I have 2 problems with Windows XP mixed content window, when I plug an external Hardisk or a USB stick. First, my old PC, no longer shows the option to Open Folders. I tried to reset the default values and also ran an application found on the web to repair autoplay and it did not work. Second, my brand new PC, opens the mixed content window and shows the option to open the folder. However, the window closes itself after aprox 15 seconds. If I click on open folders prior to closure, Windows Explorer opens, but will also close itself after 15 seconds. To recap, first problem is an incomplete list of options in the mixed content window, and second problem is sort of a time-out setup for the same window. thank you for any help.

2008 PC from HP(old compaq name)
RECOVERY this PC ,per the book. (Ive done it)
this PC has a working F11 key if the HDD not bad, not changed out or the F11 partitions not damaged,
Power on hit F11 per the service manual. page 141
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01613452

CD boot fails
to boot to CD you must hit a key, called hit any key
to boot CD (aka. offically El Torito spec, wiki that and learn this)
If you dont hit (I use the huge space bar so easy to reach)
then no CD boots ever. by DESIGN. on new PCs that is true
and now you have to turn off SAFE BOOT too.
so those rules are first.
some PC, even make me hit (HP) the space bar to boot USB sticks this too is a fact. so do that.


my guess F11 is dead so you used discs, unstated disks , no HP disks (RIGHT>?)

XP the dead OS, this means adding things, , to the PC.
will fail. XP plug and play is dead, for vast things now for 3 long years, since MS ended this support. why not upgrade XP
to W7?

Old PCs do not like to boot , to external drives, its modern IDEA that (2008 is not too old,but IDK , if yours has it)
If you did boot to CD , inside or outside
XP (from MS ,not HP) will ask you to find drivers, and tell you to hit F6 and insert a floppy, tell me how you can get past here?
you cant, using NON HP install medial
XP is 2001 disks, 16 years old laying about. from MS
and guess what it cant see your HDD. due to no SATA drivers.
so the path you are on is full of pitfalls. see?

a modern feature in BIOS,its 100% a features of BIOS to boot any USB or External drive, (but eSATA might boot , not you no esata)
you posted with no mention of what external drive you have.
USB , esata, or what? Im guessing USB cable external drives.
the External drive needs a power pack to run right i most cases.
in bios, go to ALL screens, power on hammer F10
Setup bios is F10, go to all screens and turn on all USB features.
then change boot order to.
CD (hit space bar to boot CDs or DVD)
USB (hit space bar to boot USB devices (any key = space bar)
HDD.
then if all that above shows up F9 can be used to override above.

F9 only works if and only if.
1: bios supports it,! (IDK)
2: bios, has all USB features turned on, in other pages in BIOS.
including USB boot , turned on, if seen there. it must be on.
Enabled!
3: F9 only changes boot order this time, it does not enable features, that do not exist. ever.
why in the world not get a good CD/DRIVE. its like $10 used on ebay, pocket change, no?
or install with USB sticks?

there is legacy USB setting in BIOS, turn that on.
I can not teach you BIOS. (ive seen them all, so know this.)
but not yours, HP chances them like the weather, like the changing of the wind, directions. makers of BIOS changed 4 times!
and upgrades on BIOS changed on some HP PC, 10 times. or more. so I know NOTHING here, nor will most others due to that FACT. (unless theirs, is same as yours exactly)
only you can can explore BIOS, page by page and see what is there.
Test 1. (all techs have this in there KIT)
boot from USB stick, NOT external DVD drive)
if this fails doing DVD external boots is not possible.
find say any ISO for Unbuntu 17 linux, and burn the USB stick
using rufus. the boot the stick (fail now)?????????


that is the test for USB boot if that fails the PC is too old
and only fixing your bad DVD drive is the only cure.
Do not run XP with out SP3, once you have it running
XP has 700 exploits, and is a virus magnet.
never use XP is the best answer, but you you are not there yet.
so only BIOS matters now, that and only that NOW>
if the USB test 1 above works, I would.
id buy W7 from microsoft.com
the burn a stick
then load w7 , now it has future.

this PC is supported by HP in W7
here is the proof here

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-compaq-6730s-notebook-pc/3687778


never run XP or VISTA today, 2017, they are now officially dead.

