Repairing an XP installation

Sputnik II · 30 Mar 2006 at 21:56

Today for the first time, I tried to repair a windows XP install using the repair option on the windows CD but, Although the machine was usable afterwards it wouldn't work with the wireless network card. Anyone had success or problems with a system repair? how can I fix the wireless network set up wizard without reinstalling a fresh copy of windows ?

elkdanger · 30 Mar 2006 at 22:07

Sputnik II said:
Today for the first time, I tried to repair a windows XP install using the repair option on the windows CD but, Although the machine was usable afterwards it wouldn't work with the wireless network card. Anyone had success or problems with a system repair? how can I fix the wireless network set up wizard without reinstalling a fresh copy of windows ?

The wireless network setup wizard comes with SP2 - was it streamlined XP/SP2 disk you performed the repair with? If not, just install SP2. Drivers and things still may need to be installed after the repair.

I have hit problems with the repair, but most of them have come from trying to repair an XP installation that was beyond repair, or faulty hardware such as RAM (as I experienced today) or even bad media. AT the end of the day, in the amount of times I've done an in-place repair it will go flawlessly 9 out of 10 times.

valerian · 30 Mar 2006 at 22:13

elkdanger said:
The wireless network setup wizard comes with SP2 - was it streamlined XP/SP2 disk you performed the repair with? If not, just install SP2. Drivers and things still may need to be installed after the repair.

I have hit problems with the repair, but most of them have come from trying to repair an XP installation that was beyond repair, or faulty hardware such as RAM (as I experienced today) or even bad media. AT the end of the day, in the amount of times I've done an in-place repair it will go flawlessly 9 out of 10 times.

slipstreamed
i wouldnt waste my time repairing it imo, format it
if you have'nt got a copy slipstreamed do it (even though its a ballache its worth it imo.

Sputnik II · 30 Mar 2006 at 22:22

Well, The machine failed after the owner went to and fro with system restore a few times. then all it did was get to a 'windows is starting' screen and it stayed like that. Like most computer owners they had lots of photo's and other files that they didn't want to lose.
During the repair there was reports that required files could not be found on the windows cd but, I'm pretty sure thinking about it now that the CD is service pack 1 or earlier. and they would have updated to SP2. I'll try slipstreaming a disk and doing a repair.

elkdanger · 30 Mar 2006 at 22:27

Sputnik II said:
Well, The machine failed after the owner went to and fro with system restore a few times. then all it did was get to a 'windows is starting' screen and it stayed like that. Like most computer owners they had lots of photo's and other files that they didn't want to lose.
During the repair there was reports that required files could not be found on the windows cd but, I'm pretty sure thinking about it now that the CD is service pack 1 or earlier. and they would have updated to SP2. I'll try slipstreaming a disk and doing a repair.

Probably not worth it (unless you don't have access to SP2 on a disk or over broadband) if everything else is working hunky-dory. Just install SP2 and be done with it.

If things are going a bit strange, I'd back up the necessary data and do a reinstall. Do it proper, just to make sure

bledd · 30 Mar 2006 at 23:54

just format, you'll only get problems further down the line, backup your stuff now as your pc is still working, then format

valerian · 31 Mar 2006 at 00:45

valerian said:
slipstreamed
i wouldnt waste my time repairing it imo, format it
if you have'nt got a copy slipstreamed do it (even though its a ballache its worth it imo.

i think there are issues with formatting a h/d over 130gb if you dont have sp2 embedded in the windows disc to start off, so another reason to slipstream it, i think it is lba support to cover over 130gb, im sure someone will correct me if im wrong

bledd · 31 Mar 2006 at 00:48

valerian said:
i think there are issues with formatting a h/d over 130gb if you dont have sp2 embedded in the windows disc to start off, so another reason to slipstream it, i think it is lba support to cover over 130gb, im sure someone will correct me if im wrong

thats almost right, but its SP1 that enables 127+gb drives, deffo slipstream sp2

Sputnik II · 31 Mar 2006 at 18:27

Well, I did a slipstreamed disk today then did a windows repair and it's fixed it. Thats saved me the time and hassle of formatting and re-installing everything. Didn't want to start afresh if at all possible. Machine seems really stable and everthing is working fine. Means I'll be able to give it back to my friend sooner than they expected. Thanks guys