Nov 21

I recently go another computer so I could start playing around with Window Vista 64 bit.  So far I like the look and feel but honestly I like speed better.  I want the speed in “windows” like I have with Classic Mode turned on with XP.

Here is a few tips (Go Classic!)

1.  Switch Taskbar to  Classic Start Menu - Right click on Start>>>Properties>>>Start Menu>>>Choose Classic Start Menu>>>OK

2.  Adjust for best performance - You should see a computer icon on your desktop…Right Click>>>Properties>>advanced system settings>>>Performance>>Settings>>>>(ADJUST FOR BEST PERFORMANCE)

3.  Right Click on your desktop>>>Personlize>>>Theme>>>Select Windows Classic

4.  Double click on computer >>>Tools>>Folder Options>>>Tasks>>>Use Windows Classic Folders.

More to come..

written by Brian \\ tags: , , , ,

Nov 20

Okay I got the barebones system without the 2nd hard drive and the upgrade Data Secure tm by Dell, well I still want to do RAID though!!!!

Here is what I got which pertains to this article:

Dell Inspiron 518
Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit
500 GB Seagate HD

Bought this which is the same exact Hard drive that came with it:

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 - Hard drive - 500 GB - internal - 3.5″ - SATA-300 - 7200 rpm - buffer: 32 MB (ST3500320AS)

You may want to check out my other article regarding the power supply I upgraded to:

http://www.highlogic.net/?p=268

So you have the hard drive, you and you have the right amount of power adapters and everything is in now what?? Get ready to wipe your system and reload Vista… WHAT?? Yes you heard me, if your system didn’t come with RAID enabled you will need to do this.

1.  Download the Floppy or CDROM driver for the Intel Raid Bios:

http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/

2.  Upon power on go into your system BIOS.  F2

3.  Advanced >>Drive Configuration>>>Configure SATA>>Ensure RAID is selected

4.  Save your settings by F10

5.  Restart

6.  CTRL-I - Intel Array

7.  Build your new RAID, (NOTE this destroys all system data)

8.  Exit

9.  Boot Dell Restore Disc, when it gets to partition time, make sure you select LOAD Drivers when it asks you where to install it.

10.  Load the driver off from CD or Floppy see above you should have it already see above.

11.  You will then need to load all your device drivers, I used the CD that came with it for the network card, then just download and install the latest from www.dell.com/support

12.  Download install the GUI:

http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/

12. My raid is building how about yours?

written by Brian \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , ,