UBCD4Win Forums > AutoStreamer Problems

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 12:56 AM

I attempted to use AutoStreamer to slipstream SP2 into my XP folder. I copied my XP CD into:
C:\XPCD
and downloaded the SP2 .exe to:
C:\Downloads\Microsoft\SP2

When I ran AutoStreamer, I browsed to my XP folder and AS correctly identified it. However, when I specified my SP location, AS said it was analyzing the .exe, but then, it locked up completely! I couldn't even bring up Task Manager. I could alt-tab to the other stuff I had running and exit that (all except for Windows Explorer) but could find no way to kill AutoStreamer. I had to resort to a hard power off. Needless to say, that didn't make me at all happy.

I guess I am one of the 10% of unlucky suckers for which AS doesn't work.

So, what I am wondering is if anyone has had any similar problems. I am not too keen on trying this again unless I am quite certain it won't happen again. I guess I could always try the slip streaming in Bart's PE.

By the way, the XP CD I copied is an upgrade CD, but I wouldn't think that would matter, as I have done full XP installs using it, and AS locked up when it was looking at SP2, not the XP folder.

Anyone have any ideas?

REM

Jun 30 2005, 07:03 AM

QUOTE(ajm @ Jun 30 2005, 01:56 AM)

I attempted to use AutoStreamer to slipstream SP2 into my XP folder. I copied my XP CD into:
C:\XPCD
and downloaded the SP2 .exe to:
C:\Downloads\Microsoft\SP2

When I ran AutoStreamer, I browsed to my XP folder and AS correctly identified it. However, when I specified my SP location, AS said it was analyzing the .exe, but then, it locked up completely! I couldn't even bring up Task Manager. I could alt-tab to the other stuff I had running and exit that (all except for Windows Explorer) but could find no way to kill AutoStreamer. I had to resort to a hard power off. Needless to say, that didn't make me at all happy.

I guess I am one of the 10% of unlucky suckers for which AS doesn't work.

So, what I am wondering is if anyone has had any similar problems. I am not too keen on trying this again unless I am quite certain it won't happen again. I guess I could always try the slip streaming in Bart's PE.

By the way, the XP CD I copied is an upgrade CD, but I wouldn't think that would matter, as I have done full XP installs using it, and AS locked up when it was looking at SP2, not the XP folder.

Anyone have any ideas?

AutoStreamer took about 30 minutes to identify my SP2 CD. I was working in the background editing .bmp screen captures, so I figured that this might have slowed the process down. I dunno.

The Autostreamer program "appeared" to be dead in the water during this time. The buttons were dead, I couldn't move or resize the box, the cancel button did not work, etc. I really thought it had locked up until the second run, which took a similar amount of time. Whatever the program was doing it did not want to be interrupted and showed no progress. It did work fine in the end though.

Have another run at it and be patient. Or, there is a commandline method of slip streaming that works well with SP1. This is listed in the directions here I believe.

Good luck!

stidyup

Jun 30 2005, 07:39 AM

Hi what Antivirus software are you using?

It could be that it's interpreting what Autostreamer is doing as a threat and is locking up your PC. Can you disable your AV. Have you got any other security software installed such as a firewall or Prevx? Again disable these.

If you can't disable your AV file, exclude this file from scanning, your AV software maybe trying to unpack the whole of the SP to scan each file this might be what is causing the lockup.

If you feel comfortable using the command prompt try the manual slipstream instruction here

I've just run Autostreamer and slipstreamed SP2 into my WinXP SP1 without any problems.

Did you download SP2 from here?

Is SP2 corrupt? Is the file size this = 272391 KB?

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(REM @ Jun 30 2005, 08:03 AM)

AutoStreamer took about 30 minutes to identify my SP2 CD. I was working in the background editing .bmp screen captures, so I figured that this might have slowed the process down. I dunno.

The Autostreamer program "appeared" to be dead in the water during this time. The buttons were dead, I couldn't move or resize the box, the cancel button did not work, etc. I really thought it had locked up until the second run, which took a similar amount of time. Whatever the program was doing it did not want to be interrupted and showed no progress. It did work fine in the end though.

Ack! 30 minutes?!? Well then, I would say the text in AS that says it could take "a few seconds" should be changed to say "this could take a long time and AS may appear frozen during this time" or something like that. Then, maybe, I wouldn't have freaked so much. I let the thing run for about 10 minutes or so, but when it says it will only take a few seconds (and the identifying step for the XP folder only did take a few seconds) well, it sure seemed to me to be hosed.

The problem is, the CPU was definately chugging, as my cooling fan kicked up a notch or two (I was running this on a Dell Inspiron 5150, which are known for heat problems) so I am not sure I want to stress my machine that much for half an hour. I was thinking I could use my work machine, but I don't know that I want that more or less unresponsive for half an hour either (hard to get work done that way).

