Bad Hard Drive?

[mccoady]

My office desktop computer is maybe 2 1/2 years old that I bought from a local dealer who has since went out of business. They built computers under the Powergistics name but basically built each computer to your specifications, parts, etc.(XP Pro SP3,250GB drive, 4 GB Ram). I've always noticed I could hear the computer (drive?) when it was processing and I'm not sure if this is noticeable with all computers. Anyway for awhile now (several months) there are times it sounds like it is processing over long periods of time whether I'm doing anything or not.

Over this period it has gotten really sluggish sometimes worse than others, it hangs, it takes maybe 5 minutes to reboot and takes programs a long time to load. Last night my wife tried to go to her User account and it would freeze when loading the desktop with a couple of screens coming up (1) "Windows Exployer needs to be shut down" (2) Dr Watson Postmortem debugger has encountered a problem and must shut down").

I've had no problem going to my User account but still must deal with the above problems plus this morning it said it had to shut down one of my programs when loading the desktop.

Okay on reboot there is an error message I can't read exactly because it's gone so fast but it says something like "1sdelete error" something like that. I ran the "Disk Check" set to correct errors several times, and I use Diskeeper that keeps the drive defragged automatically.

I use Avast, Zone Alarm free, SuperAntiSpyware (real-time), Spybot, Ad-Aware, Windows Defender (not real-time), Malwarebytes and keep them all updated. I've ran all of these and do not come up with any viruses or spyware. I also keep Windows Updates current.

I'm using this computer to post this but so it's not like I can't use it at all but I do need to get these issues corrected.

Does this sound like a hard drive going bad or something else?

[kenmo]

Find out if it is a Western Digital, Maxtor, Seagate or other. Surf to the website and download a diagnostic program to test the hard drive...

[minidv2dvd]

could just be something running more because there is more on your hard drive. use the task manager to see what is running when you are not doing anything. cntrl-alt-del then click on the processes tab. at the top of the window click on cpu twice to sort by usage and bring it to the top.

could possibly be the windows indexing service - ciscv.exe, or one of your a/v, a/s, a/m programs doing background scans.

when you ran check disc did it come up with bad sectors or just repair files?

[mccoady]

It is a Western Digital WDC WD2500KS-00MJB0 how do I know which diagnostic program is for my drive?

I opened task manager and of course there are alot of applications running. Under Processes and CPU twice the only thing actually running is "System Idle Process" showing 99. Although at this moment the computer or drive is quiet.

When I ran Disc check (several times) since I had it set to repair files it never showed whether it fixed anything but apparently not.

[minidv2dvd]

w.d. has diagnostic software available in the suport/downloads section on their website. there is a box you can type the model number into.

leave the task manager up and running until the "noise" occurs.

[lordsmurf]

It's probably not disk-related, but a software/OS issue. You may have unneeded software running, be it some "assistant" program, or even virus/spyware.

[mccoady]

Okay just to be sure is this the tool I need to download:
http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=606&sid=3&lang=en

Do I select "Quick" or "Extended" test?

If this comes up normal then does that mean it can't be the drive?

I suppose you can never be 100% sure it's not a virus or spyware but I do take every precaution to safeguard against this.

[kenmo]

I would try the quick test first. If that finds nothing then do the extended....

Also, is it possible your hard drive is still under warranty from WD? You may want to check this if the diagnostic utility reports a problem. I had a failing hard drive replaced from Seagate or WD (can't remember) and it was done promptly....

[redwudz]

Maxtor used to have a RMA system where they sent you the replacement drive, but didn't bill your credit card for something like 30 days. If you sent the old drive back before then, no charges. And you had the proper packaging shipped with the new drive. I don't know how they do it now as I haven't RMA'd a HDD in some time.

Some drives are noisier than others. One think you want to listen for is clicking or clunking. If the drive head is hitting the stops, it won't last too long.

I would:

1> Backup any important data from the drive. Just in case it is a drive problem.

2> Run the manufacturer's diagnostic program.

3> Use msconfig to disable some programs from starting. (Type msconfig in a command window.) This is one way to simplify diagnostics.

4> If you still think it's a drive problem, put in a new drive and use the software included to clone your boot partition to the new drive. Format the old drive to use for other purposes.

5> Worst case, reinstall the OS and programs. This gives you a 'clean slate' and though it's a PITA, it's always the best way to clean out of the old junk that has accumulated since the OS has been installed.

