Advice on purchasing XP Home

June 27, 2008

My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

powerful (or was, anyway).

My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

installed a HP printer last week.

I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says they

no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

$200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

THEY did not cause the crash.

I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots of

bad stuff about VISTA.

What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

VISTA.

By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at a

store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

present software will NOT work with VISTA.

Thanks.

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much

> of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

Certain Dells may still be purchased with XP. See:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx?c=us&cs=04&id=vostrodt_200mt&l=en&s=bsd&~tab=bundlestab

http://www.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&~id=hmc_os_vostro&~mode=popup&~series=latit

HPs also:

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF04a/12454-12454-64287-321860-3328893.html

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week...They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

Horse hockey! If you paid by credit card, contest the charge. If you paid

by check, place a Stop order on it.

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a

> store with Windows XP Home already installed...

More horse hockey! Dell, for instance, will be manufacturing WinXP machines

through the end of 2008...even if Best Buy doesn't sell them.

> ...and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

That may be true.

====================================

FYI:

Geek Squad Soaks Your Computer, Blames You:

http://consumerist.com/378522/geek-squad-soaks-your-computer-blames-you

Top Geek Squad Stories To Date:

http://consumerist.com/consumer/roundups/top-geek-squad-stories-to-date-257316.php

LEAKED: 6 More Geek Squad Manuals:

http://consumerist.com/consumer/geek-squad/leaked-6-more-geek-squad-manuals-249910.php

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Bugsy wrote:

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

> they

> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

> of

> bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a

> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back to

working condition.

You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications worth

if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC loaded with

Vista.

Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

drive could be bad and will need replacement.

The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be factored

in.

Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard drive

and then installing the application you need as well as the printer by

yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

JS

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

> of bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever since

my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a 66-year-old Ph.D.

who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because I

could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including complete

"uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then install

the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

installation.

This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which caused

the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who installed

the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a time getting

it on the computer"!

That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows XP

HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

"JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back to

> working condition.

>

> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC loaded

> with Vista.

>

> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be factored

> in.

>

> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the printer

> by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>

> JS

>

> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>

>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>

>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

>> of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>

>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>> and VISTA.

>>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

>> a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> Thanks.

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Hi,

Run chkdsk /f

--

All the Best,

Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

SupportSpace

http://www.supportspace.com/pages?aiu=kellyskorner

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

> of bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Was it an HP "All in One" (printer, scanner, copier, fax) by any chance?

JS

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

> Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>

> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever

> since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>

> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because I

> could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including

> complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>

> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

> installation.

>

> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which

> caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who

> installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a

> time getting it on the computer"!

>

> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows

> XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

>

> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

>> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back to

>> working condition.

>>

>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

>> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC loaded

>> with Vista.

>>

>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

>> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>> factored in.

>>

>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

>> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the printer

>> by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>

>> JS

>>

>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>

>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>

>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

>>> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>

>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>

>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>>> and VISTA.

>>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of

>>> my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>

>>> Thanks.

>>>

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

The Windows Vista software compatibility list:

http://www.appreadiness.com/Lists/Logo/All1.aspx

states that both MS Works 2006 and Quicken Basic 2007 are "Vista ready". I

have neither, so can't verify that. There may be some tricks to installing

them under Vista, like launching the installation application with

administrator privileges. (That may not be necessary or desirable, it's

simply an example.)

I've been using Vista X64 for some time. So far, the only paid upgrade I've

had to do to get a Vista compatible version of my old software was

Photoshop. (CS2 almost worked, but it kept being unable to detect my

printers. CS3 is supported.) Vista is enough different from older versions

of Windows to create some confusion, and not enough different to cause

people to wish to change to it (in my opinion). I went with it because I

wanted to play with a 64 bit OS, and I hoped that the Vista driver situation

would be better than XP64. (So far, I've found Vista 64 drivers for all of

my peripherals.) I don't really recall the transition from Win98 to XP, as I

did it 6 years ago or more, but it probably was more major for me than the

change from XP to Vista.

