O.T. - Atten Paul - Firefox not responding

[Robert in CA]

I have a Dell XPS 8500, with Windows 7 Professional, SP1,
with Spywareblaster, Malwarebytes, Avast , Windows Defender
and Windows firewall.

(2) TB HD
Seagate Desktop HDD ST2000DM001 2TB 64MB
Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
Internal Hard Drive

I also have

I have a Dell Optiplex 780 Tower, with Windows 7 Professional,
SP1, with Spywareblaster, Malwarebytes, Avast , Windows Defender
and Windows firewall.

Seagate Desktop HDD ST2000DM001 2TB 64MB
Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
System type : 64-bit operating system

and (external hard drives)

(8500)

Seagate Desktop HDD ST6000DM001 6TB 128MB
Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
System type : 64-bit operating system

(780)
Seagate Desktop HDD ST2000DM001 2TB 64MB
Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
Internal Hard Drive

This concerns the 8500, for some reason it just stopped responding
in Firefox. I ended the process and thought it had recovered but it
continued to have problems. I restarted it and the problem continues.
I shut down the computer in hopes that would clear it. Word, Paintbrush,
and Dell imaging came up fine but Firefox took a long time for the drivers
to load and at first it seemed ok but it again it stopped responding. I had
to press the start button to power it off because Task Manager would not
function.

Again it seems fine so far but I'm concerned Firefox will stop responding
again. What's causing this?

I had no issues prior to this and haven't downloaded anything.

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I think I may have found the answer. I leave Fire fox unused
for long periods because I take breaks and it doesn't like that.
So that may be my answer but I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

The 8500 did it again and this time I just went to heat
my coffee in the microwave and when I came back the
screen was not responding. I tried closing the pages but
it didn't work and the round blue busy light was on. I
tried Task Manager but it didn't come up.

I clicked the start button to try and restart it and it came up
with a message about it unable to do a Ctrl-Alt-Del. I
opted to shut it down. It came back up with no issues so far.

What's causing FF/computer to not to respond and lock up?

Thoughts/Suggestions?
Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

It happened again ,, aII I had open was FF and Word
and it stopped responding. Again the bIue circIe was
preset and I couIdn't access Task Manager. I seIected
to power off again. ShouId I try a System Restore or
Mrimg Restore?

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

It happened again and this time there was a buzzing sound.
I forgot to mention it did that it did that before as weII.
After pushing ESC the screen went back and gave me the ctr-aIt-deI
message again. I have to keep pressing Esc to access the Start button
to try and restart it or shut it off but its not responding.

What's causing this? It was fine yesterday. Am I Ioosing the 8500?

Robert

[Robert in CA]

The 8500 starts normally with no issues, and I
can load Word, Paintbrush and Dell imaging
with no problems and ti works just fine.

The problems start when I open FF, it seems OK
at first then while halfway through a news story
or video it will stop responding.

Why should it all of a sudden have a problem with
FF? I checked for updates and I'm up to date. All the
scans show nothing at all and I haven't done anything
to cause this. It just came out of no where like most of
my computer problems.


Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

The 8500 starts normally with no issues, and I
can load Word, Paintbrush and Dell imaging
with no problems and it works just fine.

The problems start when I open FF, it seems OK
at first then while halfway through a news story
or video it will stop responding.

Why should it all of a sudden have a problem with
FF? I checked for updates and I'm up to date. All the
scans show nothing at all and I haven't done anything
to cause this. It just came out of no where like most of
my computer problems.


Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

[Newyana2]

"Robert in CA" <***@yahoo.com> wrote

| Thoughts/suggestions?

If you expect to have tech support people on call then
you should be paying someone to do it, not exploiting
Paul's generosity.

[Robert in CA]

I believe I know what's causing the problem. I
overextended my use of the computer with too
many windows/programs open. That would also
explain the buzzing sound.

I had noticed previously that Avast scanning stopped
responding when I opened FF. That should of told
me something.

I was about to do a System Restore when it all seemed
OK? I was able to regain control of the computer and
all seems fine now. I made a System Restore point just
in case.

I run the scans by themselves with nothing else running now.
Also, I only open what I need to use and I haven't have
any problems since.

I still would appreciate your thoughts and insight and I
have a couple of questions.

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

Paul I need to ask you a couple of questions.

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
Paul I need to ask you a couple of questions.
Thanks,
Robert

It sounds like Firefox is using up RAM on the
computer, to the point it starved other parts
of the software of RAM they need.

That could be why it is behaving like that.

The combination of an older version of Firefox, plus
the issues with leaving tabs open on those older versions,
lead to excessive RAM consumption.

Check your version of Firefox. This is Windows 7
so there is a limit to the Firefox version number now.

Installing the ESR version, should put you on the ESR stream
and remove the old version. The profile folder should migrate forward.
Make a backup of your bookmarks, at least, before bumping the version.

https://blog.mozilla.org/futurereleases/2023/07/06/firefox-support-for-windows-7-8-and-8-1/

The listing here is a little hard to read, as the 115 releases are
broken into two groups by the alphabetical ordering. ESRs receive updates,
and for this one, the stream stops Sept 2024.

http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/

http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/115.3.1esr/win64/en-US/Firefox%20Setup%20115.3.1esr.exe # 64 bit
http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/115.3.1esr/win32/en-US/Firefox%20Setup%20115.3.1esr.exe # 32 bit

You can tell from which Program Files folder Firefox is in,
whether it is 32 bit or 64 bit.

C:\Program Files <=== 64 bit
C:\Program Files (x86) <=== 32 bit

*******

(Posting from paganini, Mixmin seems closed to posting, E-S is down at the moment.)

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Hi Paul,


I thought I had lost you! whew!

The problem is as you described so now I only open
what's needed then close it and the problem has gone
away.

I checked FF and this is what is says:

https://postimg.cc/8JQwb2Yh

I backed up my bookmarks and put it on a Patriot key

Should I click on this one after backing up my bookmarks?

http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/115.3.1esr/win64/en-US/Firefox%20Setup%20115.3.1esr.exe # 64 bit

This is the kind of thing I need you for.

I think while we still have contact, I'd like to move my
bookmarks and all my folders/files from the 8500 to
the 780 just in case I should loose the 8500 at some
point. Is that possible?

Right now we've left the 780 with just what it needs as a backup
computer to keep it as clean as possible so it has no folders or files
and a minimum of bookmarks but I'm afraid if we don't do it now
and we loose contact I won't be able to.

Should I configure the 780 the same way as were doing to
FF on the 8500? but how could I keep the 780 updated?
I couldn't use the 8500 mrimgs with the 780, correct?

I think if we could configure the 780 the same as the 8500 I would need
another Seagate 6TB external HD and enclosure. What do you think?

https://www.newegg.com/seagate-desktop-hdd-st6000dm001-6tb/p/N82E16822178783

https://www.newegg.com/vantec-nst-387s3-bk-enclosure/p/N82E16817392118

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I clicked on

http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/115.3.1esr/win64/en-US/Firefox%20Setup%20115.3.1esr.exe # 64 bit

and it shows it completed:

https://postimg.cc/cKZmGYQV

I'll do the same thing to the 780.

In passing, remember the cd player where the door
wouldn't open? I bought some contact cleaner and
sprayed it around the open button and now it's
operational again.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I ran mrimg backups in both the 780 and the 8500.

So how do I go about transferring my bookmarks
and data from the 8500 to the 780?

Once finished I'll order the 6TB external hd and
case. I'd appreciate it if you could help me set it
up.

Thanks,
Robert
l

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I ran mrimg backups in both the 780 and the 8500.
So how do I go about transferring my bookmarks
and data from the 8500 to the 780?
Once finished I'll order the 6TB external hd and
case. I'd appreciate it if you could help me set it
up.
Thanks,
Robert
l

"Data", would be your Downloads folder, where ever you
placed your Bookmarks file, and perhaps if you wanted,
the profile for Firefox. Your email tool might have a
profile folder as well.

Your backup image of the 8500, has all your user files in it.
It does not need to be restored, to be useful. The following
picture, shows how to scoop random files out of a Macrium backup.

If you place a copy of the 8500 MRIMG on the 780,
you can mount the OS partition with a separate drive
letter.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Hi Paul,

Good to hear from you again,,

I did about:profiles, I see the Profile Default with Root Directory
and Local Directory and is repeated for Profile default-release.
I went into the Root Directory and there was a bookmarkbackup
folder that was updated for today. Then I went into the Local
Directory and there was a Cache2 and jumpList cache that was
updated for today. The Profile default -release showed no
recent activity. In fact, bookmarkbackups was 2019.

You lost me after that... I cannot seem to access places.sqlite or
favicons.sqlite with about:profile. How do I access them?

I have my Downloads under C:/User name but I have allot of
information in My Documents as well I would want to carry over.

So I would be right clicking to copy/ paste the bookmarksbackup
and my Documents? Is it possible to just do a restore of the 780
with the 8500 Mrimg?


Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried again but still getting it wrong:

https://postimg.cc/HcdHhktt

https://postimg.cc/mh6fQwKj

https://postimg.cc/2L1tHsgw

https://postimg.cc/K4CpGsd6

Robert

[Robert in CA]

The 8500 hung up again with loud buzzing.
I pressed the start button a couple of times and
it took forever to respond. It finally came back
up but it didn't seem right so I restarted it but it
just hung there and I was forced to power it off/on.
I selected normal startup and came back up with no
issues.

I had only 3 windows open in FF when it hung up. I
also I detected this maleware .

https://postimg.cc/mzFJ78V1

Isn't version 3.1 the update to FF ? That's the only
thing I've downloaded.

