Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
1 edit | Examining HP Recovery Discs, What You See Is What You Get
We will begin the examination with a two disc DVD recovery set for an HP m1070n MCE 2K4 PC. The label of disc one is “43NAhmEPT61“.
Viewing the typology of the disc yields two folders “i386” and “Preload”.
All other files in the root are hidden including the WINBOM file which makes some reference to Windows PE.
Exploring the “i386” folder reveals two folders of interest “Apps” and “drv”, as well as a few other points of interest. The “Apps” folder contains all preinstalled application install files and the “drv” folder holds all preinstalled drivers install files.
Do take note that application and driver install files on the disc are in self extractable files that are obscurely named.
Clicking on these self extractable files will give you the option to choose a destination folder but once extracted a folder named HP is created and all files default to this HP folder location.
Also to be found in the ”i386” folder are all the necessary files for a clean OS install. One need only choose between the “WINNT.exe” and “WINNT32.exe” files to initiate the install.
These files often reside on not only the recovery set but on the “C” partition as well, not to be confused with the “D” HP recovery partition. On the HDD the files will likely be located in folders of the same name “i386”, “Apps” and “dvr” or perhaps in the ubiquitous “HP” folder.
Technical note:
If one is unfamiliar with MS OS installation it may be advisable to leave the system in a factory default state. However, those with experience should now know where to look for the necessary files for a clean OS install. Also note that a knowledgeable user may be able to modify the recovery set to install only the applications they prefer and drivers for changes in hardware. |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| said by Octavean  : . . . a knowledgeable user may be able to modify the recovery set to install only the applications they prefer and drivers for changes in hardware. Thanks for the thread! I'll be following this with great interest, as I've recently been preparing to do this very thing with NLite, and noticed a couple of confusing issues; i.e., an i386 folder on every disc (6 CD's), and the inability to determine, at least at first glance, exactly which files were what anyway. (Actually, kinda the same situation with my XP Home disc, too!) Plus this is my first experience with NLite. I'm looking for pointers. 
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. . a series of tubes . . . . |
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Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
| reply to Octavean
Well a recovery set on CD that spans across 6, 7, 8 or so discs my be much more difficult to work with if the actual files themselves were split in some way. If not, they can just be dumped in one location and run from there or written to one master install disc.
BTW, in the case of a spanned set, the OS install may simply ask for the path of a file and all one would need to do is swap out one disc for the next and set the path.
Novice users should exercise extreme caution though.
Anyway, here are some more pix of application install file extraction from the DVD. This can come in handy at times if an application needs to be reinstalled.
For example, I installed Cyberlink’s MakeDVD (an app that burns MCE DVR-MS files to DVD with a 10 foot interface using a remote if you wish) and that caused DVDs played in MCE to have no sound. I was able to correct it by uninstalling the factory installed decoder “WinDVD4” and reinstalling it.
Extracting the install files manually allows the user to individually install any application or driver as they wish. |
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SSX4life
Premium
join:2004-02-13
 ·RoadRunner Cable
| I'm sorry, but this all seems VERY redundant in my opinion! What applications do you "need" from that restore DVD that can not be found on the manufactures site?
What I'm asking is why can't you simply find an OEM disk of XP / 2000 / etc. and reinstall the operating system that way? You get a CLEAN install of XP with the latest drivers + apps plus you get to remove any of the crap and outdated sh!t that often comes with "restore" disks.
--ssx--
--
BF2 Servers I play on
WDT - 208.51.201.247
260 - 207.176.38.3
My BF2 Stats
PM me for updated OEM versions of windows XP! ^_^ |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| said by SSX4life :. . . What I'm asking is why can't you simply find an OEM disk of XP / 2000 / etc. and reinstall the operating system that way? You get a CLEAN install of XP with the latest drivers + apps plus you get to remove any of the crap and outdated sh!t that often comes with "restore" disks. --ssx-- Lemme tell ya, I don't CARE if it's redundant, it's info I'M looking for! For example, I would like to either re-do my HP OEM discs to eliminate the pre-installed bloat, OTHER THAN Sonic RecordNow!, which I use & like, or, just add Sonic to my other XP Home Full install disc. If I can learn how to do that from this thread, or pick up some other pointers, I will be a happy camper! Just FYI. So please, let the redundancy begin! 
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. . a series of tubes . . . . |
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Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
2 edits | reply to SSX4life
Well, I think the point is self evident but I will explain.
Many HP/Compaq users are apparently unaware of what software they already have access to and what ways they can be installed. Many people providing advice to HP/Compaq users have been assuming that said users don’t have access to OS install files for a clean OS install,….should that be what the user wishes.
Being able to download a patch or an updated app is useful but only if internet access is available,…which is not always the case when configuring a system or reconfiguring a system.
Generally speaking, sometimes it is Advantageous to take stock of what you already have.