I see that http://www.newegg.com is still selling XP Home. Their price is not low

(still $100 for the retail upgrade version), but it's an option. (If you buy

the retail upgrade version, you'll want access to "qualifying media". I use

a CD-R backup copy of my Win98 retail upgrade CD. No license key is needed

for the "qualifying media".)

I hope that you haven't lost data. If so, you may be able to revive the

machine with a repair install of XP (also known as an "upgrade in place").

Good luck.

Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

> Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>

> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever

> since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>

> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because I

> could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including

> complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>

> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

> installation.

>

> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which

> caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who

> installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a

> time getting it on the computer"!

>

> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows

> XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

>

> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

>> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back to

>> working condition.

>>

>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

>> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC loaded

>> with Vista.

>>

>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

>> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>> factored in.

>>

>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

>> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the printer

>> by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>

>> JS

>>

>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>

>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>

>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

>>> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>

>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>

>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>>> and VISTA.

>>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of

>>> my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>

>>> Thanks.

>>>

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Thanks, PA Bear.

I took your advice and called my credit card company, AFTER reading the

fascinating links that you provided for me.

Apparently, my CC company has had many complaints against Best Buy's Geek

Squad in the past. The credit card company promised to take care of the

$39.00 charge to "install" the printer . . . but, of course, that charge is

really minor in view of my total loss of the use of the computer . . .

which, now, I fully believe was caused by Best Buy's "Geek Squad."

Thanks for your advice and your references. Now, I will have to deal with

the decision on how to get my computer working again . . . or, if necessary,

how to replace it.

Further advice would be appreciated.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:OKHfF8H2IHA.4140@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week...They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> Horse hockey! If you paid by credit card, contest the charge. If you

> paid by check, place a Stop order on it.

>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

>> a

>> store with Windows XP Home already installed...

>

> More horse hockey! Dell, for instance, will be manufacturing WinXP

> machines through the end of 2008...even if Best Buy doesn't sell them.

>

>> ...and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> That may be true.

> ====================================

> FYI:

>

> Geek Squad Soaks Your Computer, Blames You:

> http://consumerist.com/378522/geek-squad-soaks-your-computer-blames-you

>

> Top Geek Squad Stories To Date:

> http://consumerist.com/consumer/roundups/top-geek-squad-stories-to-date-257316.php

>

> LEAKED: 6 More Geek Squad Manuals:

> http://consumerist.com/consumer/geek-squad/leaked-6-more-geek-squad-manuals-249910.php

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>

> Bugsy wrote:

>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>> still

>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>

>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>> they

>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>

>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

>> of

>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>

>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>> to

>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

>> VISTA.

>>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

>> a

>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> Thanks.

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Yes, it is a model #HP C4280.

"JS" <@> wrote in message news:%23YGtvHI2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Was it an HP "All in One" (printer, scanner, copier, fax) by any chance?

>

> JS

>

> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

> news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

>> Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>>

>> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever

>> since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

>> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>>

>> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because

>> I could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including

>> complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>>

>> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

>> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

>> installation.

>>

>> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which

>> caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who

>> installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a

>> time getting it on the computer"!

>>

>> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows

>> XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

>>

>> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

>>> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back

>>> to working condition.

>>>

>>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

>>> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC

>>> loaded with Vista.

>>>

>>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

>>> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>>> factored in.

>>>

>>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

>>> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the

>>> printer by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>>

>>> JS

>>>

>>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>>

>>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>>> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>>

>>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>>

>>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>>> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

>>>> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>>

>>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>>> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new

>>>> computer and VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>>> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much

>>>> of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> Thanks.

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Thanks, Kelly,

I tried that. And I also tried running chkdsk /f /r. Neither has helped

eliminate the error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and unreadable". I even

tried a "restore", and that function appears to not be working at all.