I would really like your assistance to put my bookmarks
and data on the 780 while we still can.

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
The 8500 hung up again with loud buzzing.
I pressed the start button a couple of times and
it took forever to respond. It finally came back
up but it didn't seem right so I restarted it but it
just hung there and I was forced to power it off/on.
I selected normal startup and came back up with no
issues.
I had only 3 windows open in FF when it hung up. I
also I detected this maleware .
https://postimg.cc/mzFJ78V1
Isn't version 3.1 the update to FF ? That's the only
thing I've downloaded.
I would really like your assistance to put my bookmarks
and data on the 780 while we still can.
Thanks,
Robert

Time for a restore from one of your backups ?

Use a Macrium CD to do the restore ?

I cannot find a reference to that item. The search engines
seem to shy away from the name, giving all sorts of irrelevant
results.

C:\Users\RB\Downloads\App_version 3.1.msi

You can upload the file to virustotal.com using a web browser,
but if that does not work, that probably means the machine is
compromised. Don't open that file, on any other
machine.

*******

For making bookmarks.html , I don't know if I can be
a good source of current information.

I don't know what version you're running. windows 7 SP1 support for
Firefox has ended, which means, if you were auto-updating, there might
be a nuisance notification telling you that Firefox is no longer
supported (Firefox puts up a notice to that effect).

This advice will probably work. Enter in the URL box:

about:profiles

and that will show the path to the profile folder.

Now, we used to have discussions about this folder,

bookmarkbackups

yet, in the end, we never seemed to get much traction from
there. In the latest Firefox, I find out that -

1) Automatic bookmark backup has stopped.
2) There is a setting in about:config, which claims to control
bookmarkbackups, and it *might* be dumping an actual
"bookmarks.html" file in the profile folder.

Therefore, you might check in the Profile folder from the
"about:profiles" step and see if a file with a very recent
date is in there.

The only file in the bookmarkbackups folder, is 1.4KB, and
that cannot possibly hold my backup files.

But don't despair, as the raw materials for making bookmarks
are here.

"Bookmarks, Downloads and Browsing History

places.sqlite

This file contains all your Firefox bookmarks and lists of files you have downloaded
and of websites you have previously visited. For more information, see Bookmarks in Firefox.

favicons.sqlite

This file stores website favicon images. It's best to also include this file when
recovering the places.sqlite file.
"

If you have those files (and you will), then the bookmarks are in there.

So nothing is lost.

But at this point, I don't want you running around with
your hair on fire, just yet :-)

*******

Of course, the Bookmarks tab in the middle of the browser has:

Bookmarks :
Manage Bookmarks :
Import and Backup :
Export bookmarks to HTML

And when I selected a place to save that, the file size of mine
was 815,349 and was the same size as the "bookmarks.html" in
my Profile folder. So you can make one that way, but in your
machines sick condition, can you do that right now ???

I cannot tell you from this distance, whether the bookmark making
process is working properly or not.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

The 8500 seems normaI at present with no issues.
I'm running another mrimg since the Iast one had
the maIeware on it. Do you think it's the RAMM that
was overIoaded? I'II teII you that buzzing sound
was unnerving.

I used Avast to remove the maIeware fiIe :
C:\Users\RB\Downloads\App_version 3.1.msi

FF is up to date, I'm running version 115.3.1esr (64 bit)
I wasn't auto-updating so I haven't seen any notifications.
I ran through the bookmark tab to find aII the functions
as you describe.

I'm not sure I understand the process I'm suppose to do?
Am I Exporting to htm and do I put it on a USB key then
import it to the 780?
It appears I'm copy/pasting the bookmarkbackups and
My Documents using the mrimg to the 780, correct?

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
The 8500 seems normaI at present with no issues.
I'm running another mrimg since the Iast one had
the maIeware on it. Do you think it's the RAMM that
was overIoaded? I'II teII you that buzzing sound
was unnerving.
C:\Users\RB\Downloads\App_version 3.1.msi
FF is up to date, I'm running version 115.3.1esr (64 bit)
I wasn't auto-updating so I haven't seen any notifications.
I ran through the bookmark tab to find aII the functions
as you describe.
I'm not sure I understand the process I'm suppose to do?
Am I Exporting to htm and do I put it on a USB key then
import it to the 780?
It appears I'm copy/pasting the bookmarkbackups and
My Documents using the mrimg to the 780, correct?
Thanks,
Robert

It is unlikely to be the RAM.

https://web.archive.org/web/20220107171652/http://www.memtest.org/

https://web.archive.org/web/20220308174549if_/http://memtest.org/download/5.31b/memtest86+-5.31b.iso.zip

The second link is the download for memtest 5.31b . It is zipped, so
you would right click and Extract.

The memtest86+-5.31b.iso is an ISO9660 and can be burned onto a CD
with Imgburn. It's a waste of media for a tiny thing like this, but
the floppy diskette version stopped with the previous version. The floppy
version is interesting, in that there is no file system on the floppy,
and the loader is a binary bitstream loader. Even though both my machines
no longer have floppy drives, the memtest floppy boots using a USB floppy
drive, so I haven't lost that function.

Some of my tools, I used a CD-RW disc so the disc can be reused.
Currently I have a USB stick dedicated to memtest 6.0 beta, and
that's what I test the Zen3 with. The 4930K can use one of the
older versions, like the 5.31b.

*******

Windows also has a memory tester. It has the usual Windows bad habit,
that if you leave the room, you might never know the results. All I want,
is for the tool to STOP and show the result on the screen. Is that too
hard for them ?

In any case, you can find a memory tester, if you need one. The memtest
one, you press <esc> key and it reboots. Seeing the pass counter equal to one
(one complete test pass), that's sufficient for stuck-ats.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

The second link doesn't extract:

https://postimg.cc/kVjJD0GM

Before we analyze the 8500 memory I
would like to move the bookmarks and
data to the 780 while we still can.

I'm still not sure about the procedure of
moving bookmarks.

Here's my profile; I blocked out portions
for safety but this is what I see on my profiles.

https://postimg.cc/D8sYZ108

I did a HD-Tune scan:

https://postimg.cc/PPpCjttM

https://postimg.cc/T5y3f9XP

I was concerned about these yellow bars.

https://postimg.cc/MXhW11Sy


Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried extracting again:

https://postimg.cc/HJxwXqwv

I must be doing something wrong.

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
https://postimg.cc/HJxwXqwv
I must be doing something wrong.
Robert

You can try navigating to the Downloads folder.

The convenience function "Show in Folder" in the menu
you show in that picture, should get you there with
no effort.

Once the folder is open and it scrolled to where the file is,
you should be able to extract a ZIP with the Windows7 automatic
treatment of ZIP files. And perhaps that will work better for
you, as when you're using File Explorer, it can immediately see
it is a ZIP and ready to be extracted.

This shows I see a valid file there, ready to be processed.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

*******

You can carry out the Bookmarks Export function, then collect
it from the Downloads folder or where-ever, and copy it to a USB
stick if you want. The suggestion of tapping into an .MRIMG
you make after that point in time, is the file would also be
inside the .MRIMG on a hard drive. The important thing, is to
at least carry out the Export function now, for your later
convenience (using one or the other transfer method).

My only point of explaining about the .MRIMG being mount-able,
is you haven't lost anything. There might be several copies of
your goods in the room with you.

Just use whatever method seems easiest to you. A USB stick would
be pretty easy. You probably have a working AV running on the
other machine, ready to scan the USB stick when it arrives. A bookmarks
is not particularly "executable content", not like an EXE file
would be.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I tried navigating to the folder to extract the zip file but I don't
know how to proceed? What am I suppose to do with this ISO file?

I thought it would download a memory test program to test the memory?

https://postimg.cc/yDSkrFv5

https://postimg.cc/grJcTV0D

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I tried navigating to the folder to extract the zip file but I don't
know how to proceed? What am I suppose to do with this ISO file?
I thought it would download a memory test program to test the memory?
https://postimg.cc/yDSkrFv5
https://postimg.cc/grJcTV0D
Thanks,
Robert

I have a burner program set up on my PC, called Imgburn,
and it puts entries in the right-click menu. I can right-click
the extracted ISO file in my Downloads, and start the Imgburn program
from there.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

If you were starting the Imgburn program from the Program menu,
the upper-left-corner "Write image file to disc", unpacks
the ISO and uses it to fill the CD with the info. The ISO
file in this case, is only 1.8MB and it is just a bit
bigger than a floppy. It uses very little of a CD, and the burn
time should be minimal. I have mine set to burn and then Verify.

Imgburn can be set to make rude noises when the command completes,
so you want to turn down the PC audio volume in the taskbar.

Once the CD is burned, you can leave in the tray, do a Restart
of the OS, and since your CD is in the boot order before the
hard drive (in the Dell BIOS), the CD should start. Once memtest
is started, you can pop the CD out of the tray at any time.

*******

The Yellow Bars in the HDTune SMART are "nothing". This is an issue
where the HDTune developer (ten years ago), didn't decode the
Seagate branded drive stuff there properly, and yellow bars is the result.
Your Reallocated raw data is zero in SMART, and that's a good start.

Getting a valid HDTune benchmark curve is tricky. Sometimes the OS
reads the disk, while the HDTune runs, and that is what causes the
downward spikes. The very best OS for running an HDTune, is Windows 2000,
but you are hardly likely to switch to that to test :-) That was a very
quiet OS, and did not tend to interfere with the test results.

