneath it.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can I copy a Vista DVD to a folder on the hard drive and install from there with the same results as if I ran it from the DVD?
A: I believe that should work OK.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):

A: Eric, I've checked Novell's site, and they have a link regarding your question. Here's the search URL for you: http://www.novell.com/support/search.do?searchString=Windows%20Vista&document=DT_TID_1_1&cmd=search&contextType=gs . Support of Netware on Windows Vista will really depend on whether Novell chooses to support it.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Will the Desktop Optimization Pack for SA be available on Technet as well since most of the products are technical in nature (i.e. Winternals ERD Commander, File Restore, etc)
A: Hi aleinss,

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: seem that tool is only availabel on the SA more details can be found on this site http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/optimizeddesktop.mspx

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Yes...I have checked with Digidesign...it would require a significant software and hardware purchase to be able to use SP2
A: I feel your pain on that. My studio will require a DAW upgrade as well for Windows Vista. This icon your seeing, what does the tooltip say?

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: When is there going to be a service pack released that is going to support MBS Navision 4.00 SP3 for Windows Vista?
A: I am not an expert of Navision software, anyway here there is some useful information:http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1142865&SiteID=1For what regard the Vista Service Pack we have not much information at the moment.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Can you install the IPX/SPX protocol in Vista?
A: Eric, the only KB article I see in reference to it is about VPN. And that's saying IPX cannot be used for more than one port at a time. Based on this, I'd say that IPX/SPX protocol can be installed.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Eddy you have the list , what would you like to do. you can edit the profile in control panel under "user account". thanks

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I have in the process of testing a server 2003 SBE edition connected my desktop PC to the server and turned it into a Client machine. Is there a way to get it back as a stand alone PC. I am using XP Pro with sp 2.
A: Do you want to disjoin the machine from a domain?

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: On the topic of Upgrade Advisor, what is the user expectation for performance of Vista if the advisor says all systems are go? Should the end-user expect perf. very similar (if not better) than XP SP2?
A: I think we've said that if you have about 1GB a RAM, general performance should be similar. If you have more, then Vista tends to give better performance because of features like SuperFetch.

Jeff V [MS] (Expert):
Q: Im trying to install XP ver2002 on a new rig i built. Troubles with HD size recognition, MoBo USB support and Onboard sound. MoBo recognizes WD 250 Gig HD, XP only 136. After starting MoBo CD I get message "Install QFE fix, Intel INF driver, then USB 2.0 d
A: This may give you insight into your hard drive size troubles: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/303013. Could you please repeat the rest of the question? It seems to have been cut off.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Ok i have one more question. Occasionally, if i leave the computer and come back to it i try to get it out of sleep mode by moving the mouse and nothing happens. Its like froze up. This is a brand new dell computer. Once it totally shut off.
A: You can also try the spacebar. If you've left your computer for a long time it may have gone into hibernation mode so pressing the power button will bring it back on.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Sorry that you are sad. I am checking certain rules for Office 2007, if it permit you to install on laptop if you are using as secondary machine. Will get back to you shortly

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Anyone have any thoughts on how to get rid of this Microsoft "Star" icon in my tray by the time of day (takes me to a page for downloading SP2)?
A: You can try running the program called MSConfig (just click Start...Run, type in "msconfig" and click OK). You can then go to the startup tab to see which programs are scheduled to start everytime you log on. You might see the program that shows the icon there, in which case you can turn it off so it shouldn't pop up again.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Remember, we can only answer your questions if you you remember to check "Ask the Experts"

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can we get a transcript of all answers given after the chat
A: Yes, the Moderator will capture and prepare the transcript. Transcripts are posted to TechNet http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/itcommunity/chats/trans/default.asp?frame=true (for IT Pro chats), MSDN http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/recent.asp for developer chats, etc (this is only for English public chats).

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
So Nash, please ask your question with "Ask the Experts" and describe the problem you're having.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
15 more minutes to this chat!

