DSTM

Whatever you download don't download from CNET.

Hi Colin. See if you can run sfc /scannow ( note the space between c and forward slash) with the disc you have. It will ask you to insert the OS disc. Sometimes I have been lucky a few times and it has accepted a different version of the OS. This will replace corrupt and missing files. You may have to run sfc /scannow a couple of times.

Hi Ray. You can schedule a time for the Windows updates so they aren't a nuisance Help here to configure. http://superuser.com/questions/695121/how-to-schedule-download-of-windows-8-1-updates

Hi Ken. I would like to know the software and version Bob is so worried about losing.Maybe we can sourse what he doesn't wan't to lose. Just about any software can be replaced with another that does the same job. There comes a time when Bob has to bite the bullet if there is no other alternative. I think you haved reached that point.

Hi David. Looks like your problem is solved. Good work.

Hi David. Put a check in the box "Do not show me the warning for this program again" Click on check box "Allow" Silverlight is from Microsoft. It is safe.

Just a thought Ken. It would be possible to clone onto W: partition if Bob could shrink C: Partition smaller than 465 GB or equal to. I have done it with success. That's the only way I see it possible.

I can't say how they do it as I don't work for any of these Companies. They would have to install the minimum updates required to make the new computer run it's best initially I would think. In the real world we have to install all updates via Windows updates in the normal fashion. No getting away from that, I'm afraid.

Hi. I don't think that's possible.I installed Windows7 SP1 yesterday and there were initially 194 updates and over 900 MB. Then when you install office another 40 or so updates. Slow process.

Also if you have multiple restore points, that takes up a lot of space as well. Deleting all but the last restore point is a good idea.

Hope yours was a nice Christmas too, KenB.

Seasons Greetings JB.:) I think the snow flakes are a nice touch, although a bit few and far between.

Happy Birthday for yesterday, Ken.

Hi Nev. I would be trying Via audio codecs. http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/audio/codecs/ac97-codecs.jsp

That is excellent, Nev. I like the reflection in the mirror. Well done.

This is getting stranger by the minute. You haven't a disc in the DVD player and forgot about it?

Hi. Ican't help either. I would be asking on a forum dedicated and see if someone has an answer. http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s/

I am thinking something you have hooked up is not compatable with Windows 8.1 hence why windows keeps on trying to install the drivers and keeps on failing. Do you think this is a possibility? Ken.

Hi Jim. SWMBO has it wrong. It's XP that is no longer supported. Windows7 will be supported for some years to come. Most Techies use Windows7 as our default Operating System. I recommend a clean install of Windows7 SP1.

Hi John. We have suggested all the normal checks and nothing is working it seems. You have an aging OS/Motherboard. Could even be a motheboard/USB/PSU issue. Would be interested what your 12v rail readings are as well. I it were me I would remove the Drive out of it's enclosure as carefully as possible not to bump the drive and hook it up directly to a SATA port on the Motheboard bypassing the USB all together. You only have one Drive internally so you have a spare Power plug from your PSU. All you need is a Sata cable from the motherboard Sata port to the hard drive.Reboot and If the Hard Drive still can't be read then It looks like it can be used for a doorstop.

Try this, John. Plug in your USB extenal drive. Open the command prompt (Click Start -> Run -> type cmd.exe and press Enter) Type in the following: diskpart and press enter Next type list disk and press enter see if your extenal hard drive is listed

Here is an example of what we need, John. You may have to take 2 seperate screen grabs. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2355[/ATTACH]

Hi Jim. Further to what Ken is saying, are the programs still in "Program Files" Start > Computer > C: > Program Files. Shortcuts get screwed very easily.

Hi Jim. You seem to be in a real pickle. Further to what Nev has advised I would run sfc /scannow (note the space) only from elevated Command Prompt and see if you can recover any lost system files. Nothing to lose really.

Hi Jim. Try a system restore first.