I don't have any particular techniques for improving the results
(making them more realistic). In the following picture, I have two disks,
the second one is a "data disk" and does not have the OS on it, and I test
that in the picture. The OS drive, you have to leave it for a while,
to settle down. You can see my spikes mostly went away.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I'm on the 780;
I created a Memtest86 CD with ImageBurn and
restarted the 8500 but I have to press F12 to
access the opticaI CD drive. I beIieve we tried to fix
that previousIy but we couIdn't. The 780 however
detects CD's.

The Memtest is stiII running and it's on test#10 right
now. [ModuIo 20, Random pattern] hmmmm it just
switched to test#5 [moving inversions, 8 bit pattern]
then switched again to #6[moving inversions, Random pattern]

I'II Iet you know the resuts when it finish's.
Robert

[Robert in CA]

btw how Iong does this test take? It's
been going for an hour now.

On the bottom of the screen it says:
Pass compIete, no errors, press Esc to exit

yet it stiII seems Iike it's running. How do
I know when it's finished?

Robert

[Robert in CA]

It compIeted 1 pass with no errors.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

You're right about HD-Tune. I powered off the 8500 then
powered it back on and waited for 1 hour. I didn't open any
programs then ran HD-Tune.

https://postimg.cc/qtrPbpDP

It looks just like the other one.

Is there anything else besides My Documents I should
move to the 780? In passing, I made a System Restore
point on the 780.

Thanks
Robert

[Robert in CA]

Here's a picture of the Memtest in progress.

https://postimg.cc/0b0NNPXc

Robert

[Robert in CA]

btw did those yellow bars in the HD-Tune Heath tab mean anything?

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I successfully exported my bookmarks to the 780.

I went into bookmarks>manage bookmarks>import and backup>export bookmarks to HTML
then on the 780 I went to bookmarks>manage bookmarks> import and backup> import bookmarks from HTML

It all seems to be there.

Wasn't there some other file you wanted me to move over? Oh the data file,
what was that called? and where? Then I can mount the external hd and move
my entire My Documents with copy/paste correct? or is there another method you
recommend?

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I successfully exported my bookmarks to the 780.
I went into bookmarks>manage bookmarks>import and backup>export bookmarks to HTML
then on the 780 I went to bookmarks>manage bookmarks> import and backup> import bookmarks from HTML
It all seems to be there.
Wasn't there some other file you wanted me to move over? Oh the data file,
what was that called? and where? Then I can mount the external hd and move
my entire My Documents with copy/paste correct? or is there another method you
recommend?
Thanks,
Robert

The bookmarks is the important one for Firefox.

For your email tool, whatever it is, you'd want to keep
a copy of the folder where the emails are kept. Some
tools use a .pst file, some tools use an MBOX (no file
extension on the end, making them hard to find). Individual
mails can be stored as .eml files, and only a few tools
will maintain the actual local storage that way. An MBOX
is just so much more convenient (it holds all the emails in
the Inbox, or all the emails in the Sent, and so on).

If you have favorite tools, you might want to transport
the installers for those, to the other platform.

I try not to "reorganize stuff", because that is work :-)

I bring a "bucket" over next to a "bucket", and pick from
one of the buckets, according to my knowledge of what is
in each bucket.

local_folder

imported_folder <=== visit here, if I think lost material is in here.

Like, when it comes to photos, they're not stored in a labeled tree.
And yes, that makes it hard to find stuff. I can always tag stuff, such as

picture-house-123-Main-Street.jpg

and then if I remember the street number, I could search on "123" perhaps.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

If the computer problem isn't RAMM or the memory because we
did the Memtest86 or the hd because I did the HD-Tune what could
it be that caused the humming? Is it possible my power supply is going?

I do have (2) spare power supply's that you helped me purchase awhile
back but I sure would hate to change power supply's. That would be tricky
and I don't know if I'm up to it.

Right now the 8500 is running normally with no issues.

Thoughts, suggestions?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I'll also need another 6TB HD and case.

https://www.newegg.com/seagate-desktop-hdd-st6000dm001-6tb/p/N82E16822178783

https://www.newegg.com/vantec-nst-387s3-bk-enclosure/p/N82E16817392118

Usually we make the hd drives bootable but if I
remember correctly I just created a folder for
the 8500 mrimgs and nothing else on the 6TB
external hd. So I think I should do the same for
the 780 but with no OS how is that possible?

I can't remember how we set up the 6TB hd.

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I'll also need another 6TB HD and case.
https://www.newegg.com/seagate-desktop-hdd-st6000dm001-6tb/p/N82E16822178783
https://www.newegg.com/vantec-nst-387s3-bk-enclosure/p/N82E16817392118
Usually we make the hd drives bootable but if I
remember correctly I just created a folder for
the 8500 mrimgs and nothing else on the 6TB
external hd. So I think I should do the same for
the 780 but with no OS how is that possible?
I can't remember how we set up the 6TB hd.
Robert

The purpose of the boot-able drives, is so you'd have
something for emergencies.

You don't have to set up every drive that way, if you don't want to.

But there is certain comfort, in knowing you have a drive
that will work, when the regular drive is ruined.

When you get a new drive, you can use Macrium Reflect,
to clone only the OS partition(s) that make the
previous backup drive bootable. And avoid copying the
Data partition with all the MRIMG files in it (which would take hours).

The boot partition, is best suited to the machine the disk
is paired with. The license would remain activated, for the
780 drive paired with the 780, perhaps. I don't like to take
chances with moving older OSes around in the room, because
that might break something.

If however, you have sufficient control of your machine so it
won't attempt to boot off the wrong drive, you can always move
a data drive to the opposite machine so you can access the
Data partition.

Using diskmgmt.msc , is the best way to "review" what is on
each drive. If you have applied text labels to the partitions, that
helps jog your memory in later years, as to what is what. For example,
if I label the partition "Win10AMD" or "Win10Intel", then I will
know which machine that is for. I can check the labels using my
Linux maintenance media, before attempting to boot them and
ruin something :-) The drives also have stuff written on the
metal surfaces that are large enough to write on. The Helium drive,
nothing is written on that one. That's because it will be the
only Helium drive in the room. There is no way to know how long the
Helium drive will last. The warranty says "five years". It has no OS
and only holds data.

The cheapest hard drives here right now, are WD Black 1TB boot drives,
and the lowest price on those was around $66 or so. The price has gone
back up now, so they're not quite as attractive. Those are the drive(s)
with OSes on them. Typically three OSes per drive, and a large data
partition for scratch. The Helium drive doesn't need an OS, because
I will be using the Macrium CD any time the Helium drive is plugged in.
The helium drive doesn't fit in the tray, and the holes for mounting
are in the wrong place. The drive is a damn nuisance.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I already moved my email over to the 780 so it's OK.

We can make the 6TB bootable and maybe that's what
we did last time for the other 6TB?

I ran a Memtest on the 780 with 1 pass, no errors.

I also attached the 6TB external hd with the 8500 mrimgs
to the 780 and tried to change the drive letter.

https://postimg.cc/rdcy38rZ

https://postimg.cc/647Bnqkq

What am I doing wrong?

Even though I successfully exportd the bookmarks to the 780
I'm still not following what your saying here. I don't see these
files.


"Bookmarks, Downloads and Browsing History

places.sqlite

This file contains all your Firefox bookmarks and lists of files you have downloaded
and of websites you have previously visited. For more information, see Bookmarks in Firefox.

favicons.sqlite

This file stores website favicon images. It's best to also include this file when
recovering the places.sqlite file.

also this:

"Data", would be your Downloads folder, where ever you
placed your Bookmarks file, and perhaps if you wanted,
the profile for Firefox. Your email tool might have a
profile folder as well.

So your saying I should copy/paste my Downloads folder
to the 780? How could I place my 8500 profile on the 780
and what would be the advantages of doing that?


Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I already moved my email over to the 780 so it's OK.
We can make the 6TB bootable and maybe that's what
we did last time for the other 6TB?
I ran a Memtest on the 780 with 1 pass, no errors.
I also attached the 6TB external hd with the 8500 mrimgs
to the 780 and tried to change the drive letter.
https://postimg.cc/rdcy38rZ
https://postimg.cc/647Bnqkq
What am I doing wrong?
Even though I successfully exportd the bookmarks to the 780
I'm still not following what your saying here. I don't see these
files.

When using the Windows OS in the normal way, the drive letter capability
is in Disk Management ("diskmgmt.msc").

*******

You are in Macrium Reflect, and appear to have taken a screenshot in there.
Macrium Reflect CD has a "fake File Explorer", but I'm not aware of a
"fake Disk Management" to make this easy.

Open the Macrium Reflect terminal (... Command Prompt).

diskpart.exe

list disk
select disk 0
list volume
select volume 2 # You do this for devices that have drive letters, but you want to change it
assign letter=k # I changed my S: drive to K: drive.
exit

Now, close the fake File Explorer, and open it again, and
see if the letter has changed.

Post by Robert in CA
"Bookmarks, Downloads and Browsing History
places.sqlite
This file contains all your Firefox bookmarks and lists of files you have downloaded
and of websites you have previously visited. For more information, see Bookmarks in Firefox.
favicons.sqlite
This file stores website favicon images. It's best to also include this file when
recovering the places.sqlite file.
"Data", would be your Downloads folder, where ever you
placed your Bookmarks file, and perhaps if you wanted,
the profile for Firefox. Your email tool might have a
profile folder as well.
So your saying I should copy/paste my Downloads folder
to the 780? How could I place my 8500 profile on the 780
and what would be the advantages of doing that?
Thanks,
Robert

For this previous section, I was describing which files inside the
Firefox profile folder, have your Bookmark information. If you had
a broken computer and could no longer use the Export function, those
two SQLITE files contain the information used for Bookmarks.