[johns0]

3> Use msconfig to disable some programs from starting. (Type msconfig in a command window.) This is one way to simplify diagnostics.

You can also type msconfig in the run bar.

[mccoady]

I ran both scans quick and extended both showing the drive as passing so is it still possible the drive is bad?

The noise I'm hearing is definitely coming from the drive what I call a low rumble sound like the drive is do something like processing. It's actually doing it right now but the CPU in the task manager is only showing 99 for the System Idle Process and everything else 0's.

I routinely go to msconfig and uncheck any unwarranted startups so don't think that is the problem.

WD will replace my drive I only have to pay shipping although I'd probably want to upgrade to a bigger drive which I think I'll go ahead and do. Thing is if it's not my drive I may end up with the same problem.

I used Acronis True Image 10 over the weekend for the first time and as far as I can tell it successfully created a backup image to my other internal drive.

What if my problem turns out not to be the drive after I've gone ahead and installed a new one but rather something to do with Windows, will the image transfer the issues to the new drive?

[Po|arbeaR]

Have you tried looking in the event manager and see what's taking place ??

-PB

[mccoady]

No but I really wouldn't know what I was looking for. I ordered a new drive today and earlier (over the weekend) I created a image backup with Acronis to my other internal drive so I just hope it's a drive problem and not a Windows issue because I would hate for the problems to transfer to the new drive.

[Ethlred]

Nothing you have said implies a hard drive problem. So why do you keep wasting time with checking the hard drive?

I use Avast, Zone Alarm free, SuperAntiSpyware (real-time), Spybot, Ad-Aware, Windows Defender (not real-time), Malwarebytes and keep them all updated. I've ran all of these and do not come up with any viruses or spyware. I also keep Windows Updates current.

So most likely you don't have an infection. But you do have a lot more running than needed.

[q]I opened task manager and of course there are alot of applications running.[/q]

So how many is a lot? That is likely where most of your problems are. Turn of the excess crap and your system should run much better. Diskeeper for one may be there all the time. Few people need that running in the background.

How much space in on the hard drive? If its less than 15% that is a problem and will likely have Diskeeper running a lot.

How much crap is on the drive? By crap I am referring to temp files, internet cache, and unneeded cookies (for instance you may want to keep the Videohelp cookie).

How long has been since you reinstalled the OS? They tend to gather crap over time and the surest way to speed things up is to reinstall.

Ethelred

[mccoady]

I really wasn't saying it was a hard drive issue I came here to see what the problem was.

There is around 77 items showing up in processes in the Task Manager with the only one showing CPU usage being the System Idle Process. If you're saying some should not be running I wouldn't begin to know what to shutdown. The latest versions of Diskeeper need to be active as it defrags automatically when the computer is idle when it senses the need to do so.

I run CCleaner quite frequently.

The install of the OS is the original install when the computer was bought new. I've never installed or reinstalled Windows before and it may be over my technical knowledge.

The hard drive has 50% capacity left.

[INFRATOM]

Sounds like a typical virus / spyware infection. make sure you save and backup of what is worth to you. There is no sure way of clean up since viruses are sophisticated and besides they change your tcp/ip parameters and make your computer part of a network somewhere without knowing. They only sure way is a full reformat and reinstall. Before doing so download all your drivers and have your windows installation discs and keys. If you don't learn how to reinstall everything you have to live with the agony of slowness viruses and spywares.

[gll99]

Okay on reboot there is an error message I can't read exactly because it's gone so fast but it says something like "1sdelete error" something like that.

It's probably Lsdelete
According to this blog, it may be an issue with Ad-Aware

http://blog.ryantadams.com/2008/01/15/fixing-lsdelete-program-not-found-skipping-autoc...r-on-start-up/

Another reference:

http://forums.techguy.org/windows-vista-7/583755-solved-solved-lsdelete-program-not.html

and Google which offers more details and options....

http://www.google.com/search?q=lsdelete&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=DVFA,DVFA:1970--2,DVFA:en

Hopefully it's that simple but it's best to get rid of that first and see if the other problems persist.

[Ethlred]

I really wasn't saying it was a hard drive issue I came here to see what the problem was.

You seemed to fixating on that part. OK.