Bugsy

"Kelly" <kelly@kelly.com> wrote in message

news:OOKFN$H2IHA.2064@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Hi,

>

> Run chkdsk /f

>

> --

>

> All the Best,

> Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

>

> Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!

> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

>

> SupportSpace

> http://www.supportspace.com/pages?aiu=kellyskorner

>

> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>

>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>

>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

>> of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>

>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>> and VISTA.

>>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

>> a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> Thanks.

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

If you know what the make and model of your hard drive is you can see if the

drive manufacture's web site has a diagnostic tool that can be used to

create a bootable CD and should have a "non-destructive" test option (will

not attempt to make any changes/fixes) to your drive.

JS

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:eKSW9SI2IHA.4004@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Yes, it is a model #HP C4280.

>

> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:%23YGtvHI2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> Was it an HP "All in One" (printer, scanner, copier, fax) by any chance?

>>

>> JS

>>

>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>> news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

>>> Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>>>

>>> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever

>>> since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

>>> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>>>

>>> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because

>>> I could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including

>>> complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>>>

>>> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

>>> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

>>> installation.

>>>

>>> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which

>>> caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who

>>> installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a

>>> time getting it on the computer"!

>>>

>>> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows

>>> XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

>>>

>>> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

>>>> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back

>>>> to working condition.

>>>>

>>>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

>>>> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC

>>>> loaded with Vista.

>>>>

>>>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

>>>> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>>>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>>>> factored in.

>>>>

>>>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>>>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>>>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

>>>> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the

>>>> printer by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>>>

>>>> JS

>>>>

>>>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>>>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>>>

>>>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>>>> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>>>

>>>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway

>>>>> says they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>>>

>>>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>>>> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

>>>>> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>>>

>>>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>>>> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>>>

>>>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on

>>>>> whether to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a

>>>>> new computer and VISTA.

>>>>>

>>>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>>>> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much

>>>>> of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>>>

>>>>> Thanks.

>>>>>

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Find a reputable local computer repair shop by googling. For example:

http://www.google.com/search?&q=computer+repair+in+Columbia%2C+MD+21046&btnG=Search

Here's a link on how to work for a win in a contest with Best Buy:

http://consumerist.com/341815/how-to-mind-control-customer-service-reps

If you'd rather skip that, you could go XP pro from Vista biz - your cost <

$400:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107711

Since it would be an HP computer, your all-in-one ought to install OK.

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:OYVcXRI2IHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Thanks, PA Bear.

>

> I took your advice and called my credit card company, AFTER reading the

> fascinating links that you provided for me.

>

> Apparently, my CC company has had many complaints against Best Buy's Geek

> Squad in the past. The credit card company promised to take care of the

> $39.00 charge to "install" the printer . . . but, of course, that charge is

> really minor in view of my total loss of the use of the computer . . .

> which, now, I fully believe was caused by Best Buy's "Geek Squad."

>

> Thanks for your advice and your references. Now, I will have to deal with

> the decision on how to get my computer working again . . . or, if necessary,

> how to replace it.

>

> Further advice would be appreciated.

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message

> news:OKHfF8H2IHA.4140@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>>> installed a HP printer last week...They are ADAMANT that

>>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> Horse hockey! If you paid by credit card, contest the charge. If you paid

>> by check, place a Stop order on it.

>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at a

>>> store with Windows XP Home already installed...

>>

>> More horse hockey! Dell, for instance, will be manufacturing WinXP machines

>> through the end of 2008...even if Best Buy doesn't sell them.

>>

>>> ...and that much of my

>>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> That may be true.

>> ====================================

>> FYI:

>>

>> Geek Squad Soaks Your Computer, Blames You:

>> http://consumerist.com/378522/geek-squad-soaks-your-computer-blames-you

>>

>> Top Geek Squad Stories To Date:

>> http://consumerist.com/consumer/roundups/top-geek-squad-stories-to-date-257316.php

>>

>> LEAKED: 6 More Geek Squad Manuals:

>> http://consumerist.com/consumer/geek-squad/leaked-6-more-geek-squad-manuals-249910.php

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> Bugsy wrote:

>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

>>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>>

>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says they

>>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>

>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>

>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots of

>>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>

>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

>>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

>>> VISTA.

