Got a couple of problems...

[:FI:Heloego]

...

1. Ever since I sojourned into the Linux thingie, my PC thinks my monitor has a 15 inch screen. I have excellent results at resolution (1024x768), but the actual used area is reduced, leaving me with a large black border around the edge.
This didn't happen until I installed the Ubuntu Linux, and even a complete format and re-installation of all drivers will not force the screen back to its original display.
I believe the problem is somehow/somewhere in the Master Boot Record, but haven't a clue how to find (much less modify) it.

2. Every once in awhile I get the Boot Manager Screen for an old install of Xandros Linux. It is totally inoperative as a boot manager, but it should have also disappeared during my last format (shouldn't it?).
It is on the old drive which I currently use for all my backup files.
This may be related to the issue in #1, above.

Interestingly enough, even the "Intel" screen is shrunken.

This phenoma is not present when Cricket uses her HD in the same machine, so it's apparent the problem is peculiar to my HD(s).

Any suggestions?

[:FI:Genosse]

But no help here by me ...

It´s been ages now that I try to run my machine with Linux ...

I´m afraid I can´t remember much about this OS only that it was the most stabled and flexible one I´ve ever used so far ...

Sorry, m8!

[:FI:Moe]

The Recovery Console has commands relating to the boot configuration including MAP, FIXMBR and BOOTCFG

Here's a link with info on how to access the Recovery Console and a list of the available commands.

Link

[:FI:Heloego]

...is that when I did the Format I did not re-install Linux.

A trip to the Linux boards snagged me a line to add to FDisk to wipe the MBR prior to a Format, but apparently it didn't work. Or it did and the problem lies elsewhere.

Currently, I only have XP. But it appears that even doing a complete wipe with FDisk, 3 Formats, and a "clean" install of XP (on the primary drive), and re-partitioning of both drives I still have some residual effects from Ubuntu.

I may have to just bite the bullet, back up necessary files, take it to a PC repair shop and have them do a really serious wipe. Unless I can somehow locate the offending setting and re-config it.

My luck.

Thanks for the tips and link, tho. Consider them filed for future reference.

[:FI:Sneaky_Russian]

I take it youve already tried a full re-format from BIOS ?

[:FI:Moe]

If you've re-partitioned and formatted the drives that should really have cleaned house.

One more thing to try.

Download the dos-based diagnostic tools for your hard disk from the manufacturer's site, they should fit on a floppy. Delete all partitions on the drive and boot from the diagnostic floppy. Run a low-level format from the floppy (might be called 'Write Zeros'). Then re-partition the drive and re-install XP and cross all available appendages.

Good luck.

[:FI:Heloego]

... no pun intended.

1. Was able to do a repair of the MBR using the (what else?) "Repair" function of the XP disk. So far, so good.

2. Format from BIOS??? Never tried it, but may be good for future wipes.


Thanks, m8s!

[:FI:Igor]

Avoid formatting from BIOS, its a 'last ditch' effort that could pretty much destroy the hard drive.


Igor

[:FI:Heloego]

Trying to fill this money pit as it is. The last thing I need is more expense.

[:FI:Sneaky_Russian]

":FI:Igor"
Avoid formatting from BIOS, its a 'last ditch' effort that could pretty much destroy the hard drive.


Igor

Must confess I've only used a BIOS format one time, back in the day 3mobo's ago and it was the only way to format the full 40Gb IBM drive at the time.

Its still going strong today, converted to NTFS and dedicated to IL2 content.
Sorry Helo, and thanks for the warning Igor

[:FI:Heloego]

BTW,


Welcome abroad.

or is it "aboard"?


Dunno sometimes. My eyes are so bad there are times I can't tell the difference between a board and a broad. (Other times there is no difference. )

[MikeVictor]

Well, it's not "abored", that's for sure,

Mic