Your home directory has data. But, it has a lot of it. Copying
the entire Home directory might be 20GB. Similarly, the Downloads
folder might have a large quantity of material. Whether you want or
need this material, is up to you.

Lots of stuff also hides in AppData, a hidden folder, and it has
"local" and "roaming". Some of the data copy procedures, for saving
browser Profile folders or email Profile folders, will tell you how
to locate them in AppData.

This is why I tried to encourage making a Macrium Backup, and
in some Windows, mounting the backup MRIMG file using the right
click menu, and then you can copy an materials or portion of
materials, according to a recipe you can find for doing it. Because
when you do it that way, you have some assurance "you haven't lost anything".

Paul

[Robert in CA]

For this previous section, I was describing which files inside the
Firefox profile folder, have your Bookmark information. If you had
a broken computer and could no longer use the Export function, those
two SQLITE files contain the information used for Bookmarks.

I finally found the files you're talking about in Profiles. So should I copy/paste
places.sqlite and favincons to the 780? or the entire Profile? How would
I move my Profile to the 780?

Your home directory has data. But, it has a lot of it. Copying
the entire Home directory might be 20GB. Similarly, the Downloads
folder might have a large quantity of material. Whether you want or
need this material, is up to you.

By home data you mean my Profile? I think the only thing I need is the
links to the downloads not the downloads themselves and 'My Documents'
where I have allot of information.

Lots of stuff also hides in AppData, a hidden folder, and it has
"local" and "roaming". Some of the data copy procedures, for saving
browser Profile folders or email Profile folders, will tell you how
to locate them in AppData.


If App data is hidden how do I transfer App data from the 8500 to the 780?
I'll do whatever you recommend best.

This is why I tried to encourage making a Macrium Backup, and
in some Windows, mounting the backup MRIMG file using the right
click menu, and then you can copy an materials or portion of
materials, according to a recipe you can find for doing it. Because
when you do it that way, you have some assurance "you haven't lost anything".

I've been trying but I'm doing something wrong because when I right click
it, it doesn't give me the Explore option. I can't proceed if I can't change
the drive letter.

When a license is locked out, you can talk to a human operator.
They can fix it the first time. The second time you're locked out,
you may not get it fixed.

I'll work on that and try calling Microsft and see if they can release the
the key but I don't understand making up a random key? How could
that help?

Thanks for the downloads of the VLC player and LibreOffice which I think
I'll put on the 780 if I can't get the Word/Excel CD's to work. I'll try it again.
I would hate to loose Excel because I keep allot of information there. However, I
see LibreOffice has many similar programs.

Right now, we need to focus on the mrimgs and copy/pasting 'My Documents'
and any other files you recommend.

At the end of the month I'll order the 6TB hd and case and then we can set that
up as a bootable hd for 780 mrimgs

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

After thinking about it we must have made the 6TB hd a bootable drive because that's
what you would of recommended and what we have been doing all along. I just
forgot the procedure for cloning it but the procedure has changed some and is very
automatic now with only a few steps for mrimg backups so I assume cloning has also
changed. I remember I have to put it inside the 780 and let it boot.

I don't have any favorite tools per se except the Dell Image Expert 2000,Word, Excel
and of course all the antivirus and maleware e.g., Avast, SuperAntiSpware,
Malewarebytes, Spywareblaster but I worry about having up to date downloads
for them. You know my history. Maybe you should review my links for each to see
if they are OK.

Avast- https://www.avast.com/installation-files#pc

Avast removal - https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility#pc

Malewarebytes - https://www.malwarebytes.com/

SuperAntispyware - https://www.superantispyware.com/

SpywareBlaster - http://www.brightfort.com/


They are already installed on the 780 except Word and Excel. I have the original CD's
that came with the 8200 but apparently I could only use it (3) times which I've done
because they won't load on the 780. I really need Word and Excel on the 780 if I ever
loose the 8500. Is there some way of doing it?

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
After thinking about it we must have made the 6TB hd a bootable drive because that's
what you would of recommended and what we have been doing all along. I just
forgot the procedure for cloning it but the procedure has changed some and is very
automatic now with only a few steps for mrimg backups so I assume cloning has also
changed. I remember I have to put it inside the 780 and let it boot.
I don't have any favorite tools per se except the Dell Image Expert 2000,Word, Excel
and of course all the antivirus and maleware e.g., Avast, SuperAntiSpware,
Malewarebytes, Spywareblaster but I worry about having up to date downloads
for them. You know my history. Maybe you should review my links for each to see
if they are OK.
Avast- https://www.avast.com/installation-files#pc
Avast removal - https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility#pc
Malewarebytes - https://www.malwarebytes.com/
SuperAntispyware - https://www.superantispyware.com/
SpywareBlaster - http://www.brightfort.com/
They are already installed on the 780 except Word and Excel. I have the original CD's
that came with the 8200 but apparently I could only use it (3) times which I've done
because they won't load on the 780. I really need Word and Excel on the 780 if I ever
loose the 8500. Is there some way of doing it?
Robert

I'm sure your links will work out for you.

For Word and Excel, the question would be:

1) Ability to just print them off.

2) Ability to do authentic changes to the documents,
for sending to the government or whatever.

LibreOffice is free. I only recommend installing this, if you cannot
get the Windows one to work.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LibreOffice

https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/

I do not know enough about Office installs, to know what will happen.
If a license is installed too many times, you may have to use an
automated phone system, to exchange 56 digit codes. (You send a code,
they send one back.) Some products, like FPP, may include transfer
rights, such that when you install on a new machine, the old machine
copy is disabled, or, you have to carry out a "disable" operation
then an uninstall, on the old machine, to free up a license. I don't
know what's going to work in your case. And Microsoft does not want
their tools giving useful information -- that makes the job too easy.
You cannot ask questions such as "is this key valid", because
that's what a hacker would do -- make a random key, phone up, see
if they won the lottery.

When a license is locked out, you can talk to a human operator.
They can fix it the first time. The second time you're locked out,
you may not get it fixed.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I just tried the Word/Excel CD that came with the 8200
and I was able to download them successfully to the 780.
So now it has Word and Excel on it. I still may add the LibreOffice.

Were making progress

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I meant I was able to install Word and Excel on the 780
of course.

Now all I need is to get the mrimg to work so I can move
'My Documents' to the 780. I have allot of data in there
including my Excel files. That's where I store everything.

When I try right clicking the mrimg drive or Mrimg itself it
doesn't give me the Explore option as in your instructions
it gives me Open. So I can't change the drive letter to K:

What am I doing wrong?

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I meant I was able to install Word and Excel on the 780
of course.
Now all I need is to get the mrimg to work so I can move
'My Documents' to the 780. I have allot of data in there
including my Excel files. That's where I store everything.
When I try right clicking the mrimg drive or Mrimg itself it
doesn't give me the Explore option as in your instructions
What am I doing wrong?

1) Start Macrium
2) Menu bar "Restore" : "Browse for an Image"
From the resulting file dialog, select the MRIMG you want to mount.
3) (Of the Backup/Restore/Log tabs, the Restore should be highlighted)
Over on the right, the name of the MRIMG should now be displayed.
The options are Browse Image, Restore Image, Other Actions.

4) Select Browse Image.

The selector box you were not able to reach,
with the place to select letter K: , should now be on the screen.

5) When you want to remove K: again (unmount), then go to File Explorer,
find K: on the left hand side, right-click it and select the
"Macrium Reflect" item in the context menu that appears. The
side scroll item, there is only one item, and that's what you use
to unmount the K: virtual drive. There will be a UAC prompt (if Macrium isn't
running its normal main screen), and then the operation will happen.
If the K: File Explorer window was open, it will close and disappear.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I followed your instructions and I was able to change the letter of the drive but it
wouldn't let me access 'My Documents'. I don't understand it because I had
to sign in as Administrator to my User Account when I shouldn't have to yet
I was denied. Should I try this on the Administrator's Account?

I was also able to unmount K: as you instructed.

I blocked out account names for safety.

https://postimg.cc/JyhbWTcj

https://postimg.cc/HJPbWQBR

https://postimg.cc/JygBCRhW

https://postimg.cc/crmg4RJh

https://postimg.cc/wyL3KJPh

https://postimg.cc/K1WYRJhP

https://postimg.cc/QHHkBNFv

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I went into the 780 under the Administrator Account this time.
It gave me the same response as on the User Account, denied.
How could I be denied from the Administrator's Account?
I blocked out portions for safety.

https://postimg.cc/TyNvVsRh
https://postimg.cc/4K7B026Y
https://postimg.cc/MXVKwW6D
https://postimg.cc/CzZK2jZR
https://postimg.cc/3Wq82dLY
https://postimg.cc/64fhJDbh
https://postimg.cc/30xZhLM5
https://postimg.cc/758TMBBH
https://postimg.cc/ZBdScLsm
https://postimg.cc/8swSbstj
https://postimg.cc/XX1PJ5sc
https://postimg.cc/5XSqHdxd
https://postimg.cc/zyTqZNnh
https://postimg.cc/sB06TQv4

I blocked out the numbers of the Account Unknown
for safety but I have them if you need them.

https://postimg.cc/tZQS00Ns
https://postimg.cc/ct68XCtw
https://postimg.cc/LqC9vTtQ
https://postimg.cc/DS77TD5Y
https://postimg.cc/TKkvXPKp
https://postimg.cc/9rV6R9TD
I then tried to go into my Administrators Account. same thing
https://postimg.cc/YL7sFcv5

Thoughts/Suggestions?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I was denied access.