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The problem is i disabled the hibernation mode and neither the keyboard or mouse will work. In fact, when i did push the power button, i got my start up screen, but.... then the curser was froze and wouldnt move.
A: Hmm. If the cursor is frozen you could be running into problems with the video driver. Have you checked to see if there is an updated video driver? (Are you running XP or Vista?)

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: DeanRo: The only items in my Startup tab in msconfig are 3 items associated with a new HP printer I installed...next idea?
A: There might not be a way of getting rid of it then (short of installing SP2 :) )

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: HI there. Sorry I am new to this site. I have windows XP Home and my desktop icons have dropdown shadows on them -
A: Drop down shadows on icons are controlled by settings in Display properties. Right click on desktop, select properties. Choose Appearance tab. click on Effects... button. You'll be able to deselect drop shadows.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: LanceZ: What do you mean by "tool tip"?
A: Sorry, I get so used to the "buzz words" over here... d'oh! The tool tip is the text that pops up when you hover your pointer over it.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can I copy a Vista DVD to a folder on the hard drive and install from there with the same results as if I ran it from the DVD?
A: Avi you can actually copy the content to your machine. But keep in mind you need to have your DVD in case you need to re-install if anything happens to the hard-drive. thanks

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Do the experts know of ANY audio recording software/hardware that is compatible with XP Media Center Edition? Some of XP MCE's features significantly interfere with the vast majority of outside audio applications (including Pro-tools, Cakewalk, M-audio...
A: Joaquin, I have Cubase SX running on my XP MCE system with no error. However, I AM using an external device to record on that platform.

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can no one answer my question Re: support for MBS Navision 4.00 under Windows Vista??
A: Kevin - I see some internal information that states that MBS Navision 4.00 SP3 update 1 will run on Vista. There is also apparently a version 5.00 that is supported on Vista.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I am running xp. I dont have vista yet
A: Well the good news is that Vista handles the power management settings better and seems to be much more reliable when it comes to going into a power save state and then coming out of it.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Mina... I thought I could install on atleast 2 pcs.. thats sad!
A: Avi

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How do i check to see if there is an updated video driver??
A: 1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager. 3. Right-click the driver, click Properties, and then click Reinstall driver on the General tab.

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How do i check to see if there is an updated video driver??
A: If that doesn't work you can go to the video card manufacturer web site and check manually. You will find instructions for installation there.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Hi MarkK - what external device is that?
A: I think you meant me. I'm using a couple interfaces with success... I TASCAM US-122 via USB and a PreSonus FireBox via firewire.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: I responded to your question. I am looking at if you can install it on two machines if the second machine is a laptop.

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: DeanRo: Then that's a clever and frustrating idea of Microsoft to keep pestering you into downloading SP2 when you cannot because of compatibility issues.
A: When did the icon start showing up? I assume you've had it for a long time?

Q: I let my friend erase my hard drive and then reinstall windows xp, and I can only get things to download to drive C, and its sayin that its full, and I have alot of space on drive D, but can get things to download there..any ideas?
A: Hi! If you are downloading files using Internet Explorer, the problem is that IE caches downloads to drive C before copying the completed download to any other drive. I will have a look if you can change this default behaviour.

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: Avi

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
A: here is some contact for the 20% 80% rules you can verify if this is applicable for Office 2007 http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/contact/default.mspx

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What should I do about this. IM still under warrenty with Dell. Is this something I should have them fix? Or can I fix it Myself??
A: Sorry, you have several questions opened. Which one are you referring to here?

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: DeanRo: Yes...the icon appeared sometime last year before September.
A: Do you have any virus checker installed or something like that? I'm just wondering if that message is coming from a Microsoft program. Doing a search on the Internet I don't seem to find any hits which is strange.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Three minutes left to the chat!

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: KarinM: Im referring to if my video driver is bad which someone suggested. This is a new computer
A: you should update this yourself. You can call Dell if you need help. It's not unusual for a video driver to be old when you buy a new computer (unfortunately). The manufactures can't all work together to make sure everything is current and working together.

