I've just downloaded Norton Ghost 9.0 (upgrade from v2003). It arrived as an ISO file which I am instructed must be burned first to a CD-R before I can use Ghost 9.0. Presumably I have to buy a CD writer now! If so, it will be an external one using USB. Both USB ports are in use although there is a fatter port next to it (you can tell I'm a layman). Can someone kindly confirm I need to buy a CD-writer and any recommendations? TIA

Bones

Yes you do need a CD writer, although there may be a way round it. If you buy a USB one then you need to buy a USB hub that will split a USB port into four. Connect your CD writer directly to the computer though.

Make sure that the software that comes with it is capable of burning ISO images a common one is Nero which is OK, I don't know about others. Don't use cheap disks for ISO images.

Why do you want a USB writer?

Do a Google search for "IsoBuster". I believe that this program can extract files from the ISO image file direct to your hard disk. IsoBuster is on free trial but there are some smaller free programs around.

Edit

If you end up buying a CD writer, why not go for a DVD writer instead?

Optimist - many thanks for taking the time to help. I'll buy a DVD writer. The Ghost Readme says Nero Burning Rom and Roxio Easy CD Creator will both burn the ISO image so I'll ensure it comes with one of those. No, I have no reason to specify a USB writer, I just assumed it would come with USB if it were external.

The Ghost requires a CD for a boot disk function if ever I needed to recover the program so I won't get ISOBuster.

Thanks again.

thanks guys (so far)

Have tried all the above except the sound card bit because it looks like that is fixed to the mother board. If I am looking in the right place, behind where the speakers (5.1) plug in then it is a silver cube type fixed to the mother board. There is no siginal getting through to the screen.
If I end up going to an independent what should I be looking for and asking to try to find a decent one and not a cowboy.
Your help / advice is really apreciated as this stuff tereifies me.
Doc Pro I havent ruled them out yet, its just the distance........Graeme.

Graeme

You have a problem there.

I would suggest that you go to one of the rapidly disapearing privately owned computer shops, but beware there are cowboys around. Question them and if possible watch them while they look it over. Buy them a drink.

Your problem must be either something left off or in the wrong place, a faulty motherboard or less likely, the power supply.

All you need is someone who knows what they are doing, has a work bench and a few bits to swap over to identify the fault.

Even if you have damaged the MB that should cost less than 100 + time.

Taken the plunge, found small operation (Operates out of converted G/F Flat).
The man on the phone was polite, helpful and was willing to have a look after I gave him the history. Have just dropped it off and he will try to look at it tomorrow and then let me know the cost. I got a good first impression so I hope I am right, I will update you on the outcome........Any one fancy a Guess for a bit of a laugh.
I recon I have done something stupid and 99 (hopefully not more)
Thanks again for all the help, Graeme.

Good Luck Graham.
Right!My next problem.
Im using a Matrox g550 dual head.When you watch a video you cant get it to stretch across both screens.The right hand screen just goes black.
Any ideas?

I think it's just a limitation Iain, mine does the same.

Thanks Anyway Kayak.Kids wanted to get their PC games to stretch across both screens.
Ill break it to the gently.
Many thanks as usual

GOOD NEWS.........
Well it is as far as I am concerned.
I haven't killed it I only wounded it......
It was the power supply 40 +vat.
Graeme.

I'm experimenting with a Linux machine.

Does anyone know of any free/cheap software that will enable me to log on to the Linux GUI from Win XP?

Optiomist I assume you mean X-Windows? I cant remember the one I used to use but I will post it if I can find it! I have heard that cygwin is OK but I have never used it. http://x.cygwin.com/

The commercial Xwindows manager for Windows are fairly costly.

Optimist,

install VNC server on the linux server and connect to it usinog the VNC view on your windows box.

Spaceman

Many thanks for the Cygwin link I'm trying to install it now.

John

I looked at the VNC connection but it appears to only connect to an existing running desktop. Is that correct or have I missed something.

What I want to do is hide the Linux machine with no keyboard or monitor.

Optimist,

That sounds correct.

You will need to start X on boot (set it to run level 5), and rather than having VNC connect to screen 0:0, connect to 0:1, that should give you a seperaet workspace to the main computer.

This is all from memory as I have not used vnc (server) on linux in a long time.

Further to posts 2187 - 2189, I've now got the DVD writer and it is fine. It has burned the ISO file delivered by Symantec. HOWEVER, Whichever drive I use, the ISO file brings the following response from Windows:

"Windows cannot open this file: Ghost900Personalen.iso. To open this file, Windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go online to look it up......blah blah"

Only it directs me to places like ISOBuster (as Optimist mentioned) all of which are in jargon I daren't mess with.

There must be a way round this. Surely Symantec can't have envisaged this basic problem? Their own support system is rubbish so I am getting no help from their auto online stuff and they say they charge $29.95 for any technical advice not caused by their products. I am not certain this is a Symantec problem or not. Windows cannot read an ISO file and that seems to be that.

Any clues anyone?

TIA

Bones, you appear to have transferred the ISO file to the CD as a file, i.e. as a single file accessible from the normal file system. What should be happening is that the CD burning program should be interpreting the ISO file as an image of the CD and using it to recreate the original CD. There is no doubt an option to do that on Nero or whatever you're using. If you can't find it I'm sure one of the experienced CD burners will pop along in a minute.

Interesting point Kayak and thanks. I am sure I followed the instructions in the Readme doc. It said click "Burn" and it is the Nero program. It took 7 minutes to copy the 343mb file. As you surmise, I get the very same icons in the DVD F drive as I do in the C drive. I'll have to give it another go during daylight hours.

Thanks Kayak.

Bones

Open Nero. If you use Nero Express select Data Disk.

Click File/Open and change the file type to ISO. Navigate to your ISO File and click Open. This should bring up a window with the Burn option.

SUCCESS! Thanks Optimist and Kayak for your help. Much appreciated!

Bones