Thoughts/suggestions,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I was denied access.
Thoughts/suggestions,
Robert

At which step were you denied access ?

You need to be using an account belonging to Administrator Group,
for a lot of computer activities. For example, if you plug in
an external hard drive in a USB enclosure, the ownership could be a
name from the other machine, which "means nothing" to the current
computer. Using your Administrator capabilities, a green bar will
go across the screen in the File Explorer input box and this may
indicate that File Explorer is doing an implicit "Take Own" of the
folder on the drive you're trying to get into.

See if belonging to the Administrator group helps.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I took screenshots of all the steps in my previous post
and I was on the Administrators Account when I tried this.
I was trying to access the User Account and was denied:

https://postimg.cc/Xp2PBQh3

https://postimg.cc/fSRKwhMd

https://postimg.cc/1nJG7YD3

https://postimg.cc/cg4Y3MPy

I checked the security tabs:

https://postimg.cc/r0kTZfM3

I blocked out the numbers of the Account Unknown
for safety but I have them if you need them.

https://postimg.cc/dhZKqb0g

https://postimg.cc/qgvSJPbQ

https://postimg.cc/zyKP28vD

https://postimg.cc/CBPvnKP7

https://postimg.cc/Mct5gTSw

https://postimg.cc/K1DDgz4T

I then tried the Administrators Account

https://postimg.cc/nCZs91md

Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I don't understand, I was in the Administrator Account
trying to access the User Account and it still denied me.

Could the problem be sharing? It says not shared.

https://postimg.cc/0KJQB0Kv

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I don't understand, I was in the Administrator Account
trying to access the User Account and it still denied me.
Could the problem be sharing? It says not shared.
https://postimg.cc/0KJQB0Kv
Robert

There is a tick box in the Macrium mounter dialog, to remove permissions
and make your files easier to access as K: .

[Picture]

Loading Image...

*******

The recent spam attacks originating from Google, have caused
the USENET Admins to build spam filters.

While ordinary messages from Google Groups make it through,
some messages are getting dropped. This is termed a "false positive",
as a perfectly ordinary message can be falsely accused of being spam.

This means comms, my ability to see your questions,
is potentially hampered now. I don't think yours are being
dropped, but this is just a warning that if I don't reply,
maybe I can't see it.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Oh man,.... that's not good news. It's bad enough with all the servers
going but now as you say you may not be able to even see my posts
at some point!? I hope this isn't going to happen.

If it does do you have any advice now? I do my mrimgs every month,
but is there anything else you want me to do should you stop seeing my
messages? I couldn't replace the PSU alone should that fail even though
I have two spares.

I'll try the mrimg again and let you know how it goes.

I'll order the 6TB hd and external case next week and I'd appreciate it if
you could help me set it up.

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried the mrimg again but this time it didn't give me the browse option:

https://postimg.cc/47P5YH6k

however I managed to navigate to the mrimgs and change the drive letter to K:
but it didn't give me the screen to enable access to restricted folders yet I
was able to access them and copy/pasted 'My Documents' from the K drive
to the C: drive.

You know how it opens a dialog box and shows the files being transferred
from one folder to the next? It did that at first but now the 'files' are frozen
between folders and there's no apparent transfer happening. Also when the
transfer completes it should close or tell me something, correct? I'm afraid
to do anything since I've gotten this far with it but it seems like it's not responding.
It just says, File operation in progress, please wait but there's no movement.
It's been like this for about an hour now. What should I do?

Thoughts, suggestions?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I got the 780 out of the not responding state then
I tried dismounting the K: drive by right clicking but
when I do it says Open, Properties, Refresh

What's going on ? Why did mine change? I did all this
before and it was OK?

I successfully transferred 'My Documents' but they went
to the Administrator's Account so I'm copy/pasting it again
to the User Account. 3 hrs 30 mins,.. that's the same amount
of time it takes for the mrimgs for the 8500.

Should I try browsing again to see if I can dismount the K:
and L: drives? It's weird it doesn't say Macrium when I right click

Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I got the 780 out of the not responding state then
I tried dismounting the K: drive by right clicking but
when I do it says Open, Properties, Refresh
What's going on ? Why did mine change? I did all this
before and it was OK?
I successfully transferred 'My Documents' but they went
to the Administrator's Account so I'm copy/pasting it again
to the User Account. 3 hrs 30 mins,.. that's the same amount
of time it takes for the mrimgs for the 8500.
and L: drives? It's weird it doesn't say Macrium when I right click
Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

When you run Macrium, the Restore button needs to be clicked,
so the Restore menu items will be there. Then, you should
be able to browse for something.

The K: can be dismounted from File Explorer. Right click on K:
and look for the Macrium item. The Macrium item should be
present, if you are clicking on a Macrium item (such as K: ).

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I tried again, and did as you instructed. The first picture I clicked
the Restore Tab and it's the same as before. The second picture I
clicked the Backup Tab

https://postimg.cc/NL1jP09m

https://postimg.cc/ZvZ4hrB3

What am I doing wrong? I did this the first time and was exactly as
you say but the browse option disappeared.

Also in passing I noticed I have a Apple Software Update on the 780
which I don't have on the 8500. There's also SequoiaView which if I
remember correctly you used it to find that huge program that was eating
up GB's when the 780 should of been like 50GB it was like 350GB.

Should I remove these programs?

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I've successfully transferred My Documents and the bookmarks
to the 780 with your good help but I still need to unmount K:
and L: drives from the 6TB external hd.

It's weird that the drop down box didn't have the 'Browse for image
or backup file to restore' option. However I found it lower on the screen
in a box on the right and that's how I gained access. but the K: and L:
drives are still unmounted and I need to use another letter to dismount
them. I'll give it another try but so far it's not giving me the Macrium
option when I right click the drives?

I'll try again and let you know how it goes.

Are there any other tests you want me to do with regard to the
humming from the 8500? It hasn't happened since but I was
just wondering.

I'll order the 6TB hd and case Wed and should be here in a week
or so.

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I've successfully transferred My Documents and the bookmarks
and L: drives from the 6TB external hd.
It's weird that the drop down box didn't have the 'Browse for image
or backup file to restore' option. However I found it lower on the screen
drives are still unmounted and I need to use another letter to dismount
them. I'll give it another try but so far it's not giving me the Macrium
option when I right click the drives?
I'll try again and let you know how it goes.
Are there any other tests you want me to do with regard to the
humming from the 8500? It hasn't happened since but I was
just wondering.
I'll order the 6TB hd and case Wed and should be here in a week
or so.
Thanks,
Robert

The K: and L: should be dismount-able from File Explorer.
Right-click on the drives, in the left-hand pane.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I tried it again and again it didn't give me the option
but I see it in the middle of the page where the arrow is.
That's what I clicked on but when I got to the point of
changing drives to unmount K: and L: they were there !?
How could they be there if I didn't unmount them previously?

https://postimg.cc/5XGgfwbX

https://postimg.cc/JDQjHJVc

Also when I brought over 'My Documents this popped up
but I just closed it.

https://postimg.cc/KkQg82B0

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I tried it again and again it didn't give me the option
but I see it in the middle of the page where the arrow is.
That's what I clicked on but when I got to the point of
changing drives to unmount K: and L: they were there !?
How could they be there if I didn't unmount them previously?
https://postimg.cc/5XGgfwbX
https://postimg.cc/JDQjHJVc
Also when I brought over 'My Documents this popped up
but I just closed it.
https://postimg.cc/KkQg82B0
Robert

I don't know what would trigger that.
If you were just copying some files and not executing something.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

There's also another problem per se on the 8500.
Sometimes it seems to lag loading programs. Like
a YouTube video. Sometimes it takes forever to
load a page and I'll have to reload it to get it to go.
Other times I get this page:

https://postimg.cc/SnGpBYdB

Sometimes this is probably caused by me leaving the
computer sitting for too long while I take a break but
once going it shouldn't have these problems should it?

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
There's also another problem per se on the 8500.
Sometimes it seems to lag loading programs. Like
a YouTube video. Sometimes it takes forever to
load a page and I'll have to reload it to get it to go.
https://postimg.cc/SnGpBYdB
Sometimes this is probably caused by me leaving the
computer sitting for too long while I take a break but
once going it shouldn't have these problems should it?
Robert

This can be a networking problem.

In a Command Prompt or Powershell terminal window (doesn't have to be elevated)

ipconfig <=== this shows your IPV4 and IPV6 addresses
if the hardware has them. My setup for example,
only has IPV4. I have the usual normal equipment
to switch to doing both -- if I wanted that.
These are local LAN addresses, typically non-routable.

nslookup www.example.com <=== This is how you check the addresses of Internet servers
Now, we're on the other side of your router, sniffing the Internet.

You can do this in your browser if you want,
so this is basically pseudocode in a sense.
It means "do it in your browser".

firefox https://www.whatismyip.net/ <=== This tests "how you are connecting to the web"

Your Information
IP Address: 105.200.150.175 <=== I connected via IPV4
"DO NOT" pay attention to any scary red text on the page :-)
We just want to see whether it tried IPV4 or IPV6 first.
Most other info is irrelevant to our purpose. Some of
the info on that web site, is just wrong.

For example, when I tried to use this site, it was slow.

