Files not in Accessories under "Start"

[Andrea]

OK, I figured out the Recovery Disks and created them.

In addition to the "Calc" (calculator) accessory that was missing in the "start" - All Programs - Accessories, there is another large number of quick links that are missing there (Paint, defragmentar, clean sweep are just a few examples). I know how to find most of them (in Windows/System32 folder - I hope there isn't another place).

The recovery disks I assume would have that shortcoming, too. Would they still be suitable for an upgrade to Vista.

Also, if I get a second disk and chose t have that as my main disk, how do I transfer it all? Image Backup of the current disk and then put the image backup on the other disk? Is that even possible?

Heas is spinning
Andrea

[Admin]

Hi Andrea,

Now let me get your questions correctly identified.

1. Are there any other locations for default Microsoft applications other than System32?
2. Recovery Disks will still not restore my programs to the original shortcut location of Start|All Programs|Accessories
3. Would my computer be suitable for an upgrade to vista although it has these problems
4. How do I transfer all my files and folders to my new bigger hard drive? Does it require an imaging software?

Let me know if I got your questions wrong.

[Admin]

1. Are there any other locations for default Microsoft applications other than System32?

Yes there is but most basic default applications are located in that directory.

2. Recovery Disks will still not restore my programs to the original shortcut location of Start|All Programs|Accessories

When you do a recovery it will usually restore your operating system to it's original state ie, to the state on the 1st day that you bought it. It is imperative that you backup all your files and databases if you have any. Once you've done a recovery you will get all your default programs in the correct path.

3. Would my computer be suitable for an upgrade to vista although it has these problems?

Before upgrading to Vista you should do a check on compatibility of software and hardware of your computer 1st and foremost.

So go to the following websites and download and run the compatibility test application before buying the latest operating system from Microsoft.

www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=42b5ac83-c24f-4863-a389-3ffc194924f8&displaylang=en

www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2b6f1631-973a-45c7-a4ec-4928fa173266&DisplayLang=en


You can also visit the website of your most used applications (that are non Microsoft) and see if there are any compatibility issues with Vista in their support page or forum on their website.

4. How do I transfer all my files and folders to my new bigger hard drive? Does it require an imaging software?

When you get your new hard disk, I would install the new operating system on it and just attach the original hard disk as a slave drive and copy the data over. NOTE: I said data and not applications. You will need to reinstall your applications.

[Andrea]

Thanks Faizul.

1. wasn't really a question, just a statement to let you know that the programs were not missing entirely.

2. Well, this is where the problem is, because I created the disks after the HP Services recovery and their moving the files onto the second disk, after the failure of the main disk. So the programs were not there in the "Start" quick launch of programs. So from your answer I assume a recovery would restore the setup to the standard programs having a quick link under "Start". The only other thing I need to check is whether it makes a difference whether I'm logged in as Admin or not...

4. I thought I need the recovery disks of XP for an upgrade? I know I am confusing something here, but from your answer, assuming the computer has no major compatibility issues, I would not need to install XP on the new disk, only Vista. What about the old disk, reformat and keep as the slave disk, but when, prior or after the upgrade, and would the disks conflict.

By the way, looking forward to the EASA class on Wednesdays, I hear it is filling pretty well, and that on the first day of actual registration.

[Admin]

Hi Andrea,

The recovery disks will format your computer and install the operating system back to it's original state and it will give you back your default programs to where the rightfully belong no matter whether you are logged in as admin or non admin ;D

There are 2 options to how you can get Vista on your machine.

1. Get an 'Upgrade' meaning you will need to install your XP from the recovery disk that HP gave you onto your new hard disk and subsequent installations off Vista on your machine will require the same sequence. Install XP then the Upgrade to Vista.

2. Get the 'entire' operating system, meaning you just need to install Vista on the new hard disk without installing XP from the recovery CD 1st.

Here's what I would do if I were you when I get my recovery disks and my new Vista DVD.

I would backup the files on the old hard disk by either putting it on an external storage or just burning it on a DVD. Then after that put in the new hard disk install Vista either by doing the 'Upgrade' path or installing the entire OS depending on the path you wish to go on.

Afterwhich I would put the old hard drive as a secondary hard drive or a 'slave' if you will, reformat it and use it as a backup drive for my data.

I truly did not know that the class is filling up fast. Thanks for the support. I hope to see you then. ;D

Cheers
Faizul