Learn that booting is a function of BIOS not windows.
windows is a goal and is only startup files to load windows.
booting happens at the lowest levels ,in BIOS.
BIOS has code in my newer PC to boot to any USB device.
but not external drives.

tricks for compaq old
6730b the CD is called,
'Notebook Upgrade Bay'
(odd name that)
but I have a SDD in mine so not so odd !
trick 2, is some compaq change sata to IDE or the CD will not boot. (sad no?)_
BTW my HP laptop can boot to both bays, HDD and upgrade bay
both bays in mine are SDD. one is w10 other is Ununtu 17.
booting to external drives are the most difficult tasks of all
some do , some dont.
but I always start with a stick first. test that , for booting
then go wild with external drives. (booting )

this is all for now, we can peel the onion as deep as you want, ask.

Hello,

Kindly Try this:
1. Restart your PC
2. Repeatedly Press F9 (Window must appear with list of Drives on it)
3. Choose the drive where your OS is installed.

Hope that this help.

Else give me feedback for me to get back to you.

yah you must buy a Y-USB cable for your external hardisk. this is connection both ends are one is for hardisk and the other two cable is for USB slot of computer. why it two wires connection to usb because one wire is for Data and the other is for Power. If doesn't work..it might be a problem in your Operating system. i recommend to you to reinstall your Windows OS.. theres a 4 reasons why it happen appear the error... deffective USB cable..corrupted driver of USB device for seagate, virus infected of your systems..and maybe your hardive is deffective. Please rate if this is HELPFUL..thanks

Tricky one, ive you have a external usb cdrom drive , maybe, or if you can take hardrive out and set it up on another laptop install your xp and also place copy of all drivers required onto it, then put back into the toshiba., dont know what else could help you here. hope this helps in some way.

install XP next to win 98 on a separate partition, XP will automaticlly create a bootoption. If not possible, install XP over win98. documents etc will remain intact if you have enough diskspace.

If both are no option, create a backup from windows98 and than copy that one to any USB drive. Backing up from 98 takes veryvery long and so doesn copying to USB.

run AutoFix.exe
download clik here Windows XP autorun repair wizard

Applies to:
Windows XP with Service Pack 2

Requirements
Windows XP with SP2

window.google_render
File Size
0.1MB

File Name
AutoFix.exe

Author/Supplier
Microsoft

Description
Windows XP was designed to make it simpler to identify content on CDs or DVDs, and assist in launching the correct program to open or view the files. For example, insert a movie DVD and Windows XP should show options for programs that can play a DVD. Unfortunately things can go wrong - settings get altered and the autorun no longer wants to be your friend. This free tool can help diagnose and repair autorun problems in XP. It is a tiny download and doesn't require installation. Simply double-click the exe file, click a few buttons (OK, some options are a little cryptic) and you can change or repair your Windows XP autorun options.

u can use usb cddrive without update bios but unlike later versions of windows where you just plug it in and it detects it you will have to use an instalation disk for system to recognise device same with usb stick.
what mem do u have and consider xp (need at least 40meg to install)if u can fit 256 or higher ur laughing mem cheap as buttons these days.

hi there

have you tried looking at the device manager?
you can also try transfering it to different usb ports.

hope this helps

I appears the volume may have been corrupted. YOu should run data recovery on the drive if you need any of the content. If not reformatting the drive, should restore it. If the contents are not important, or you have it backed up, go ahead and connect it to the MACINTOSH and format it for MS-DOS.

Unless it is physically damaged ( clicking, beeping, knocking ) it shoud be usable.


Hope this helps.