PS C:\Users > nslookup news.eternal-september.org

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: news.eternal-september.org
Addresses: 2a01:4f9:4b:44c2::2 <=== was only making IPV6 available at the time I checked

Later when I checked, it was doing this, and I connected via IPV4
and the time to become connected was reduced. Presumably it is the
time for the DNS lookup which is taking longer, it prefers IPV4
over IPV6 and tries that first.

PS C:\Users > nslookup news.eternal-september.org

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: news.eternal-september.org
Addresses: 2a01:4f9:4b:44c2::2 \___ The server supports both now.
135.181.20.170 / Your machine may try one type, before the other type.
if one of those is not available, it could be slower.

DNS is also subject to a lot of shenanigans, which
is why they are experimenting with other DNS servers
with features such as DNS-over-TLS (secure in-flight lookups).
But that doesn't make it faster. That's just noting
that if there were ever a war, DNS would likely get
broken right away. And you probably would not be
watching Youtube then. If you had collected addresses
using "nslookup" and had written them down, you
could still attempt connect to specific servers.

firefox http://135.181.20.170 # Now, it doesn't need DNS to work
# Without a symbolic name, the certificate to make
# a https: would not work, so try http: access first.

It's delightfully messy, but it does pay to "prepare your go-bag"
for times when the Internet is not working. For example, my
ISP has a "status page", and you definitely want the IP address
of the status page, so you can check for known network anomalies.

IP addresses can be reassigned at any time, which is
why we prefer symbolic addresses "news.eternal-september.org"
instead of "135.181.20.170". Maybe tomorrow, that machine won't
be at 135.181.20.170 . But, in the event of an emergency condition,
think carefully about what nodes you might want to access, and
write those down in your Notes file.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I did the ipconfig command and this is what it shows:

https://postimg.cc/XXDt8Cvk

I did the whatismyip.net and it showed the exact location
and my IP address.

As far as IP address I don't have any control over mine
which is all numbers. I'm not following you with the nodes
to access and write down. Do you mean programs? Sites?

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried again with another Rescue CD but it gave me
the same thing.

https://postimg.cc/NL1jP09m

Why and how did it change? The first time I did it it
had the browse for image as you describe and all
went well but now it's gone?

I do see it in another part of the screen, center of the
page and another lower right but we can't use either?

So how do I fix this?

Thanks
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I tried again with another Rescue CD but it gave me
the same thing.
https://postimg.cc/NL1jP09m
Why and how did it change? The first time I did it it
had the browse for image as you describe and all
went well but now it's gone?
I do see it in another part of the screen, center of the
page and another lower right but we can't use either?
So how do I fix this?
Thanks
Robert

The menus can be slightly different, in the OS screen
versus the CD-provided screen. This is me running the CD.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

Copying a few files from K: to C: is best done while C: is booted.

Restoring an entire hard drive image, over top of C: , that
is when you use the Rescue CD.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I was using the Rescue CD to do this so I tried it
by just opening Macrium and there was the prompt.

This is how I must of done it before but for some
reason I started using the Rescue CD which changed it.

However the K: and L: were there? How could they
be there if I didn't un-mount them?


https://postimg.cc/w1yPwMmS

https://postimg.cc/DSXjqDVh

https://postimg.cc/Cdxcvdym

https://postimg.cc/kVCcWgFN


Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I was using the Rescue CD to do this so I tried it
by just opening Macrium and there was the prompt.
This is how I must of done it before but for some
reason I started using the Rescue CD which changed it.
However the K: and L: were there? How could they
be there if I didn't un-mount them?
https://postimg.cc/w1yPwMmS
https://postimg.cc/DSXjqDVh
https://postimg.cc/Cdxcvdym
https://postimg.cc/kVCcWgFN
Robert

Postimage isn't working right now, but I can tell
you the K: and L: , they can be unmounted from
File Explorer, but they can also be unmounted any
time you reboot.

If you need to copy files from K: the next time
you boot, you would have to mount the MRING file
again to do that. And the K: "letter" should be
available to do it.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Since I've rebooted several times since then they've been
unmounted so it's OK and I can use the K: or L: drives if I
need to copy/paste?

I don't know if this has anything to do with with the lag
problem but earlier today I bid on an item on eBay and
clicked the bid button but the dialog box opened only
partially and was all grayed out so I wasn't able to bid
and lost the item. It never did open up completely.

That's the first time that's ever happened.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

Postimage seems fine on my end.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

So if I want to copy/paste a file from the mrimgs
I do not use the Rescue CD. I use it only to create
clone, and restore, correct?

I ordered the 6TB hd and case and should be
here in a week or so.

Once I get the 6TB hd I clone it and then put it
inside the 780 to boot. Making it a boot-able hd,
correct?

By nodes do you mean the actual address of
interested sites e.g. www.example.com?

In passing, I noticed I have a Apple Software
Update on the 780 which I don't have on the
8500. There's also SequoiaView which if I
remember correctly you used it to find that
huge program that was eating up GB's when
the 780 should of been like 50GB it was like
350GB.

Should I remove these programs?

I got this screen again and I had just logged on.

https://postimg.cc/pmzZpCXy

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
So if I want to copy/paste a file from the mrimgs
I do not use the Rescue CD. I use it only to create
clone, and restore, correct?
I ordered the 6TB hd and case and should be
here in a week or so.
Once I get the 6TB hd I clone it and then put it
inside the 780 to boot. Making it a boot-able hd,
correct?
By nodes do you mean the actual address of
interested sites e.g. www.example.com?
In passing, I noticed I have a Apple Software
Update on the 780 which I don't have on the
8500. There's also SequoiaView which if I
remember correctly you used it to find that
huge program that was eating up GB's when
the 780 should of been like 50GB it was like
350GB.
Should I remove these programs?
I got this screen again and I had just logged on.
https://postimg.cc/pmzZpCXy
Robert

You can enter "somesite.com" style into this web page,
and it may be able to tell you how often the site is down.

https://www.isitdownrightnow.com/

Sometimes the Windows firewall is not loading, but if that
was the case, the browser likely wouldn't run, rather
than the window opening and pretending to be ready for usage.

The site in question, only has an IPV4 address and no IPV6 address.
This isn't particularly important.

OK, now this is interesting.

PS> nslookup righteouswarriors.com

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: righteouswarriors.com
Address: 208.180.89.69 <=== an IPV4 address

PS> ping 208.180.89.69

Pinging 208.180.89.69 with 32 bytes of data:
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Yet the entry web page paints in a web browser.
And the transaction seems to use TLS 1.2 .

I would rate the site, "not 100% normal". Due to the ping failing to work.

isitdownrightnow says it is working, and the web browser says it is working.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I have my 6 TB hd and now just waiting for the case.
Then I'll try cloning it.

Here's your instructions for cloning but as I say
they have automated the mrimg backups allot so I
think it may be the same with cloning.

https://postimg.cc/ft67JpfL

https://postimg.cc/8sZJKq6r

https://postimg.cc/wtnFm16g

https://postimg.cc/xNV2tjPS

https://postimg.cc/TKgHJj4h

https://postimg.cc/qg2h0zSy

https://postimg.cc/RNQPD1BY

https://postimg.cc/JtdJ4GQh

https://postimg.cc/3dcPBCFH

https://postimg.cc/FY2z2SmM

https://postimg.cc/CZgYGswx

https://postimg.cc/yDqzKygy

I typed somesite.com and this is what it showed:

https://postimg.cc/SXPKWz1T

It's interesting you looked up Righteous Warriors,
It was started by someone I use to know and I was
surprised it still was up. I tried contacting him but
never got a reply.

I barely am understanding you with the IPV4 and
IPV6 addresses. I'm trying to follow along.

Is there anything you want me to do? Run any
tests?

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I have my 6 TB hd and now just waiting for the case.
Then I'll try cloning it.
Here's your instructions for cloning but as I say
they have automated the mrimg backups allot so I
think it may be the same with cloning.
https://postimg.cc/ft67JpfL
<some snipped for brevity>
https://postimg.cc/yDqzKygy
https://postimg.cc/SXPKWz1T
It's interesting you looked up Righteous Warriors,
It was started by someone I use to know and I was
surprised it still was up. I tried contacting him but
never got a reply.
I barely am understanding you with the IPV4 and
IPV6 addresses. I'm trying to follow along.
Is there anything you want me to do? Run any
tests?
Thanks,
Robert

The reference to "somesite.com" was similar to "example.com",
just to show you the format.

Not to actually go there.

I wanted you to type a domain name, "example.com" or
whatever domain you're trying to use.

*******

These links may point at the Macrium cloning disk instructions.
One of these links should work.

Clicking the "Download Original" <===

allows you to keep a copy of the single file with all the pictures in it.

Loading Image...
https://postimg.cc/Zv6vZckT

*******

As it turns out, your request to "just clone the 2TB bootable backup drive
to the 6TB drive", this is a bit more complicated than expected :-)

You see, your previous backup drives (with their boot OS on them),
they were 2TB drives. That wasn't by accident, by the way. I am
a schemer. A schemer who hates surprises.

You can take the new 6TB drive, make it GPT
(GUID Partition Table, instead of MSDOS MBR partition table type),
and then in Disk Management, you can define the entire
6TB drive, as one partition.

That works fine.

The money is not wasted, because, you can use the *entire* drive
for backups. No problemo. When it asks what flavor of partitioning
you want, a 6TB drive works best with "GPT".

The problem comes, when you try to fit the older OS image you've
got, onto the 6TB drive. Remember that MSDOS MBR partitioned disks,
they work up to 2.2TB, so a 2.0TB disk was a "perfect fit for the job".