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(stidyup @ Jun 30 2005, 08:39 AM)

Hi what Antivirus software are you using?

It could be that it's interpreting what Autostreamer is doing as a threat and is locking up your PC. Can you disable your AV. Have you got any other security software installed such as a firewall or Prevx? Again disable these.

If you can't disable your AV file, exclude this file from scanning, your AV software maybe trying to unpack the whole of the SP to scan each file this might be what is causing the lockup.

If you feel comfortable using the command prompt try the manual slipstream instruction here

I've just run Autostreamer and slipstreamed SP2 into my WinXP SP1 without any problems.

Did you download SP2 from here?

Is SP2 corrupt? Is the file size this = 272391 KB?

I am using Norton AntiVirus (should be the latest and greatest, as it came w/ SystemWorks 2005). I also have ZoneAlarm Pro running as my software firewall, as well as a hardware firewall in my router. I suppose I could disconnect from the Internet and disable all this stuff, but I am guessing that's not my problem, looking @ REM's post.

I downloaded SP2 from the link on the Downloads page. It seemed to have finished just fine, but I didn't compare the sizes - I will do that tonight. I don't suppose Microsoft provides an MD5 hash, do they?

Well, at this point, I am either going to try it again and just wait it out (hoping my laptop doesn't overheat in the process) or try it at work. If that doesn't pan out, I will try the slipstreaming tool in Bart's PE or do it manually.

Thanks for the help!

LittlBUGer

Jun 30 2005, 11:08 AM

I don't know why it took 30 minutes for someone before, but for me it only took a matter of seconds (maybe up to 1 minute) to identify the SP2 file (since it is a large file). And yes, it does seem to look like it locks up, when it really is analyzing the file. Then again, I have a beast for a machine and I wasn't doing anything else in the background, so who knows. I've never had any problems with AutoStreamer. But something of note, make sure you are slipstreaming SP2 into XP on a machine running XP or it may not work (that's not our fault, it's a bug in the software). Also, having your CPU maxing out for only 30 minutes is nothing and will ruin nothing on your computer. If you think that's dangerous, don't worry about it, that's what they are made for.

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 01:26 PM

QUOTE(LittlBUGer @ Jun 30 2005, 12:08 PM)

I don't know why it took 30 minutes for someone before, but for me it only took a matter of seconds (maybe up to 1 minute) to identify the SP2 file (since it is a large file). And yes, it does seem to look like it locks up, when it really is analyzing the file. Then again, I have a beast for a machine and I wasn't doing anything else in the background, so who knows. I've never had any problems with AutoStreamer. But something of note, make sure you are slipstreaming SP2 into XP on a machine running XP or it may not work (that's not our fault, it's a bug in the software). Also, having your CPU maxing out for only 30 minutes is nothing and will ruin nothing on your computer. If you think that's dangerous, don't worry about it, that's what they are made for.

Well, my Inspiron is a 3GHz P4 machine w/ 512MB of RAM (it's got a desktop CPU, but w/o Hyperthreading); certainly not a beast, but no slouch either. I am running XP, so that's not the issue. I had a couple of other things running, but nothing too memory-intensive. I don't know; maybe 'cause it's a Dell! Heck, seems like there a few other Dell issues w/ this stuff, so maybe? I guess that's why I chose not to use my Dell XP CD.

Oh, I am not concerned about maxing out my CPU per se. It's the additional heat output that results that I am concerned about. My model of laptop has known heat issues and many people have reported they shut down because of overheating when the CPU is taxed (thankfully, mine has never done that, but the fans can get cranking at times).

Oh well, maybe I will give it another shot. The only thing that concerns me is that I couldn't even bring up Task Manager to kill the thing; maybe if I just let it go long enough, I won't have to worry about it, but it's a little disconcerting thinking about the possibility of having to do another power off to recover. At least XP is more forgiving in that situation than the Win 9x operating systems.

Flynn

Jun 30 2005, 01:32 PM

I don't know if it helps much, but I had kind of the same trouble with SP1 network install (I tried it first cause it was already on my 2nd HDD). It took about 5min to ID, and about 45 to finish streamnig.

I downloaded the smaller (not networked version) of SP2 and the full process only took about 15 min.

I would check to see what type of Service pack you got eh

As for your PC, I wouldn't worry too much. I think you'll be safe. We work on Dell's here (ya, i'm at work right now

its a slow day) and to be honest the biggest trouble is vedio cards. Now if you had a GX 270 I'd tell you to make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy, I've actually seen blue and green fire come out of those

stidyup

Jun 30 2005, 03:00 PM

Hi ajm

Did event viewer give you any error messages when your system locked? You will find it in the administrative tools section of the control panel.

SteelTrepid

Jun 30 2005, 03:04 PM

Well....due to the fact that AutoStreamer wouldn't exist if it wasn't for me...I want to apologize and say I'm not sure what is going on. AutoStreamer was my idea and I helped with some of the context, other ideas, etc. I'm not good enough to actually program a great tool like AS, but I asked my good buddy to program it for me and I helped out with it.

AV software honestly is my best bet...as this has caused issues in other aspects of the project. While Raptor and I were creating this software I did mention to him that he should reword that part....as it took some time (maybe a minute or two) for my system back then to process it also (had a 1.6 P4 back then.) However it never took me 1/2 an hour on any system I've tested with for it to recognize the SP file.

Again, I apologize for the experience. Please try it again (on another system also if possible) and let us know what happens.

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 05:04 PM

QUOTE(Flynn @ Jun 30 2005, 02:32 PM)

I don't know if it helps much, but I had kind of the same trouble with SP1 network install (I tried it first cause it was already on my 2nd HDD). It took about 5min to ID, and about 45 to finish streamnig.

I downloaded the smaller (not networked version) of SP2 and the full process only took about 15 min.

I would check to see what type of Service pack you got eh

Well now, that brings up another question. I was using the full-blown SP2 .exe that the link on the UBCD4Win download page points to, but I am wondering if can I use the smaller version that is mentioned on the M$ site? Maybe that would help, if it's doable.

SteelTrepid

Jun 30 2005, 05:11 PM

I read that post also. That has me a bit perplexed.

I didn't think that was possible? I thought you always had to use the "full" or "network" install in order to slipstream?

I really haven't heard of it working until now. You could always try it, but I cannot confirm if it will work or if it will really create a "true" slipstreamed SP2 ISO image.

LittlBUGer

Jun 30 2005, 05:48 PM

The only versions I know of is the full network install, which includes everything, or if you want it to install just for your one computer (thus going faster since your one computer doesn't need everything), then you must go to the Windows Update website. I haven't seen or read of any other way to get SP2 (other than on CD, which is just the network install anyway...).

QUOTE(Microsoft Website)

Get the Service Pack

Download and Deploy Service Pack 2 to Multiple Computers
Download this version of Windows XP SP2 if you need to deploy it to multiple computers over a network.

Download and Install Service Pack 2 on a Single Computer
If you want to update only one computer, you should use Windows Update. This is designed specifically for updating a single computer.

Order the Service Pack on CD
If you would rather have Windows XP SP2 delivered to you on a CD, you can order it here.

Network install (full) file HERE.

ajm

Jun 30 2005, 10:53 PM

Well, heck if I know what happened the first time around, but for my second attempt, I made sure I wasn't running any other apps, and closed down as much stuff as possible from the tray (I did leave AV and my firewall running). When I tried AS again, it detected the proper SP in about 2 minutes! I guess I had too much other stuff going on at the same time for the first attempt.

The rest of the process went smoothly too. I am not sure how long the actual slipstream process took, 'cause I left the house after about 15 minutes with about 2 bars left in the slipstreaming process. So, I would guess it didn't take much longer after that.

In any case, I now have a complete UBCD4Win CD burned; now, I just have to test it out to see what this baby can do.

Thanks again for everyone's help! It's nice to know you can get quick and quality help around here!

stidyup

Jul 1 2005, 02:01 AM

Hi ajm

Could you tell us want programs you closed? It could be one of those that caused your problem.

Thanks.

ajm

Jul 1 2005, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(stidyup @ Jul 1 2005, 03:01 AM)

Hi ajm

Could you tell us want programs you closed? It could be one of those that caused your problem.

Thanks.

I don't remember all the stuff I had running in the tray, and I don't know if I will have time to look tonight before heading out of town, but what I recall is:
MSN Messenger
WinZip Quick Pick
several (like 3) apps from Dell for support
quick screen res changer (that might have been one of the Dell thingies)

(thinking about this, I should really kill a lot of this stuff permanently, as I rarely use it).

As for other apps that were running, I had a couple of IE sessions, 2 or 3 each of Windows Explorer and Notepad, and 2 instances of a light CAD program. If anything, I would suspect that last one, but I sometimes have as many as 8 instances of the thing running with no appreciable affect on my machine.

stidyup

Jul 1 2005, 07:52 AM

Maybe the CAD program was trying to use the CPU at the same time as Autostreamer, the autostreamer process is very CPU intensive so this may have caused the lockup.

ajm

Jul 1 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(stidyup @ Jul 1 2005, 08:52 AM)

Maybe the CAD program was trying to use the CPU at the same time as Autostreamer, the autostreamer process is very CPU intensive so this may have caused the lockup.

Well, I'm satisfied with that explination. Makes sense. I am just glad it worked the second time around.

ajm

Jul 1 2005, 09:06 AM

By the way, I think it would be a good thing to add a blurb to the AutoStreamer instruction section of the "How to Build" page about closing all other apps before running AS, since it is CPU intensive. That might save others from similar issues to what I ran into.