>>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at a

>>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>

>>> Thanks.

>>

>

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Can you boot into Safe Mode?

If all else fails, you could consider:

1. Purchasing a retail copy of WinXP and having a reputable, local and

independent shop format & do a clean install;

2. Purchase a new computer (according to your budget) with WinXP

preinstalled; or...

3. Purchase a new computer with Vista preinstalled and that includes a free

downgrade-to-WinXP option (in case you & Vista don't get along).

PS: Call the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint against the Geek

Squad, too!

--

~PA Bear

Bugsy wrote:

> Thanks, PA Bear.

>

> I took your advice and called my credit card company, AFTER reading the

> fascinating links that you provided for me.

>

> Apparently, my CC company has had many complaints against Best Buy's Geek

> Squad in the past. The credit card company promised to take care of the

> $39.00 charge to "install" the printer . . . but, of course, that charge

> is

> really minor in view of my total loss of the use of the computer . . .

> which, now, I fully believe was caused by Best Buy's "Geek Squad."

>

> Thanks for your advice and your references. Now, I will have to deal with

> the decision on how to get my computer working again . . . or, if

> necessary,

> how to replace it.

>

> Further advice would be appreciated.

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message

> news:OKHfF8H2IHA.4140@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>> Buy

>>> installed a HP printer last week...They are ADAMANT that

>>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> Horse hockey! If you paid by credit card, contest the charge. If you

>> paid by check, place a Stop order on it.

>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>> at

>>> a

>>> store with Windows XP Home already installed...

>>

>> More horse hockey! Dell, for instance, will be manufacturing WinXP

>> machines through the end of 2008...even if Best Buy doesn't sell them.

>>

>>> ...and that much of my

>>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> That may be true.

>> ====================================

>> FYI:

>>

>> Geek Squad Soaks Your Computer, Blames You:

>> http://consumerist.com/378522/geek-squad-soaks-your-computer-blames-you

>>

>> Top Geek Squad Stories To Date:

>> http://consumerist.com/consumer/roundups/top-geek-squad-stories-to-date-257316.php

>>

>> LEAKED: 6 More Geek Squad Manuals:

>> http://consumerist.com/consumer/geek-squad/leaked-6-more-geek-squad-manuals-249910.php

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> Bugsy wrote:

>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>> still

>>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>> Buy

>>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>>

>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>> they

>>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>

>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>> over

>>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT

>>> that

>>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>

>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>> lots

>>> of

>>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>

>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>> to

>>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>>> and

>>> VISTA.

>>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>> at

>>> a

>>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>

>>> Thanks.

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Does your Gateway come with a Gateway System Restore option at boot up?

Many of the Dells do, and maybe Gateway does (or did). If you do have

that option, at bootup you could restore to the factory shipped condition

(but you'd lose anything installed since then)

Bugsy wrote:

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

> they

> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

> of

> bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a

> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

June 27, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Bugsy wrote:

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway

> says they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on

> whether to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a

> new computer and VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new

> computer at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and

> that much of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

$MFT is the NTFS master control table. There is nothing wrong with XP-Home

(probably), it's the directory on your drive that are confused.

This whole thing CAN be put right with sufficient and powerful tools by

putting your drive in another machine containing those tools and rebuilding

the Master File Table.

Don't use the computer. Find a competent technician.

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:32:15 -0400, "PA Bear [MS MVP]"

<PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote:

>1. Purchasing a retail copy of WinXP and having a reputable, local and

>independent shop format & do a clean install;

Surely the OP has a valid licence of some description? Why should he

have to buy a retail copy?

--

Cheers,

DrT

** Stress - the condition brought about by having to

** resist the temptation to beat the living daylights

** out of someone who richly deserves it.

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Thanks for the compatibililty list link.

