piclist-bounces@mit.edu wrote:
> Probably the best solution would be to restore the backup from just
> before the PREVIOUS device you installed.  Then pay careful attention
> to that device's install.  After you get all the hardware squared
> away then go ahead and restore your data from newer backups.

The issue was the size - 160MB, which isn't supported by Win98. Using
the driver allowed 137MB to be recognized. I knew about this problem,
but smaller drives were hard to find, and cost about the same.

> If you do not have a good history of backups, during the coming weeks
> as you try to recover, consider the importance of a good backup
> discipline. 

I appreciate you taking the time to help. Thank you!

I will end up doing one of two things. Either I remove driver and use 
even less of the drive (which offends my sensibilities), or see if I can
get a legal copy of a later version of windows through our IT department 
(we have some sort of extended licensing scheme  where employees can 
install certain windows software at home)

I would hardly have expected that adding a hard drive breaks the sound
card. The point was that I and Morgan Olsson were commenting on the 
'user friendliness' of windows and its drivers. Really, what kind of
OS breaks the sound card when installing a driver? Shouldn't have I
gotten some sort of warning during the install about a conflict? I 
have no control over what windows does during the install, and 
afterwards it's too late and I have to restore?

The issue for me isn't data backup. I archived all the data I wanted
to keep on CDR. What irks me is having to re-install all those programs.
And of course, I have to reboot once for each program that needs to be
re-installed. Honestly, if the software I needed were available under 
*nix, then I wouldn't bother with windows. I don't recall having to reboot 
my linux machine (this was many years ago) when I installed new software.
I don't think I had to reboot even when we remote-mounted a hard-drive
between UC and Penn State.

I don't want to get into an OS-bashing session, each has its pros and
cons. I was unable to get Mandrake to work on that machine, either.
But that was due to Mandrake not supporting my video card at that time. 
I actually pre-ordered it, literally hot off the press. I had intended
to ditch windows ~6 years ago but couldn't due to lack of hardware 
support. 

Again, thanks for your help and advice. I really do appreciate it.
This thread seems to have wandered far afield....

_______________________________________________
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist