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General discussion

file compression

Dec 15, 2003 6:46PM PST

Hi
I would like to reset my pc to factory settings as it has become unstable but before i do i wish to save a large amount of mp3 files but there so many i dont think i can fit them all on a cd-rom.is there any way i can compress them down to fit or can i partition them on part of the hdd.also is there anyway i can save all the ms updates so i dont have to download them all again.Thank's

Discussion is locked

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Re: mp3 is already compressed
Dec 15, 2003 7:16PM PST

you can partition and save them to "D"

as far as i know, M'soft updates can also be saved and re-installed when needed...

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Re:file compression
Dec 15, 2003 8:17PM PST

I am afraid the answer is no to all counts...

Using a Recovery CD will automatically format your HDD and erase everything on it.
That is why it's reverted back to factory installed state.

You also cannot create another partition in XP unless you use Partition Magic which costs $70. It makes more sense to buy another 80GB HDD with that $ and save your music & other files to it before you restore your PC.

The Critical Updates that were already installed cannot be saved for reinstall.

But you can go to the Windows Update Catalog site which lets you save the Critical Updates to your HDD and then you can burn them to a CD for reinstallation.
Here is the linkj:
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp

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Re:Critical Updates
Dec 15, 2003 11:56PM PST

hi David
i was under the impression that updates were "reinstallable"?

*mind you, i was wrong about manned flight to Mars too*

Happy

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Where's your backup?
Dec 15, 2003 8:53PM PST

It's a great idea to save what you can't lose on something or someplace other than the hard disk you are to install an OS to. Too many people only learn this lesson about backup and that a hard disk is an unsafe place for your irreplaceable files.

You may have to write multiple CDs or have you seen what DVD recorders are going for?

Is your data worth this?

Bob

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Re:file compression
Dec 16, 2003 3:37AM PST

Here's a whacky idea you can try for fun and profit if you want. If the data won't all fit onto one CD, USE TWO CDs or however many CDs it takes to get the job done!

CD-Rs go for less than a dollar a disc these days, and at 700MB a disc, it shouldn't be more than a 100 disc spindle's worth. And with rebates, you can get those for $20-$30 these days.