When I purchased my Gateway, I had a second drive installed which I always

used to store data (Word Files, Quicken files, photos, etc). Then just

recently (about 4 months ago) I purchased a Maxtor "OneTouch" external drive

and make regular backups of the "D" drive on the computer.

So, fortunately, I have not lost any data. And that is VERY fortunate. My

Word files go back over ten years.

Thanks for all the advice. I have just about decided to invest in a new

Dell (the Gateway is five years old) desktop with Vista installed with the

option of downgrading to XP Pro.

I have a Dell laptop (Inspiron 6000) which has traveled all over the country

and has been beautiful. I guess that speaks highly of Dell.

Again, thanks for your time.

CT

"Bob Knowlden" <nkbob@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:%23skLGPI2IHA.524@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> The Windows Vista software compatibility list:

>

> http://www.appreadiness.com/Lists/Logo/All1.aspx

>

> states that both MS Works 2006 and Quicken Basic 2007 are "Vista ready". I

> have neither, so can't verify that. There may be some tricks to installing

> them under Vista, like launching the installation application with

> administrator privileges. (That may not be necessary or desirable, it's

> simply an example.)

>

> I've been using Vista X64 for some time. So far, the only paid upgrade

> I've had to do to get a Vista compatible version of my old software was

> Photoshop. (CS2 almost worked, but it kept being unable to detect my

> printers. CS3 is supported.) Vista is enough different from older versions

> of Windows to create some confusion, and not enough different to cause

> people to wish to change to it (in my opinion). I went with it because I

> wanted to play with a 64 bit OS, and I hoped that the Vista driver

> situation would be better than XP64. (So far, I've found Vista 64 drivers

> for all of my peripherals.) I don't really recall the transition from

> Win98 to XP, as I did it 6 years ago or more, but it probably was more

> major for me than the change from XP to Vista.

>

> I see that http://www.newegg.com is still selling XP Home. Their price is not low

> (still $100 for the retail upgrade version), but it's an option. (If you

> buy the retail upgrade version, you'll want access to "qualifying media".

> I use a CD-R backup copy of my Win98 retail upgrade CD. No license key is

> needed for the "qualifying media".)

>

> I hope that you haven't lost data. If so, you may be able to revive the

> machine with a repair install of XP (also known as an "upgrade in place").

>

> Good luck.

>

> Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

>

> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

> news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and for

>> Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>>

>> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer ever

>> since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

>> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>>

>> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was because

>> I could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts, including

>> complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>>

>> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

>> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account AFTER

>> installation.

>>

>> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem, which

>> caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The "GEEK" who

>> installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we had a hell of a

>> time getting it on the computer"!

>>

>> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the Windows

>> XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS to crash.

>>

>> "JS" <@> wrote in message news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes then

>>> those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once it is back

>>> to working condition.

>>>

>>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these applications

>>> worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to get a new PC

>>> loaded with Vista.

>>>

>>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your hard

>>> drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>>> factored in.

>>>

>>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a hard

>>> drive and then installing the application you need as well as the

>>> printer by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>>

>>> JS

>>>

>>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>>> still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>>

>>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>>> Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>>

>>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>>> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>>

>>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>>> over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are

>>>> ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>>

>>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>>> lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>>> to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new

>>>> computer and VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>>> at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much

>>>> of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>>

>>>> Thanks.

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Apparently not. At least that's what the Geek Squad told me, and I see no

indication on the boot screen.

Also, I called Gateway to order some restore disks and they told me they no

longer have them available. I think that I will probably just get a new

computer because of the age of my Gateway (5 years old), ad try to get the

VISTA with the option of downgrading to XP Pro.

thanks for your response

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:%23WepFHK2IHA.6096@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Does your Gateway come with a Gateway System Restore option at boot up?

> Many of the Dells do, and maybe Gateway does (or did). If you do have

> that option, at bootup you could restore to the factory shipped condition

> (but you'd lose anything installed since then)

>

> Bugsy wrote:

>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>> still

>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>

>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>> they

>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>

>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

>> of

>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>

>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>> to

>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

>> VISTA.