There is around 77 items showing up in processes in the Task Manager

That is a lot for XP. Right now with Firefox running a dozen tabs, BItdefender, Fixit(antivirus and antispyware weren't installed), Orbit, Windows Search, ATI task utility, Notepad and maybe some other stuff that isn't as obvious I still have only 35 processes. 77 means you have a LOT of stuff running.

with the only one showing CPU usage being the System Idle Process.

That could mean that your system is not wasting CPU cycles. It could be that a virus is hidden from the task manager or it could just be that none of the performance sapping stuff was running when you checked.

If you're saying some should not be running I wouldn't begin to know what to shutdown.

Yes I am. You say you are using CCleaner. It has a startup manager. Use it or find a more detailed Startup Manager. One that can give you hints as to what can be turned off.

The latest versions of Diskeeper need to be active as it defrags automatically when the computer is idle when it senses the need to do so.

See if it has a setting to only defrag on demand. Then set a schedule to run once a week or month when you are not using the PC. There simply is no need for it to be running all the time for most people. The background stuff is one reason that FIXIT is going when the thirty day trial is up. The stupid thing won't run on demand. It is presently wasting 40 megs of RAM for no reason at all since I have all the monitoring turned off.

Anyone know of a similar program that runs on demand?

The install of the OS is the original install when the computer was bought new. I've never installed or reinstalled Windows before and it may be over my technical knowledge.

It is. Right now. You can learn, its not that hard.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/129977/how_to_reinstall_windows_xp.html

http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm

http://tweakhound.com/xp/installxp/installXP1.htm

And there are many more. I simply went to google and typed in:

reinstall windows xp

Which resulted in this url

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=reinstall+windows+xp&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=

The hard drive has 50% capacity left.

That is plenty.

Ethelred

[Ethlred]

Oh, cut back on the protection. You simply don't need all that stuff running at the same time. The various anti-spyware and anti-virus programs will be competing with each other.

I sell software at Fry's Electronics. To give an example of excessive protection I have had only one customer complaint about Windows Live One Care despite the fact I would not have that crap in my PC ever. The one complaint was that his PC was dragging its ass. So he uninstalled One Care and Norton AV worked so much faster.

Yes, he had BOTH installed at the same time. Removing either would have sped up his PC. They both check every file opened. They were checking each other at the same time on top of that.

My recommendation for protection is to get a full Internet Security Suite unless you know what you are doing and you clearly don't.

I have used Norton Internet Security for the past year. It just expired and now I trying other stuff not because the Norton was bad but because I feel obligated to know more about the other stuff I am supposed to sell. So far Bitdefender seems OK.

Many here will claim you can get away with free stuff. Some of those people actually do get away with it. They are the ones that have a clue. There are others that have used free stuff and were pleased that they had so few viruses. That is a clue that they should buy something as they do NOT have a clue as to how behave themselves with minimal protection.

I can get away with just using the XP firewall. I don't reccomend that. To do so I have to scale back my adventures on the net. No exploring the unknown. No fun. No potentially dangerous downloads.

Ethelred

[lordsmurf]

I run a lot of stuff myself, in the background -- way more than normal -- and I only have 55 processes open right now.

Excluding background processed, I've got most all of Office open, several web browsers, Photoshop, notepad, burning software, etc.

With 77 processed running, you have way too much stuff running. That is your problem. Run MSCONFIG and post a list of all the junk running under both SERVICES (non-Microsoft only), as well as everything from STARTUP. Goto RUN > type "msconfig", press ENTER.

[INFRATOM]

If you hit pause a second before the error it may pause or setup bios to stop on error. Try F8 to go for safe mode or last good startup. It could be registry corruption. But since this is a new install and doing this one must go to the basics pull out all the cards and check HD and dvd/cd drive cables. Since it worked after rebiult the first thing is to check the boot order. If the post is ok and it doesn't beep beep finding boot sector is next. Go to bios first set the HD order and then the boot drive.

[mccoady]

First thanks for all the info!

Second just to be clear I only have running real-time one firewall (ZA), one Antivirus (Avast) and one antispyware (SuperAntiSpyware). I run all the other spyware programs when I suspect a problem because as I and other have found out one program doesn't always pickup everything. Even though I'm deficient in knowledge when it comes to installing Windows or formatting I feel I have a pretty good handle on firewalls, antivirus and antispyware programs as I have tried quite a few including paid ones. It's been years since I've gotten a virus knock on wood.