In any event, most people prefer to have options and be aware of said options.
Case and point: not to long ago a post was made here by a user who said he went out and bought another XP pro license for ~$200 because he thought he had to for a clean OS install. Many users seem to be unaware that they likely already have all that they need to perform such a task.
When all is said and done though, the value of information in such a case is up to the individual and how they choose to use it. |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA | reply to Octavean
Sorry, this thread needs a *bump*. I'm not learning anything. |
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Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
| said by ArgleBargle :
Lemme tell ya, I don't CARE if it's redundant, it's info I'M looking for! For example, I would like to either re-do my HP OEM discs to eliminate the pre-installed bloat, OTHER THAN Sonic RecordNow!, which I use & like, or, just add Sonic to my other XP Home Full install disc. If I can learn how to do that from this thread, or pick up some other pointers, I will be a happy camper! Just FYI. So please, let the redundancy begin!
OK, well, your stated needs seem relatively modest.
Personally, I would just keep the OS install discs and applications discs separate. Modification of the recovery set would seem very possible but it would likely take care and a good understanding of the scripts/topology of the discs.
To modify the set in the way you suggested, ideally, all one would need do to eliminate much of the preinstalled “clutter” from the recovery set would be to rewrite the set but omit the self extracting executable files for the applications that they wish to exclude.
It may not be that simple but there is good reason that HP/Compaq would want to keep it simple. Preinstalled application seem to change with some frequency and the install process via the self extracting executables often simply dump the install files in the path C:\HP\. The install process may just blindly install whatever app install files it finds there. Therefore, if only one desired self extracting executable is found there, for example Sonic RecordNow, then theoretically that’s the only application that would be installed. This would have to be tested though,..
Arguably, the best if not simplest, method is to simply install windows cleanly from the OS install files written to disc (or the like) and installing the applications/drivers from their own respective discs.
Here is a link to an HP write up on clean installs using the files supplied on many HP/Compaq systems:
Here is how to cleanly reinstall WinXP MCE 2K4 on an HP syst
It’s a bit old but still applicable to MCE 2K5 and XP Pro/Home.
BTW, I just bought a new Compaq Presario V2000Z series laptop + HP Printer from Compusa for $300 after rebate. Its nothing special but still nice for $300 IMO:
quote:
Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
AMD Sempron 3100+
40GB HDD
DVD/CD-RW Combo drive
Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN
14” WXGA Widescreen 1280x768 screen
ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
And so on,….
I have yet to do much with it yet but I plan to examine it soon. A cursory glance at the contents of the HDD yielded all the necessary files for a clean install of the OS,…only needed a few seconds to look and find it in C:\i386. |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| Thanks, Octavean, I'll see what I can glean from the Recovery Discs, or more probably from the "Creator" folder I have stashed away on a partition. The problem, as I mentioned previously, is that I have six Recovery CD's (seven if you count the "Tools" CD), with an i386 folder on each one. I haven't really dug into them yet to try to determine what's where, but noticed a lot of the files are somewhat cryptically labeled, and just thought I might pick up a couple of quick & easy pointers from this thread. Not a big deal, and I'll get it worked out one way or the other.
Thanks for the input though, it's appreciated! |
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Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
| Hey no problem man
I’m in the same boat with the new laptop since it has a DVD/CD-RW Combo drive that only writes to CD. My guess is that each spanned file is complete and can be dropped into the same folder collectively for full functionality but we will see.
Before I make a recovery set I will back up the whole system with a third party utility so theoretically I can truly get back to a factory state (for example make another recovery set) if I choose to.
I fully suspect that the average recovery may alter the system somewhat, especially if activation is necessary. These systems typically ship using a volume license key rather then the COA provided for example.
I’ll let you know what I turn up. |
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King Edward
join:2002-07-20
Hubbard, TX
| reply to AB
I recently formatted and reinstalled XP on a HP computer using the I386 file from the windows folder burned to a cd. The SonicNow program was available on the HP website as a software download for my model of computer. It was listed as an update at 190+ MB download, but was the full program. |
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Tychicus
Children are our most precious resource
Premium
join:2002-01-18
Helena, MT
clubs:
| reply to Octavean
Check out this link!
»www.yorkspace.com/2006/04/38
Now if only a kindly soul could do a similar utility for HP it would make life much easier for people like me lol
I very recently set up a HP D4600y I deleted over 20 Gig of useless crap.
Your information here should be posted on the HP site in my opinion. |
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Octavean
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-31
New York, NY
| quote:
Introducing the Dell De-Crapifier…
Tychicus, that utility you linked to is suitably named,…LOL. Thanks for posting it!!! Indeed a similar app for HP/Compaq would be welcome.
said by Tychicus :
Your information here should be posted on the HP site in my opinion.
Really,….?!?