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: sorry--just readin what I wrote--it should say that i CANT get things to download to drive D
A: The problem is that as drive C: is full, you will not be able to download to drive D: as Internet explorer will first have to create a copy of the file on drive C.To solve this problem, on IE7, go to Internet Options, go to Settings under Browsing history, then choose move folder and choose a location on drive D:

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Folks disk encryption is very important and would like to know why I cannot setup bitlocker on my exisiting Vista Ultimate system I keep gettinga message my drive configuration is unsuitable... I created 2 partitions as stated in setup your hard disk for..
A: Please check the information in this article for the Bitlocker error tyhat you are seeing:

Mina- [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Hey mina... Maybe i should ask about Office 207 elsewhere?
A: Avi I posted the answers for you. Let me know if you need more help

DeanRo [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: DeanRo: Why does it take me to a Microsoft page ? http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
A: I'll send some email internally to see if anyone is aware of this icon. If you can send me an email at deanro@microsoft.com I'll get back to you.

MassiG [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: @MassiG--even if I try to download something off the internet, it still goes to drive C, and says there is no space available, sorry to bug you when you are lookin sumthin up--but thought that would be a little bit of helpful info?!
A: this confirm what I have just said in my last answer, is that solution clear?

ldaponte [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I know that Vista was builded from zero. What about COM compatibility ?
A: ldaponte [MSFT]: COM components should run fine on Vista - do you have a specific question about COM on Vista?ldaponte [MSFT]: Are you still there?PcBoy: yesPcBoy: What about performance. will be faster than XP ?ldaponte [MSFT]: Are you asking if Vista is more performant than XP in general or is this about your COM question?PcBoy: is about my COM question, because i know that vista was builded from zero. I guess is not the same that XPldaponte [MSFT]: It depends on your COM component - I would expect it to be as performant on Vista as it was on XP.PcBoy: Is vista registry dependent ? ( I know Net framework do not need component registration )ldaponte [MSFT]: You still register your com components in the registry.ldaponte [MSFT]: with Vista.

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: Also would like to know if there are issues with IE7 specifically sometiems the pop blocker works and then does not...
A: To clarify, you're getting pop-ups on SOME pages but not others? Perhaps you could give us a couple examples to drive back to the IE team? They are dedicated to preventing pop-ups,. and would love information on anything that pops up when you have pop-up blocker set.

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Folks disk encryption is very important and would like to know why I cannot setup bitlocker on my exisiting Vista Ultimate system I keep gettinga message my drive configuration is unsuitable... I created 2 partitions as stated in setup your hard disk for..
A: 930434Error message when you try to use BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows Vista: "The drive configuration is unsuitable for BitLocker Drive Encryption"http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;930434

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: went to System Properties -Advanced key and under Visual effects I unchecked the icon dropdown shadow box, clciked on Apply and OK but I cant seem to get rid of them
A: There is a KB article that might help. Go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305117/en-us

ldaponte [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: My question has been ignored I suppose. no one answered.
A: question. Thanks.bertlev: IN the process of setting up a server 2003 SBE, I have connected my desktop PC and turned it into a client maching, is there a way to return it to a stand alone PCbertlev: I am using XP Pro SP2ldaponte [MSFT]: You joined your XP Pro machine to the SBE domain?bertlev: yesldaponte [MSFT]: You should be able to right click on "Computer" and click properties. There is a tab about computer name - this is where you can change back to "workgroup" mode on your XP client.

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can anyone tell me why my question is being ignored?
A: It takes us awhile to get to everyone. Sorry!

KarinM [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Can anyone tell me why my question is being ignored?
A: Did the KB article help you?

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
sorry Brad - fat fingered Send. Did you get it?

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Q: How do you install the Netware client for Novell in Vista?
A: Eric, you can contact Novell for instructions on how to install Netware.

MarkK [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: i have a question... can anyone help me ?? i need to remove 2 other windows i have on my computer.. i only need one the other two were errors due to a componet failure
A: you should be able to boot into the working version of Windows and then dlete the other 2 copies, assuming that they are installed on different partitions

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
The time is up. Any of your questions that we didn't have time to answer, please post on the community newsgroups so we can further assist you!

LanceZ [MSFT] (Moderator):
Thanks for coming today! We'll see you next month on March 26th.

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