Gll99 good catch on the IsDelete I will use your links to try to fix this.

Okay lordsmurf you asked for what was running in MSCONFIG non-Microsoft:

Acronis Scheduler 2 Service
AOL Connectivity Service
AOL TopSpeed Monitor
Apple Mobile Device
avast! iAVS4 Control Ser...
avast! Antivirus
avast! Mail Scanner
avast! Web Scanner
AutoBackup
Bonjour Service
Carbonite Service
Diskeeper
getPlus(R) Helper
Google Software Updater
Iconix Update Service
InstallDriver Table Mana...
Windows CardSpace
iPod Service
Java Quick Starter
JFWService
LavaSoft Ad-Aware Service
LogMeIn Maintenance S...
LogMeIn
McAfee SiteAdviser Service
NBService
NMIndexingService
Pure Networks Net2Go S...
NMSAccessU
Pure Networks Platform...
Office Source Engine
PLFlash DeviceIoCrontrol...
SigmaTel Audio Service
Toshiba Bluetooth Service
Messenger Sharing Fold...
TrueVector Internet Mon...
Windows Defender
Windows Media Player N...

Now from Startup:

igfxtray
hkcmd
igfxpers
NvCpl
nwiz
IntelAudioStudio
VCDDaemon
ISUSPM
LogMeInSystray (LogMeIn)
TrueImageMonitor (Acronis)
TimeounterMonitor (Acronis)
schedhlp
MSASCui
OEdmn_5
ashdisp (Avast)
nmctxth
nmapp (Network Magic)
RESET
CarboniteUI
Zlclient
ctfmon
SuperAntiSpyware
WMPNSCFG
AnyDvdTray
MailwasherPro

I periodically go to the Starup in MSCONFIG to check what's running and try to figure out what should be running by going to http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php?filter=ISUSPM



Mike

[Po|arbeaR]

From previous experience ZoneAlarm is a terrible resource hog. I would forgo that program for something like comodo personal free, or sygate personal firewall. Both have good protection and offer alot of tricks for a home computer setup. SuperAntiSpyware And Avast are good stuff.


-PB

[lordsmurf]

Acronis Scheduler 2 Service
AOL Connectivity Service < worthless
AOL TopSpeed Monitor < worthless
Apple Mobile Device < iPod in use? If not, shit.
avast! iAVS4 Control Ser...
avast! Antivirus
avast! Mail Scanner < You use POP3 service with Outlook/other? If not, disable
avast! Web Scanner < Not needed
AutoBackup < This + Acronis?
Bonjour Service
Carbonite Service < usually shit, "backup software" free with external hard drives
Diskeeper <<<<<<<<< This will cause disk thrashing for sure! Only run DK when needed, not "when idle"
getPlus(R) Helper < shit
Google Software Updater < shit
Iconix Update Service > probably not needed
InstallDriver Table Mana... < not needed
Windows CardSpace < security software (smartcards, fingerprint, etc), maybe not needed if not using this security
iPod Service < again, only use if you use an iPod
Java Quick Starter < shit
JFWService
LavaSoft Ad-Aware Service < resource hog, run only when needed, not TSR
LogMeIn Maintenance S... < needed? maybe not
LogMeIn
McAfee SiteAdviser Service < McAfee sucks, everything they make is mediocre AND a resource hog
NBService < Nero's shit, freebie backup software, usually not needed
NMIndexingService < more Nero shit
Pure Networks Net2Go S... < you use DSL?
NMSAccessU < disable
Pure Networks Platform... < may not be needed, Cisco networking
Office Source Engine < useless MS Office 2003 updater, not required for updates
PLFlash DeviceIoCrontrol... not sure what this is, inclined to disable (Prolific Technology)
SigmaTel Audio Service
Toshiba Bluetooth Service < unneeded if not using Bluetooth device
Messenger Sharing Fold...
TrueVector Internet Mon...
Windows Defender
Windows Media Player N... < MS crap

