Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] New PC, etc Ingo Pakleppa Thu, 04 Jan 2001 19:32:02 -0800

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At 01:49 PM 1/4/2001 -0500, Mark Gilmore wrote:
>Hi all,
>I now have a new HP-Pavillion/W98, and have had the motherboard
>replaced in my old Quantex (with a USB port and ISA slots).
>The HP also has a CD-RW which I am REALLY enjoying :-).
>
>Please re-send any problem reports that I have not responded to.
>Just note that it may still be a while before I can get to them.
>
>QUESTIONS:
>1) The version of W95 on my Quantex cannot support USB in any
>manner (per http://www.usbman.com/Win95%20USB%20Guide.htm).
>Is there a clean/FREE way of upgrading to a later W95 (or W98) ?
>I have a WIN-ME CD, but have heard of problems with it.
>If you think it would be OK, are there any dangers/pitfalls
>in the upgrade procedure ? I assume that I can upgrade from
>the CD without reformatting.

Actually, in my experience, upgrading never works reliably.

I would try this:

- do a clean install of WinME with minimal options into a directory 
C:\WinBACK. This is temporary only.
- ZIP up (or copy) the complete Windows 95 directory.
- edit C:\MSDOS.SYS (you must first reset hidden, system and read-only 
attributes) and have it point back to the original Windows 95 directory.
- upgrade original Windows 95 directory to Windows ME.

If everything works - great. If not, simply edit MSDOS.SYS again and point 
it back to C:\WinBACK. Then reboot into WinME and restore the Windows 95 
directory from your ZIPped copy, and you are back where you started. If 
that happens, you'll probably have no choice but to do a parallel install 
(no need to reformat the disk, just install Win ME into a different directory).

>2) Can anyone recommend a 4-port ISA serial-exp card ?
>I assume that the QUICKPATH has an ISA FLEXPORT, but am
>wondering if there are now superior alternatives.

I believe there are now serial-port USB adapters. May be worth a look now 
that you have USB.

>3) Can I connect 2 PCs via USB cables to do PC->PC transfers
>    (as I now do via RS-232 ports) ? If so, what "device" would
>    my software "open" ?

Not to my knowledge, and it doesn't make much sense. A home network is much 
easier to set up. I would go for a hub even with two PCs. That way, you can 
hook up a guest, or you can also hook up an Internet connection (you'll 
need a $150 or so router, either for cable modem and DSL, or for dial-up, 
whichever you use). That way, you can use the Internet at the same time 
from both PCs.

Ingo

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