WinXP Pro

[imported_Rusty]

I came back from Memorial Day weekend and the computer had caught something. Since I had installed minimal programs prior to leaving it seemed easy enough to just format and reinstall. So I loaded the WinXP CD in a bootable rom drive, made it redo the partitions, and format with NTFS (full not quick). When the domain and workgroup options appeared I left the default workgroup option but changed the name to something other than workgroup. Then the installation prompted me for internet connection and I selected skip. Everything finished alright, the computer boots fine, and I can logon under my user account and as admininstrator.

But, I cannot make the logon require control+alt+delete like it was before the reinstall. I also have some trouble connecting to the internet after completing the reinstall and the wireless system does not behave like it did originally.

Any ideas? Should I have used the "domain" option instead of "workgroup"? My computer shares internet access through a router with another computer but does not need access to the other computer. Are there any options in WinXP I missed?

 

[OdiN]

You have to disable the welcome screen to get the control-alt-delete dialog, as well as make sure your username is assigned a password. As for the internet trouble, really need more info.

 

[imported_Rusty]

I disabled the quick welcome screen and have a logon prompt. But it is not the ctrl+alt+delete prompt I had prior to formatting.

The internet issue is probably something (it will work out when I get all the updates?) so I will try reloading everything tonight.

Should I load all the component drivers, then Windows updates or Windows updates, then remaining component drivers? I need to load the wireless drivers to connect to my network to get the Windows updates.

 

[8ballcoupe]

But, I cannot make the logon require control+alt+delete like it was before the reinstall. I also have some trouble connecting to the internet after completing the reinstall and the wireless system does not behave like it did originally.

Any ideas? Should I have used the "domain" option instead of "workgroup"? My computer shares internet access through a router with another computer but does not need access to the other computer. Are there any options in WinXP I missed?

To get the <Ctrl>-<Alt>-<Del> dialog you can issue this command in the Start | Run dialog --

control userpasswords2

Look at the options provided in that applet for the setting you want.

You don't want "domain" instead of "workgroup".

The internet issue is probably something (it will work out when I get all the updates?) so I will try reloading everything tonight.

Should I load all the component drivers, then Windows updates or Windows updates, then remaining component drivers? I need to load the wireless drivers to connect to my network to get the Windows updates.

I doubt that you need to reload everything. If by "component drivers" you mean device drivers then, yes, you should probably load the latest device drivers available for all of the devices on your system. In particular you will probably be best served by having the latest firmware and drivers installed for all your wireless network devices.

If you would post exactly what network devices you are using (all of them) and what networking settings you are using someone might be able to help you get connected. (You might have better luck with that by starting a new thread in the networking forum.) An even better idea would be for you to go through the instructions that came with your wireless router / wireless network adapter and / or the instructions from your ISP and follow them step-by-step. The problems you are having are most likely caused by a minor detail in procedure or settings. It's hard to find a needle in a haystack. Harder yet to find it when you're in a remote location depending upon someone to describe the haystack via text messages on an online forum.

Ernie

 

[LiLithTecH]

I believe what you are looking for is the CLASSIC Windows Logon.

To ENABLE, go to:
START \ SETTINGS \ CONTROL PANEL \ USERS ACCOUNTS \ PICK A TASK
then click on ' Change the way users log on and off '

 

[8ballcoupe]

I think Rusty already got classic logon. I think what he's looking for is the Ctrl-Alt-Del requirement. There's a checkbox for that in the userpasswords2 applet, and via a more devious route through Admin Tools.

Ernie

 

[gsellis]

And for the registry junkies (in INF format - 65537 = RegDword)

HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon","DisableCAD",65537,0

 

[imported_Rusty]

I forgot to mention that I reformatted last night so I am still on a clean slate. The only change I have made so far is to require classic logon.

Tonight I plan to install drivers for on-board components (LAN, USB, etc), video card, and monitor.

Then tweak XP using information picked up from another thread on this forum. Basically I will disable all the stuff I don't need and help secure the computer.

Next reinstall the network card (DWL-G520revB) per the instruction and see how it goes. The network has WEP shared key enabled along with a unique SSID.

Finally do the Windows Updates.

Is this order alright?

Yes I want the ctrl+alt+delete logon. I will try what 8ballcoupe mentioned, not to crazy about messing with the registry tonight.

P.S.: Please forgive my posting skills it has been a long week (without much sleep)

 

[8ballcoupe]

I would add that you really don't want to spend any time connected to the Internet before getting ALL of the critical updates. Those come FIRST. And enable your ICF before connecting. Connecting trough a router is also good. I'm not sure how you're going about this, but the service pack (if it isn't already slipstreamed in your install) and the critical updates are essential to do first.

If your router and client can deal with it you also want to disable SSID broadcase. And, if WPA is offered, use that instead of WEP. Not familiar with your network card. It will be easier to make changes to router setup via a wired connection, BTW.

Good luck!

Ernie

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: 8ballcoupe
I would add that you really don't want to spend any time connected to the Internet before getting ALL of the critical updates. Those come FIRST. Ernie

With 8ballcoupe. The firewall should protect you, but it would be even better to get the fixes BEFORE you plug in the wire. You can download the Security fixes at
MS Security linkage and get the critical fixes for April, which cover at least three of the automatic worms.

 

[imported_Rusty]

The router already has SSID broadcast disabled. I will also check into WPA.

Setup: Toshiba Cable Modem > D-Link Router (DI-624) > D-Link Wireless PC Card

I will install McAfee Firewall prior to connecting with the router. Is this going to be enough or do I need to find a way to get updates before connecting with the router?

My XP version is from the school (university) and does not include SP1.

 

[8ballcoupe]

Assuming the router has not been previously configured in an unsafe condition (no ports forwarded, WAN management interface not enabled, etc.) then you should be if you go directly to Windows update and perform the updates before doing anything else. Immediately after that, of course, AV updates (and any firewall updates, if indicated). You should be quite safe, assuming that you haven't previously downloaded and installed from backup any compromising software.

Good luck, and good weekend!

Ernie

 

[goblue420]

start>run>gpedit.msc

 

[imported_Rusty]

Well everything is back up and running. The wireless PCI card is still not quite right so I will post over in the networking forum for that one. Thanks for the help.

 

[8ballcoupe]

That's great to hear. I hope you get the remaining networking glitches hammered out.

Ernie