The MBR only has enough address space for the 2TB drive. It cannot
access storage above that point. There are two "hacks" for turning the
space above 2TB, into separate virtual drives (Acronis Capacity Manager
is one of the methods), but these are not practical. I used to run that,
but I got rid of it, because it was making me crazy.

If the disk is made GPT, and we want to boot the OS, we have:

UEFI GPT <=== most users do this. The OS installer does this
It is unlikely the Optiplex 780 has UEFI. I am
unable to confirm whether A15 BIOS update for the 780,
actually has UEFI option in it.

CSM GPT <=== this can be done with a Syslinux replacement MBR,
plus setting a GPT attribute bit, to support legacy
"boot flag" or Active flag, but in GPT-land.

https://superuser.com/questions/1750366/boot-a-legacy-bios-os-on-a-gpt-mass-memory

https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/utils/boot/syslinux/Testing/6.04/syslinux-6.04-pre1.tar.xz

"You can install the Syslinux MBR boot code (gptmbr.bin), which behaves very much
like traditional MBRs that jump to an active partition's PBR, but understands GPT
partition tables and looks for a similarly named GPT attribute flag. (Specifically,
it checks bit 2 which gdisk calls "Legacy BIOS bootable.") The rest of Syslinux
is not needed."

You will notice this article,

https://wiki.syslinux.org/wiki/index.php?title=Mbr

does not address setting the GPT Attribute
in order to make gptmbr.bin to jump to the correct partition. You can set
some GPT things in Linux, which is what the previous paragraph proposes.
But "diskpart.exe" utility in Windows can also do that, and I've already had
to repair one GPT Attribute in the past using that.

You can help, by taking a screenshot of Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)
of the 780 2TB bootable backup drive, to help me verify I'm preparing
my new recipe properly.

I hope by doing it this strange way, I will *AVOID* asking you to:

1) Flash update the Optiplex 780 BIOS. I don't want to do that.
It is unlikely to help, and I can't verify it would help.

2) Use the Microsoft MBR2GPT.exe utility. If you have your Win10 you installed
to get the Win10 license, there might be a copy of MBR2GPT.exe on there.
I don't really want to do that.

Instead, the steps will likely involve.

1) Macrium Reflect clone of Win7 C: and System Reserved, to the 6TB disk.
2) dd.exe transfer of 440 byte "gptmbr.bin" binary file, to the MBR sector.
This leaves the 0xEE protective partition single entry in the partition table, alone.
3) A diskpart session, selecting the currently active partition, and
making it active by setting GPT attribute to 0x4 or so. It'll be
something like that.
4) Test boot of the new setup, to see it vectors based on the GPT attribute it finds.
The reason the GPT attribute must be set, is the traditional 0x80 boot flag
has no equivalent in GPT-land directly (the same way as before).

Anyway, post a screenshot of the 2TB backup drive in Disk Management
(not file explorer), so I can have a look at it. In Windows 7,
Start : Run : diskmgmt.msc will give a nice clean picture.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I removed the Apple programs from the 780 but kept
SequoiaView. You never know, I may need it again.

Hopefully, we can get the 6TB hd up and running before
Nov 1 for the mrimgs.

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I removed the Apple programs from the 780 but kept
SequoiaView. You never know, I may need it again.
Hopefully, we can get the 6TB hd up and running before
Nov 1 for the mrimgs.
Robert

If we don't make it bootable, it can be ready in about
30 seconds.

See my other post, for how to boot the 6TB drive :-)
It's not as easy as I thought.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I have the set of instructions for cloning
when you initially gave them to me.

I accidentally clicked on the Syslinux
download on the 8500 but deleted it
afterwards.

I don't understand, we never went through
all of this with the other 6TB hd as I remember.
Maybe we didn't make it boot-able? They weren't
meant to be after all they are external drives.

Let me ask a question. As it is now, once I
get the case for it could I create a folder on
the 6TB hd for mrimgs without a OS? If
so, I think that's what I did with the other 6TB
because that's actually all I see on my other 6TB
hd. Just a folder that says 8500 mrimgs, nothing
else.

Here's the pics, I hope I did it right:

https://postimg.cc/PpDx6pj2

I typed run : diskmgmt.msc

https://postimg.cc/87Cz2nGF

https://postimg.cc/YjkGXRvF

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I have the set of instructions for cloning
when you initially gave them to me.
I accidentally clicked on the Syslinux
download on the 8500 but deleted it
afterwards.
I don't understand, we never went through
all of this with the other 6TB hd as I remember.
Maybe we didn't make it boot-able? They weren't
meant to be after all they are external drives.
Let me ask a question. As it is now, once I
get the case for it could I create a folder on
the 6TB hd for mrimgs without a OS? If
so, I think that's what I did with the other 6TB
because that's actually all I see on my other 6TB
hd. Just a folder that says 8500 mrimgs, nothing
else.
https://postimg.cc/PpDx6pj2
I typed run : diskmgmt.msc
https://postimg.cc/87Cz2nGF
https://postimg.cc/YjkGXRvF
Robert

The string to be entered in the Run box is just

diskmgmt.msc

That should do it.

*******

Your first post is interesting. That looks like the
regular OS boot drive. Where you've made C: take up
all the space. You can certainly do that.

For the backup drives, I think we made the C: in that
case, a lot smaller. Macrium has a "resize" thing so
you can reduce the size of a partition while working
on it.

Your OS drive is like this:

+-----+--------------+--------------------------------------------+
| MBR | 4GB recovery | Huge C: drive |
+-----+--------------+--------------------------------------------|

Whereas for the backup drives which double as emergency OSes, they
were supposed to look like this. Sometimes, there are advantages
to separating the OS (that might not get used very much), from
the partition with the backups in it. Then, if you ever need to
"overwrite" the Small C: with a clean OS image, you can do it.

+-----+--------------+----------+---------------------------------+
| MBR | 4GB recovery | Small C: | Huge Data D: for backups |
+-----+--------------+----------+---------------------------------+

*******

And absolutely, if you want to make the 6TB into a single Data partition
6TB long, you can do that. Windows 7 supports GPT disks with 6TB partitions,
no problem, as a place for the output from backup software.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Here's dickmgmt.msc

https://postimg.cc/v4gK3BtS

https://postimg.cc/DmxYhsCM

Can we leave the 6TB hd un-bootable and just a stand alone hd for
mrimgs and nothing else? I already have two backup 2TB hd's, plus
the 2TB hd with mrimgs being retired and I have the old WD hd and
two other spare 2TB hd's with Win 10 on them. All bootable

I prefer we use the new 6TB hd as a dedicated external hd for 780
mrimgs only. I checked and there's nothing else on the 6TB hd for the 8500
except the mrimgs folder. Is it possible to do the same for the new 6TB
hd for the 780 with just a folder for Mrimgs and no OS?


https://postimg.cc/HVwhcK3V

https://postimg.cc/5Qxnw9sy

https://postimg.cc/YvcLVDwf

https://postimg.cc/4mpxKJrV

Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I have the case, so am going to try to put the hd inside it.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I have the 6TB hd in the case but haven't tested it as yet.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tested the 6TB hd on the 780 I opened Macrium
but I couldn't see how I could create a folder for
mrimgs.

It didn't seem to see the 6TB hd to give me access
to the drive but it recognized it. When I did
diskmgmt.msc it showed up unallocated. I then
right clicked it for properties because I thought
you may want to see it.

So how do I created a folder for mrimgs?

https://postimg.cc/ZBQ9RRBp

https://postimg.cc/XBwVb7wV

https://postimg.cc/Pvkj2s00

https://postimg.cc/qzwTXFwZ

https://postimg.cc/QHfMxC2t

https://postimg.cc/V5RfD5LR

https://postimg.cc/Q9DDqZ2w

https://postimg.cc/21BfR5mg

https://postimg.cc/m1r0dL8X

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Paul
And absolutely, if you want to make the 6TB into a single Data partition
6TB long, you can do that. Windows 7 supports GPT disks with 6TB partitions,
no problem, as a place for the output from backup software.

I tried to get the syslinux thing to work, but it's a no-go so far.

It is reading "something" and it finds an error, but it
won't give details on the error, so I have nothing to go on.

Just use the thing as a 6TB backup partition. When you receive
the drive, it may already have been initialized GPT (since that
exposes the whole 6TB, whereas an MBR partition only
exposes 2.2TB).

Paul

[Robert in CA]

I have the 6TB hd and case and I've put the drive in the case.

I'm not following you. Are you saying to proceed and clone
the 6TB hd and edit the partition as in your instructions?

https://postimg.cc/67v7mXT0

Robert

[Robert in CA]

Here are your instructions for editing the
partition during cloning.

https://postimg.cc/qhDfm1Ds

https://postimg.cc/CBQtCzdJ

https://postimg.cc/Bj0zCWQW

https://postimg.cc/6761DdvY

https://postimg.cc/zbV2f8ph

Should I proceed?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I haven't done anything as yet other than put the
6TB hd in the case.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried to clone the 6TB hd but it couldn't see it
or I did something wrong? Is Boot X the 6TB hd?
I'm just guessing at this point.

https://postimg.cc/6TWtSXxC

https://postimg.cc/wt5YfWWW

https://postimg.cc/d7Yzy2qG

https://postimg.cc/q6zYTQLH

https://postimg.cc/QFLz2QKv

Please advise,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I just realized it can't be BootX so where is the 6TB hd?
Why doesn't it see it even if un-allocated.