>>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

>> a

>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> Thanks.

>

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

One final question and I will quit bugging you folks.

Has anyone had actual experience with buying a computer loaded with VISTA

and with the option of downgrading to Windows XP? If so, is it something

that I can do, or do I need a shop or technician to do the downgrade?

By the way, thanks EVERYONE for all the good advice.

CT

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

> they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots

> of bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at

> a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

>

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

Get a new copy of XP and a new hard drive.

add some memory to your box,

you'll be set for years.

Do this quickly. XP will disappear on June 30th.

On Jun 27, 11:55 am, "Bugsy" <Bu...@bugtrap.com> wrote:

> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

> powerful (or was, anyway).

>

> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

> installed a HP printer last week.

>

> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says they

> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>

> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

> THEY did not cause the crash.

>

> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots of

> bad stuff about VISTA.

>

> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

> VISTA.

>

> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at a

> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>

> Thanks.

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

> Thanks for the compatibililty list link.

>

> When I purchased my Gateway, I had a second drive installed which I

> always used to store data (Word Files, Quicken files, photos, etc).

> Then just recently (about 4 months ago) I purchased a Maxtor

> "OneTouch" external drive and make regular backups of the "D" drive

> on the computer.

> So, fortunately, I have not lost any data. And that is VERY

> fortunate. My Word files go back over ten years.

>

> Thanks for all the advice. I have just about decided to invest in a

> new Dell (the Gateway is five years old) desktop with Vista installed

> with the option of downgrading to XP Pro.

>

> I have a Dell laptop (Inspiron 6000) which has traveled all over the

> country and has been beautiful. I guess that speaks highly of Dell.

>

> Again, thanks for your time.

>

> CT

>

> "Bob Knowlden" <nkbob@comcast.net> wrote in message

> news:%23skLGPI2IHA.524@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> The Windows Vista software compatibility list:

>>

>> http://www.appreadiness.com/Lists/Logo/All1.aspx

>>

>> states that both MS Works 2006 and Quicken Basic 2007 are "Vista

>> ready". I have neither, so can't verify that. There may be some

>> tricks to installing them under Vista, like launching the

>> installation application with administrator privileges. (That may

>> not be necessary or desirable, it's simply an example.)

>>

>> I've been using Vista X64 for some time. So far, the only paid

>> upgrade I've had to do to get a Vista compatible version of my old

>> software was Photoshop. (CS2 almost worked, but it kept being unable

>> to detect my printers. CS3 is supported.) Vista is enough different

>> from older versions of Windows to create some confusion, and not

>> enough different to cause people to wish to change to it (in my

>> opinion). I went with it because I wanted to play with a 64 bit OS,

>> and I hoped that the Vista driver situation would be better than

>> XP64. (So far, I've found Vista 64 drivers for all of my

>> peripherals.) I don't really recall the transition from Win98 to XP,

>> as I did it 6 years ago or more, but it probably was more major for

>> me than the change from XP to Vista. I see that http://www.newegg.com is

>> still selling XP Home. Their price is

>> not low (still $100 for the retail upgrade version), but it's an

>> option. (If you buy the retail upgrade version, you'll want access

>> to "qualifying media". I use a CD-R backup copy of my Win98 retail

>> upgrade CD. No license key is needed for the "qualifying media".)

>>

>> I hope that you haven't lost data. If so, you may be able to revive

>> the machine with a repair install of XP (also known as an "upgrade

>> in place"). Good luck.

>>

>> Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

>>

>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>> news:%23bA5l3H2IHA.5944@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>> First, I still have the application CDs for Works Suite 2006, and

>>> for Quicken Basic 2007, which are the programs I use the most.