You didn’t find it tad “redundant”,…..LOL,…
Well thanks again for the kind words and a really good laugh. |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| reply to Octavean
Thanks Octavean. I can of course experiment around with different things; after all, I'll always have the discs to copy from-- but every time I burn an installation CD, I now have to go install it somewhere & see what happens, know what I mean? And if I don't get it right until about the tenth time, that's a lot of 'time spent'. But yeah, any tips or new info, absolutely let me know, please.
said by King Edward :I recently formatted and reinstalled XP on a HP computer using the I386 file from the windows folder burned to a cd. The SonicNow program was available on the HP website as a software download for my model of computer. It was listed as an update at 190+ MB download, but was the full program. Thank you, King Edward. That option is a no-go for me, though. They don't offer it for mine. |
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Tychicus
Children are our most precious resource
Premium
join:2002-01-18
Helena, MT
clubs:
| reply to Octavean
Definatly a big thumbs up and hats off to "Jason York" the scripter of this so usefull utility.
While following the posts on his site I noticed a post about how systemax ships their stuff w/ a clean install of XP.
I've noticed that Tiger direct has the systmax stuff, and I have had nothing but great customer serv from them myself.I also have many friends who have been treated right also.
At any rate I'm going to be checking them out with a serious eye toward them when I do referrals for people.
Getting a new puter and having a nice clean fresh install of the OS from the factory is one of the reasons I used to recomend Dell over all but macs, for folk who needed the graphics power.
anyhow great post here Octavean and very helpful to many folks I am sure |
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alordofchaos
join:2006-08-18
Charlotte, MI
| Howdy, from a noob (at least here). Like Octavean, I just bought the $300 Compaq V200z and found this forum while trying to resolve a driver problem.
First, a caveat... make sure you have the drivers for: graphics, modem, and audio. The HP site does NOT have the ATI Radeon Xpress 200m graphics driver for the V2000z, and the modem and audio drivers do not work. If anyone could send me the modem and audio drivers, that would be muchly appreciated... alordofchaos at yahoo, end with the usual dot com and no spaces. Of course, you could leave your recovery partition intact (I wiped the partition for the space)
Second, my contribution...
I just installed a *completely* fresh copy of XP with SP2 and all the MS Hotfixes since SP2 came out... on a slipstreamed disk created mostly from the files found on the HD. I can't take credit for it... just followed the instructions here:
»forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=3827
This will get you a clean XP install disk with SP2. But before you burn this to disk, check out:
»www.vorck.com/hfslip-info.html
This is a simple way to slipstream Hot Fixes into your new XP install disk. One caveat is that you will not see the usual uninstall lists of hotfixes in your Windows directory as they were all slipstreamed into the install. Once the Hot fixes are slipstreamed, burn your disk and you will have a single, up to date clean XP install disk (the HP/Compaq recovery utility created 12 disks for recovery....). |
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alordofchaos
join:2006-08-18
Charlotte, MI
| Forgot to add, no activation necessary (I used the "magic jellybean" method, can't vouch for the product key on the unattended.txt file)
Also, sp31101.exe is the driver for another, similar HP/Compaq laptop, but works on the V2000z with the ATI 200m graphics/AMD processor/WinXP.
The modem and audio drivers listed for the V2000z don't actually work :-( |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| Welcome to DSLR, alordofchaos!
12 discs now? Wow. 'Only' 7 on mine, and that included the Recovery Tools CD as well.
Slipstreaming hotfixes or doing a clean install is not really the issue here, but thanks for the info.
Try the hardware manufacturer's websites for the various drivers you need. And hopefully, the modem drivers included are of no use to you anyway. |
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alordofchaos
join:2006-08-18
Charlotte, MI
| said by AB :Welcome to DSLR, alordofchaos! Thanks!
quote:
Slipstreaming hotfixes or doing a clean install is not really the issue here, but thanks for the info.
Ahhh... rereading more closely, it looks like you have some apps you want to retain or be able to reinstall, that are not available -individually - in the recovery? My mistake, I thought a clean install is what you were after (no bloat, but it also gets rid of what you want to keep).
quote:
Try the hardware manufacturer's websites for the various drivers you need. And hopefully, the modem drivers included are of no use to you anyway.
I can't tell who the mfr is... and sadly, at home, I'm too far away for DSL -despite the 2 or 3 monthly advertisements I get.
said by Octavean :I fully suspect that the average recovery may alter the system somewhat, especially if activation is necessary. If your i386 folder has a text file called "unattended" no activation is necessary. The volume license is on this text file and XP searches for it (and various other switches, settings, etc.) for an unattended setup. |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| reply to alordofchaos
Is this the site you have been to for your drivers?
»h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/soft···n&os=228
For the ATI Radeon, here:
»https://support.ati.com/ics/support/defa···derID=27
This may be info you already have, I just thought it may help. |
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