Thoughts/suggestions,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I tried again and did diskmgmt.msc on the 780
to verify that the 780 could see the un-allocated
partition before I attempted to clone it.

https://postimg.cc/7CYScH0G

However, it did the same as before and did not see
it. How can I clone it if it doesn't see it? How did we
set up the other 6TB hd? I must be doing something
wrong.

https://postimg.cc/njMFN53G

https://postimg.cc/PNgXFSY1

https://postimg.cc/jLYThLYX

Thoughts/suggestions?

Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I tried again and did diskmgmt.msc on the 780
to verify that the 780 could see the un-allocated
partition before I attempted to clone it.
https://postimg.cc/7CYScH0G
However, it did the same as before and did not see
it. How can I clone it if it doesn't see it? How did we
set up the other 6TB hd? I must be doing something
wrong.
https://postimg.cc/njMFN53G
https://postimg.cc/PNgXFSY1
https://postimg.cc/jLYThLYX
Thoughts/suggestions?
Robert

OK, the first picture at the top, is GOOD. [ https://postimg.cc/7CYScH0G ]

In the picture, I see an OS that is GPT-aware and it recognizes the disk
as a 6TB drive.

In Disk Management, while the regular OS is running, you can click the 6TB area,
and use New Simple Volume. I don't see a reason to be cloning at the moment,
at least for usage on the Optiplex 780, since the Optiplex 780 won't boot
a GPT disk (even when using a Syslinux boot thingy). That's what I tested.

If the disk was not initialized, you would select the left-most box
with the Disk Number, and initialize as GPT. Then, a New Simple Volume
on the right-hand chunk, should allow you to allocate the entire 6TB
as s single NTFS partition.

Doing Properties on the left-most box on a Disk Management row, and
looking in Volumes tab, the word "GPT" should be there if the disk is
now initialized properly. The 6TB disk row, should be a GPT one.

It is OK for the original Windows 7 boot drive, to be a 2TB MBR or MSDOS
hard drive, as MSDOS partitioning is good up to 2.2TB and the disk is
just 2.0TB in size.

This is just for interest sake. When the newer GPT scheme is used, there
is the traditional partition table on the left. The MBR is a mere 512 bytes
and it has room for 4 partitions (like Primary ones). In the same way an
Apple computer does it, when GPT initialize is done, the MBR is marked
in a way, to advise older OSes to not mess with anything. The 0xEE partition
is defined as 2.2TB, leaving no room for an older OS (WinXP) to make any more
partitions. This helps keep the other three entries as 0x00. The actual functioning
partitions are in the GPT table. The secondary table at the end of the disk,
is a copy of the primary table on the left, in case the left one is corrupted.
These have very little impact on your usage of the disk, as the
storage cluster section is still 6TB. In the storage cluster section
is where you will be defining your New Simple Volume 6TB NTFS. The GPT
partition table is ~64KB and has room for 128 partition definitions.

+---------------------+-------------------------+----------------------------+--------------------------------+
| | | | |
MBR 4 entry table GPT Partition Table <=== storage clusters ===> Secondary GPT Partition Table
0xEE #1 Microsoft Basic Data + + #1 Microsoft Basic Data
0x00
0x00
0x00

*******

We're doing good so far. Since the normal OS sees the disk and
we are initializing it and we are defining a 6TB NTFS volume on it.

The problem is, your Macrium Rescue CD was made with a particular version
of WinPE. With a missing 6TB USB disk drive, the USB driver is likely
missing. The Optiplex 780 does not have USB3 ports - it is hard to explain
why the driver is missing on an Optiplex 780 (anything plugged into
a USB2 port, should be visible). If you are doing
this experiment on the XPS 8500, it has a USB3 port, and a really
old Macrium CD will not have the USB3 driver. The disk being invisible
using Macrium CD on the 8500 is easier to explain.

That might take WinPE 5 or WinPE 10 when making a new CD with
the recent Macrium versions. WinPE 10 has been around since about
2015 or 2016 or so.

Summary:

Optiplex 780 - hard to explain the disk not being visible.
- if it was visible, the size info could be wrong.

XPS 8500 - with old enough Macrium Rescue CD, the drive might be missing entirely.
This can happen if the USB3 driver is not available to the CD OS.

The WinPE version, can have a USB3 driver in it. While
Macrium offers to bind in a USB3 driver separately, usually
that's an advanced topic (finding the right driver format,
finding a driver, maybe they offer a driver in the kit, etc).

With a more modern WinPE choice, the driver is already there.
(Because it is part of the integrated OS booting kit.)

I tested with a WinPE 3.1 version and the 6TB USB disk was missing.
(I have a few 6TB drives for testing.)

While it is possible an enclosure might not be 6TB compatible,
we have the nice result in your GOOD picture, proving the USB enclosure
works. That's a relief.

Try building some new media.

If the Optiplex had a USB3 plugin card added to the slots,
then that would benefit from the modern WinPE versions as well.

Paul

[Robert in CA]

Success !

https://postimg.cc/8jNVwFfN

https://postimg.cc/SXMy3BSh

https://postimg.cc/V51YZZ2x

https://postimg.cc/0by9PMkZ

https://postimg.cc/w7rYzwbT

https://postimg.cc/CZj3jSMz

https://postimg.cc/t7rLdrbt

https://postimg.cc/zL1MD6w5

https://postimg.cc/r0fYJpBF

https://postimg.cc/PPpFWT2T

https://postimg.cc/fVQ5YXVf

When you say build new media do you mean Rescue CD's
for the 8500 and 780?

Many Thanks,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

It's true, on the 8500 it doesn't see the 3.0(blue)USB port when running
macrium so I have to wait till the screen goes black before I pull the
plug. I haven't tested it without the macrium running to see if I can safely
remove the plug.

The 780 see's the 2.0 connection(black) and lets me disconnect it safely
when not running macrium but it's the same way, it doesn't see the ports
during macrium but they are obviously working. They just don't let me
disconnect safely.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I'll try dismounting the external hd's by safely removing them
when I do the mrimgs tonight and let you know how it goes.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I checked and I made spare Rescue Cd's for the
8500 in 2022 and spare Rescue CD's for the 780
in 2023. Should I be using these or make new ones?

Robert

[Robert in CA]

I checked to see if macrium detected the external 6TB hd
before starting the mrimg and to identify the drive letter.

https://postimg.cc/DJcysrMH

The mrimg completed successfully

https://postimg.cc/kRB34W3x

https://postimg.cc/JymfXfC7

https://postimg.cc/9DHK36MP

Then I checked to see if I could safely disconnect
by clicking the lower right icon

https://postimg.cc/1g9dXDDf

I also checked the 8500 after it's mrimg to see if I could
safely disconnect by clicking the lower right icon.

https://postimg.cc/KRPQTRGL

I used the 2023 Rescue CD with the 780 and the 2022
Rescue CD with the 8500.

Robert

[Robert in CA]

What did you mean by building new media?

I thought maybe we could upgrade the 780 from 2.0 USB ports (black)
to 3.0 USB ports (Blue) but it doesn't seem like I would be able
because on the front with the USB ports it also has plug- ins for mic and
headphones although I don't use either. Similar to this configuration:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Restored-Dell-780-Desktop-PC-with-Intel-Core-2-Duo-Processor-4GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-10-Pro-Monitor-Not-Included-Refurbished/22394341?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=5787&adid=2222222222722394341_5787_155075802957_20717494264&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=678789797442&wl4=pla-2234362938896&wl5=1014127&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113945645&wl11=online&wl12=22394341_5787&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM5UDHynxvin3w7Lej-cSne9YcqQm_08Ajn_Z-UHatjfbr_rAYMGCZhoC840QAvD_BwE

Here's a shot inside the 780

https://postimg.cc/njvyX9xC

Thoughts/suggestions?

Robert

[Robert in CA]

Would it be possible to add RAMM to the 780?
Are the black slots at the top for RAMM ?

https://postimg.cc/gXBCMmbF

If so how much would they cost and what kind?
I would have to wait till the end of the month to do
this.

What do you think?
Robert

[Robert in CA]

We've moved the bookmarks and 'My Documents'
to the 780 and installed Word and Excel, and created
a simple volume of the 6TB external HD so it's now
functional, all with your good help.

I'm not forgetting your elegant solution for the start
switch for the 8500 with no soldering! I hid the switch
behind a faux optical drive panel so it keeps it clean and
out of sight. Now it starts all the time.

Before we may get cut off, I want to say thank you for
all you've done. You've helped me allot over the years
and built my entire backup system and helped me select
the 780.

What do you think about upgrading the 780 RAMM and
USB ports from 2:0 to 3.0? Is it possible?

What do you recommend I do at this point?

Many Thanks for all your good help,
Robert

[Robert in CA]

I forgot,

HD-Tune - http://www.hdtune.com/download.html (click on the trial to download?)

AdwCleaner - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

Imgeburn- http://www.oldversion.com/windows/imgburn-2-5-0-0

Agent Ransack - https://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/download/

GeForce Drivers - https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/drivers/

Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download

I'm missing a VLC player download, could you please provide one?

Thanks,
Robert

[Paul]

Post by Robert in CA
I forgot,
HD-Tune - http://www.hdtune.com/download.html (click on the trial to download?)
AdwCleaner - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/
Imgeburn- http://www.oldversion.com/windows/imgburn-2-5-0-0
Agent Ransack - https://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/download/
GeForce Drivers - https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/drivers/
Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download
I'm missing a VLC player download, could you please provide one?
Thanks,
Robert

There is a button on the main page, for a download.

https://www.videolan.org/

Paul