win2k follies

[zigzag03]

i am struggling with a number of issues with win2k and wouldn't mind some input.

Sytem: recon/auction compaq ap240 workstation, 866-p3, 256, 9gscsi, cdrom and i added a cdrw. win2k. decent desktop for the wife to surf and email with.

1) after fooling around with software for burning cdroms, and installing a version not for win2k against its own advise (i know i know) and crashing the machine, recovering to the last good config and restarting, then removing the program with add/remove program, both the cdroms quit working. error code 10. they are master/slave on primary ide, can move them to secondary and they are found again. device manager says they are there, just not working, error code 10. remove them and they are found and reinstalled, but not working. use different cable, try a diff drive, no action no how. my personal conclusion is that i deleted a shared file that i should not have, when given the choice. something i've never been burned by until now. and not sure of that in any case.

2) at the same time, have begun to have stop error, machine won't shut off, simply restarts after blue screen error msg. been to microsoft knowlege base on this one, no real help there, although problem is mentioned.

3) all other computers on my wi fi network are asked for a password to this machine or denied access. i have been thru every password possiblity as user and as administrator and everything i can think of. advise on how to disable or determine phantom password?

4) the machine came with win2k partially installed and the sticker with the prod id number stuck to the case, but no cab files. any idea how to get the cabs and whether i am entitiled to them just by having the sticker?

i will be grateful for any input on any of these subjects, thank you, mark

 

[OnetimeXP]

I had similar problems with Win2kPro, I put a computer in a coffee shop and those freak'n public users all but destroyed the damm thing, anyway I did a clean install, applied all the service packs, then installed the software I needed.. Not a fix per se, but I got tired of fighting with the machine and losing.


I think the folder you need for the cabs is I386, I'll have to look though.

 

[zigzag03]

thanks for the input, hope it don't come to that as i don't have the cd to reinstall anything

 

[owensdj]

zigzag03, without the Win2K install CD or something similar provided by Compaq, you're screwed. You were supposed to get that when you bought the computer. Sometimes people will sell their old computer and keep the software for use on their new hardware. They shouldn't do this unless they tell you in advance.

You may need to just buy a new copy of Windows 2000. Wipe out your system and install Win2K from scratch. That would probably fix all of your problems.

You can get Win2K Pro OEM version for $133 at Comp-U-Plus. OEM versions are meant for new computers, but in your situation I think it would be OK for you to get it. If you buy any piece of hardware from Comp-U-Plus they'll let you get the OEM version, even something like an IDE cable.

 

[zigzag03]

thanks dj, i guess you're right i should just bite the proverbial bullet. this wasn't a private sale computer, came thru ubid from god knows where originally. probably some corporate deal. i figured if i had the license number i might be entitled to the cab files. no response from microsoft on this point. i'll just go order it up. thanks again, i'll report the results.