Now from Startup:

igfxtray < disable
hkcmd
igfxpers
NvCpl
nwiz
IntelAudioStudio
VCDDaemon < disable if not using CloneDrive
ISUSPM < shit, disable
LogMeInSystray (LogMeIn)
TrueImageMonitor (Acronis)
TimeounterMonitor (Acronis)
schedhlp < Acronis
MSASCui < Windows Defender Antispyware
OEdmn_5 shit, likely spyware "helper"
ashdisp (Avast)
nmctxth possible spyware, or some sort of PureNetworks/Cisco related networking object (DSL?)
nmapp (Network Magic) < more DSL?
RESET < WTF is this? disable it
CarboniteUI < another backup program? Do you use this POS, or Acronis?
Zlclient < ZoneLabs
ctfmon < disable this thing, it will run once you start Office, running at all times is stupid
SuperAntiSpyware < this might be resource hog!
WMPNSCFG < Windows Media unneeded crap
AnyDvdTray < disable this, only run before you rip a disc, running at all times is stupid
MailwasherPro < you use POP3 mail, with something like Outlook?

None of this is your fault, the software tries to run your computer for you, and some of the programmers that wrote these items need to be absolutely bitch-slapped.

[MJA]

From previous experience ZoneAlarm is a terrible resource hog. I would forgo that program for something like comodo personal free, or sygate personal firewall. Both have good protection and offer alot of tricks for a home computer setup. SuperAntiSpyware And Avast are good stuff.


-PB

sygate personal firewall RIP.gone long time ago. say hello to the new owner Symantec ( Mercedes of anti virus)

[Number Six]

I see a lot of information and a lot of facts and good advice posted in this thread, so I am going to try and sort things out and give my 10 cents worth - here goes:

I do not think that you have a virus or serious spyware problem. I do not think that you have a hard drive problem. Windows is 2.5 years old and trying to run a lot of things at the same time - it is getting senile. A complete clean reinstall of Windows and all programs would make your computer run very well. I generally do not discourage anyone from trying to do this by themself, but there are a lot of things to take into consideration in this case.

1. Office computer, used for business - can you afford to be without it for any length of time? Not a good candidate for a novice to learn how to do a complete reinstall on.

2. Store built computer, company out of business, no technical support. Did you get a set of discs that includes Windows and all the drivers necessary for this machine? Do you have the installation discs or files for all of the programs that you need to reinstall? Do you have all the serial numbers and license keys for said software? Do you have the hardware to back up all you files and data - ie: DVD Burner and / or external USB drives?

3. If you attempt the reinstall, then you should do it in the following order:

a. Back up all your files and data.

b. Put the Windows installation disc in the CD/DVD drive and reboot the computer - it should say hit any key to boot from the CD - if not, then you have to go into BIOS setup and set the CD/DVD drive as your first boot device.

c. Follow the Windows installation instructions and allow it to format the partition as NTFS - be aware that this will wipe out everything on the drive.

d. After Windows is completely installed, you have to install the drivers for your hardware.

e. Next, you should do a complete Windows update to install all service packs and hot fixes.

f. Install all the programs that you need on the computer.

g. Install antivirus, antispyware, and firewall software.

h. Put all your files and data back in the folders that they belong in - ie: My Documents, My Music, My Pictures, etc.

DO NOT reinstall your backup image because it will put everything back the way it was and all the problems will still be there.

This is a big job and requires time to do it right - If you feel that you can do it, then go for it. If you feel that you can't afford to attempt this on your business computer, then you should have a very reliable established computer business do the reinstall for you. DO NOT let a friend that says that they can do this touch the computer unless you know for a fact that they can do it properly - a lot of friends say that they can do things, and most of the time they make a mess.


Good Luck

[mccoady]

Okay I've unchecked items before in MSCONFIG/Startup to keep programs from starting does unchecking programs under "Service" keep them from starting also?

Number Six I have a Product Recovery CD Rom with XP Pro SP1 and some driver cds but I don't know if I feel comfortable about reinstalling Windows in case I don't have all the drivers or program disc I might need. The Recovery Disc is in a sealed package so I assume it includes the serial numbers or keys. This is not a business computer but I use it as my office computer.

Besides having an image backup which you said will only transfer the problem I have a subscription with Carbonite that automatically backs up online (unlimited) whatever I have it set to backup. Right now I have it set to backup My Documents would it be worthwhile to have it backup my whole C Drive?