>>>

>>> Second, although I am not an expert, I have been using a computer

>>> ever since my first purchase of the Apple II+ many years ago (I am a

>>> 66-year-old Ph.D. who may be getting a bit senile. . . LOL)

>>>

>>> The reason I had the "Geek Squad" install my new HP printer, was

>>> because I could NOT get it to install . . . despite FOUR attempts,

>>> including complete "uninstall" and new "install" attempts.

>>>

>>> They said that they had to create a NEW administrator account; then

>>> install the HP software; then remove the new administrator account

>>> AFTER installation.

>>>

>>> This tells me that the Windows software MAY have had a problem,

>>> which caused the difficulty with my initial install attempt. The

>>> "GEEK" who installed the HP printer software remarked to me: "we

>>> had a hell of a time getting it on the computer"!

>>>

>>> That is why I think that the way they did it may have pushed the

>>> Windows XP HOME program "over the edge" so to speak, causing the OS

>>> to crash. "JS" <@> wrote in message

>>> news:Oh7JjkH2IHA.4772@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>>> If you still have the Application CDs and the associated Key Codes

>>>> then those applications can be installed on your Gateway PC once

>>>> it is back to working condition.

>>>>

>>>> You need to do a little research as to how much are these

>>>> applications worth if you need to replace them if you do decide to

>>>> get a new PC loaded with Vista.

>>>>

>>>> Also there is a chance that even if you buy a new copy of XP, your

>>>> hard drive could be bad and will need replacement.

>>>> The cost of purchasing both Windows XP and a new drive need to be

>>>> factored in.

>>>>

>>>> Then it would appear that you have limited knowledge about computer

>>>> hardware, as you had the Geeks install your printer.

>>>> So are you up to doing the XP Home install, possibly replacing a

>>>> hard drive and then installing the application you need as well as

>>>> the printer by yourself or do you need to Geek it again?

>>>>

>>>> JS

>>>>

>>>> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old,

>>>>> but still powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>>>

>>>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at

>>>>> Best Buy installed a HP printer last week.

>>>>>

>>>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and

>>>>> Gateway says they no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

Good, then neither does the thief.

>>>>>

>>>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost

>>>>> well over $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They

>>>>> are ADAMANT that THEY did not cause the crash.

I'd register a complaint with the BBB; several are going to pipe in that

it's not going to accomplish anything, but it may well prevent someone

else from being scammed. And you're probably not the first.

>>>>>

>>>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and

>>>>> read lots of bad stuff about VISTA.

You'll likely be OK with it coming pre-installed from Dell. Whether

you'll like it or hate it depends on what sort of work you do with the

computer. It's fine for some people, but ... and then there's the

learning curve; you're right there.

>>>>>

>>>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on

>>>>> whether to buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with

>>>>> a new computer and VISTA.

At that age, I'd go for a new machine with XP Pro which you can still

get at a lot of places if you ask for it.

>>>>>

>>>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new

>>>>> computer at a store with Windows XP Home already installed . . .

>>>>> and that much of my present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>>>

>>>>> Thanks.

"Never" say "impossible" because our local Walmart has some. Dell &

Gateway are still shippping XP if you ask for it. Don't wait too much

longer, though; order this weekend if possible.

Since you've settled on Dell, call and ASK them for a machine with XP

installed. Chances are good you can get it if you really want it. I

just ordered one for a friend with XP Pro yesterday. No problems,

including support obligations from the mfg.

HTH

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

If the manufacturer intended the computer to work only with Vista, the

experience of folks attempting to downgrade to XP was fairly negative.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/02/vista-to-xp-the.html

Most users find that Vista is endurable. If you select Dell's XPS 630, it will

boot XP as shipped. It has a Vista ultimate DVD and an XP pro CD. It is

not a modest desktop. The Dell desktop links at CU redirect to this gamer:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/winxp_inspndt?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

It comes with the legal right to run Vista or XP, but not both I guess.

"Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

news:ehaN$SR2IHA.4164@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> One final question and I will quit bugging you folks.

