Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (
More info?)
Stefaan A Eeckels <tengo@deletemeecc.lu> wrote:
> On 07 May 2004 08:55:24 GMT
> Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:
>
>> While there is some legitimate need for recovery CDs, IMO the 'need'
>> is often blown out of proportion.
>
> Granted. Driver CDs (instead of hidden partitions) are much
> more important.
The HP systems I used all had their drivers and other 'added-value'
software etc. in one directory (tree). Very convenient, *if*, in case of
a crash, you have backup.
> Still, this is a bit like a car manufacturer
> not supplying a second key because most people never lose
> their car keys (and it saves them a few bucks).
> <aside>
> As a matter of fact, I'd prefer a real OS license rather than
> something keyed to a particular brand, but hey, we all know
> we're dealing with a convicted monopoly abuser.
> </aside>
>
>> One also needs backup of one's *own*
>> stuff (i.e. 'data', configuration information, installed freeware, etc.)
>> and, for all intents and purposes, one needs crash-recovery backup. In
>> case of a crash, it is not practical for Joe User to re-install all his
>> software, reconfigure every of the zillion [1] settings which he has
>> set/changed over the last months to years (and restore his (data)
>> backup).
>
> This points to a major flaw in the architecture of Windows.
> Installed applications should not be tied to the registry,
> and all setting should be saved in the application's area.
> Given that we're saddled with the registry 'till kingdom
> comes, applications ought to write a copy of their registry
> entries to a file (and maintain a storage area in each user's
> environment) so that applications can be backed up and
> restored individually.
Yes, the configuration stuff is all over the place, in the registry,
in system directories, in application directories, sometimes
system-wide, somtimes per-user, etc..
For fun have a look at System Restore. It *thinks* it knows where
everything is and says/implies you will not lose your personal files if
you do a System Restore to a previous Restore Point. Well, that works
*if* 1) you are Joe Luser and only put your personal files where MS puts
them by default *and* 2) use only MS stuff. If you violate one of these
'rules' you *will* lose you personal files. The *MS* *system* will work
perfectly in its previous state, just without your stuff, minor point!
:-(
>> When people have proper backup, including crash-recovery
>> backup, they normally do not need recovery or/and driver CDs. (Yes,
>> there are exceptions, but they are very rare and solvable with
>> third-party software.)
>
> Correct. And a humble suggestion to the lads from Redmond
> is that the next version of Windows should include a backup
> facility that creates a crash-recovery CD (let's finally drive
> a stake though the floppy drive's heart) and correct backups.
What again where you saying about "a convicted monopoly abuser"?