Below is what was installed on my computer by the manufacturer from the brochure:

Powergistic Power Restore is a hard disk-based restoration technology which allows the computer user to restore the computer software files and settings through the following methods:

1. Non-Destructive Restore: After saving all parameters and settings currently on your PC, Power Restore recovers Windows with all the drivers and applications, exactly as they were installed when you purchased your PC. Should this procedure have failed a prior restoration attempt, or if you are sure that your PC is too damaged for this procedure, try the other Advanced Options below.

2. Semi-Destructive Restore (Factory setting restore with data backup): Power Restore recovers Windows with all the drivers and applications, exactly as they were installed when you purchased the PC. Your files are kept in a folder called "Backup" on your C: drive. Your settings and any applications you installed will NOT be operational anymore.

3. Total-Destructive Restore: Power Restore first reformats the hard drive and then recovers Windows with all the drivers and applications, exactly as they were installed when you purchased your PC. All your settings, files and applications WILL BE LOST.

You have the option of getting to this restore menu during the boot cycle prior to Windows starting.

What do you think of using one of the restore options and if so which one? Or would Windows still be messed up?

[Number Six]

Sorry, I misunderstood when you said that this was an office computer - that usually means for business purposes.

You should use Carbonite only to back up your files and data - it does not pay to backup the whole hard drive because it will save all the problems too. I'm not sure how you would restore a complete hard drive using this service anyway, because the computer has to have a working OS and Internet connection to access the backup server.

Your best option is option 2 - Semi-Destructive because it will give you a clean Windows install with all drivers and programs installed when the computer was new. You will have to reinstall any additional programs that you installed yourself, as well as redo all your settings. All your data will still be on the hard drive, but in a backup folder that you can access - but, you SHOULD BACKUP all your files and data to a secondary internal drive, external drive, or DVD disc anyway before you do any type of restore operation. Also, don't forget to make a backup of your browser's favorites or bookmarks file so that you can put them back in later - all browsers allow you to do this. It is better to have extra backups, than no backups at all - just in case anything goes wrong. I have NEVER seen a non destructive reinstall of Windows overwriting a defective copy of Windows work properly - all the garbage is still there.

After the reinstall - do a complete Windows Update to install all the service packs and hot fixes to make sure that Windows is up to date. You may also want to let it update IE to version 7 or 8 because 6 is practically useless now, unless you use a different browser.

After you do the reinstall, and get all your programs and settings running exactly the way that you want them - then you should do a complete hard drive image backup. It will be a lot easier to put the computer back to this perfect running state later if you should have to.

[mccoady]

Thanks Number Six I think this may be the best route to go a few more questions though:

1.Carbonite has backed up My Documents but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have Acronis create another backup to my other internal drive. You say to backup files and data but wouldn't My Document pretty much catch it all?

2. I mainly use Firefox and use an extension called Foxmarks Synchronizer (now Xmarks) which stores all my bookmarks online so that should take care of my browser backup.

3. I use Outlook Express how do I backup my Address Book and current emails?

4. I have AT&T DSL who provided my Modem/Router (wireless) should Windows detect this when rebooting after the restore, should the only thing I have to do is setup my wireless password or would I have to reinstall the Modem/Router? I know the rest of my family is not going to be very happy with me if the router is down very long.

5. Just a wild thought since I've already ordered a new hard drive (alot bigger) which it now appears I don't need. What would happen if I installed the new drive, then transferred the image backup I've already created and then ran the Restore #2. Would I have a factory restored PC (Windows, drivers, etc.) but on a new hard drive or would this even work?

[Number Six]

1. Not all programs put user documents in My Documents, so you have to look in those programs to see where they store them. Also, you might have created special folders for some of your files - I do this all the time, but I know where they are.

2. Not familiar with this - but sounds right.

3. Sorry, no clue - I do not use Outlook Express, but it should have a way of backing this info up - look in the menu choices for backup or export.

4. The router is independent of your computer - it should still work for everyone else. if your computer is using wireless - it probably needs a driver for the wireless card. If it came installed in the computer, then the driver should be installed with the restore operation. If you installed it after you got the computer, then you should have a driver disc for it. Then just set up the wireless password on your computer and it should work. You can also connect a network cable to the computer and it should see the Internet automatically on the wired LAN port.

5. It looks that the restore operation files are stored in a hidden partition on the hard drive that came with the computer - if you remove that hard drive, then you will not be able to do the restore.

6. Keep the hard drive - you could never have enough hard drive space - install it as a second or third internal drive.