>

> Has anyone had actual experience with buying a computer loaded with VISTA and

> with the option of downgrading to Windows XP? If so, is it something that I

> can do, or do I need a shop or technician to do the downgrade?

>

> By the way, thanks EVERYONE for all the good advice.

>

> CT

>

> "Bugsy" <Bugsy@bugtrap.com> wrote in message

> news:O1VEF5G2IHA.552@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but still

>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>

>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best Buy

>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>

>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says they

>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>

>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well over

>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT that

>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>

>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read lots of

>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>

>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether to

>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer and

>> VISTA.

>>

>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer at a

>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>

>> Thanks.

>>

>

June 28, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

I don't see that option in the boot screen normally either. In my case, I

have to first press Ctrl-F11 before it will even show up (and I had to know

that beforehand). So, it still might be there, although if it's 5 years

old and a Gateway they may not have done it.

Bugsy wrote:

> Apparently not. At least that's what the Geek Squad told me, and I see no

> indication on the boot screen.

>

> Also, I called Gateway to order some restore disks and they told me they

> no

> longer have them available. I think that I will probably just get a new

> computer because of the age of my Gateway (5 years old), ad try to get the

> VISTA with the option of downgrading to XP Pro.

>

> thanks for your response

>

> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message

> news:%23WepFHK2IHA.6096@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> Does your Gateway come with a Gateway System Restore option at boot up?

>> Many of the Dells do, and maybe Gateway does (or did). If you do have

>> that option, at bootup you could restore to the factory shipped condition

>> (but you'd lose anything installed since then)

>>

>> Bugsy wrote:

>>> My computer is a Gateway model # MFATXPNT MDW 500S, 5 years old, but

>>> still

>>> powerful (or was, anyway).

>>>

>>> My Windows XP Home crashed (error message "C:\$MFT is corrupt and

>>> unreadable), which started immediately after "The Geek Squad" at Best

>>> Buy

>>> installed a HP printer last week.

>>>

>>> I do not have the original disks (lost during a move), and Gateway says

>>> they

>>> no longer have available the "Recovery CDs".

>>>

>>> Geek Squad says that a new installation of windows XP will cost well

>>> over

>>> $200.00 and that I should just buy a new computer. They are ADAMANT

>>> that

>>> THEY did not cause the crash.

>>>

>>> I am not comfortable with learning VISTA, plus I have heard and read

>>> lots

>>> of

>>> bad stuff about VISTA.

>>>

>>> What are your expert opinion(s)? Please make recommendation on whether

>>> to

>>> buy a new copy of XP Home and reinstall, or to go with a new computer

>>> and

>>> VISTA.

>>>

>>> By the way, The GEEK SQUAD says it is impossible to buy a new computer

>>> at

>>> a

>>> store with Windows XP Home already installed . . . and that much of my

>>> present software will NOT work with VISTA.

>>>

>>> Thanks.

June 29, 2008

Re: Advice on purchasing XP Home

In article <OqldNNR2IHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl>, Bugsy@bugtrap.com

says...

> Thanks for the compatibililty list link.

>

> When I purchased my Gateway, I had a second drive installed which I always

> used to store data (Word Files, Quicken files, photos, etc). Then just

> recently (about 4 months ago) I purchased a Maxtor "OneTouch" external drive

> and make regular backups of the "D" drive on the computer.

>

> So, fortunately, I have not lost any data. And that is VERY fortunate. My

> Word files go back over ten years.

>

> Thanks for all the advice. I have just about decided to invest in a new

> Dell (the Gateway is five years old) desktop with Vista installed with the

> option of downgrading to XP Pro.

>

> I have a Dell laptop (Inspiron 6000) which has traveled all over the country

> and has been beautiful. I guess that speaks highly of Dell.

>

> Again, thanks for your time.

Good descision to go with a Dell. I bought an HP and have had problems

with it since the day I bought it. I am still having troubles getting

HP to stand behind their warranty. (I had a corrupt hard drive which HP

still hasn't replaced after almost a year - despite their promises to do

so)

Mark

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