Tech: Re-Installing Windows

Subject: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: mack/misophist
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 02:22 PM

Almost every one who uses Windows will have to re-install from time to time. If you're in that group, it would be a good idea to read this. You need to be ready in advance. If you don't have a firewall handy on a cd, you should get one or download one of the free ones and save it to a cd. Or get your favourite nerd to do it for you.

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:30 PM

Enough people do "reinstall Windows" to make the cautions from the article worth noting in that context; but I've worn out the hardware on 2 machines running Win3.11, 2 running Win95, 3 running Win98SE in the past 20 years, and still have 1 Win95, 1 Win98SE, 1 Win2K, and 2 WinXP running and have NEVER had to "reinstall Windows."

A new machine, or a change in OS, would definitely expose you to the problem cited. Most OEM sources will try to update the preinstalled OS to include recent patches, but definitely may not be up to the latest threats. New OS packages purchased from retail sources sometimes are really far behind.

A new machine, or one with a new or reinstalled OS, should NEVER be connected to any network before AV is up, but many AntiVirus programs "off the shelf" are really obsolete. The usual instructions are to go to the AV maker's site to get it current. With the threat level cited, you may not have time to make it current before being infected.

The threat cited is one of the reasons that the new WinXP SR2 now being delivered will default to turn on the firewall that's built into XP. It also changes the boot to "block all ports" during boot, prior to the time that full firewall and AV programs can be loaded and be effective. On existing machines, there's usually a period of up to a minute or two during boot before the AV and firewall programs can load, and incidents of infection during this period have been found. For the reasons given in the article, everyone running WinXP should ask for the CD version of SR2 when it's available, since reinstalling WinXP would otherwise require downloading all the patches it includes - which can run up to 800 MB. On my POTS connection, that would be about 60 hours of "exposure" - on a good day - before I could "get patched."

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 06:05 PM

Les Barker has a song about this....

Subject: Lyr Add: REINSTALLING WINDOWS (Les Barker)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 06:09 PM

Author: Les Barker
http://www.compulink.co.uk/~ackroyd/


(Tune of "When I'm Cleaning Windows")

REINSTALLING WINDOWS
(Les Barker)

I bought a new computer,
It cost two thousand pound;
But every time I switch it on
I keeps on falling down.

I used to think it was my friend
Now it drives me round the bend;
You'd be surprised the time
I spend Reinstalling Windows.

I switch it on; what is this?
Something wrong with config.sys;
This isn't my idea of bliss,
Reinstalling Windows.

I want to share my printers and
I want to share my files,
I want to share my anger 'cos
It drives me bloomin' wild.

Load disk four, oh what fun!
It says it helps you get things done;
Every day now everyone's
Reinstalling Windows.

Load disk ten; it will say
All you do is plug and play
Why do I spend every day
Reinstalling Windows?

It can't find my printer
It can't locate my mouse;
The other day it told me that
They were in some other house.

Still unplugged, still unplayed,
E-mailed God in search of aid
He's far too busy I'm afraid
Reinstalling Windows.

Up at dawn for one more try;
Does it work? Can pigs fly?
How do I expect to die?
Reinstalling Windows.

It doesn't like my modem and
Detests all CD-ROMs;
let's see if the setup wizard
Recognizes bombs.

I used to like a drink or three;
No time now, don't call for me;
I'm going to spend eternity
Reinstalling Windows.

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: open mike
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 07:06 PM

don't forget the caulking compound when doing this procedure..

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: mack/misophist
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 11:52 PM

Don't know win95. It's true, though, that Win98 can be dead stable if you understand it. And give it what it wants.

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 01:41 PM

Typical Microsoft.

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: mack/misophist
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:13 PM

M$ is not as bad as most people think. Not quite. In fact, they have abandoned the realm of proprietary software to become a champion of open source. Look here.

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:34 PM

ROFL mack/misophist!

So when will we be able to but Microsoft™ Cuban Cigars?

I think the best is...

'Microsoft Monkey Colony on Mars

Microsoft has announced that a team of monkeys will be shot into space in 2005 to establish the first Martian Colony. At a recent press conference, Bill Gates confirmed, "We are already training the monkeys to do simple tasks like reboot the space ship when it blue screens. The space vehicle will be running our newest product, SpacePod 2004. This product will instruct the monkeys how to colonize Mars and establish trade with the Martians. We intend to monopolize this market before Human travel to Mars is possible."'

MS-Linux? Was that a pig just flew by my window?

Subject: RE: Tech: Re-Installing Windows
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 11:04 PM

Nice one. I quitle like the new meaning of GPL.