Computer problem

Hi, Sorry to hear of your problems with your computer. I get the impression you are reluctant to update your Windows operating system, (in your Post Script you say "please don't make me upgrade to SP2 or SP1a" No one will try to force you to do anything you don't want to do, but in my view it's so important that you do install them that it's an obvious first step. Do you have a particular reason why you don't want to update? Regards paws

well i bought my computer from my aunt with everything already installed, and well wenever i try updating to sp2 or sp1a it says that i have an invalid cd key, and she didn't leave behind any cds for me, and i do not want to go buy my own windows xp because i have a lot to lose if i reinstall windows xp, programs that i can never get back because i don't have any cds for them. now is there a way to fix these problems? thanks

Hi, Sorry to hear that you are getting a message that cd key is invalid. If you cannot find the correct key then it would be best to contact Microsoft, explain the situation to them and see if they can assist you. Regards paws

Download, install, Run - Belarc Advisor, here: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Click on Software Licenses (left-hand column)

It will display your "installed" operating system and the Product Identification Key (alphameric) that was used at the time of install.

If that Product Identification Key is bogus/corrupt/pirated, then Microsoft will not allow you Validate to download product updates. If it is accurate/non-pirated, then maybe you will have some leverage in getting an installation CD from Microsoft (only if it is a full-retail version).

Caveate: You say your Aunt "built" the system, and then sold it to you?…. Microsoft Rules state that OEM builders are responsible to provide ongoing Operating System help, and that MS will not provide such help.

However, if the machine is "store-bought" and a Name Brand, then you can apply to the Manufacturer to have them send the installation CD. I did that a few months back and received a brand new installation CD for about $9.00 shiping and handling only. A customer of mine just did the same with Compaq and received the Compaq version of XP installation for $35.00.

Maybe you can too.

p.s. Operating System installation CD's are supposed to accompany the machine when sold, to avoid this type of problem.

Best Regards

is it possible to buy a new windows xp pro package and install it with deleting any of my personal stuff on my computer (ex: games, vidoes, music, etc.)? and can you atleast tell me why certain folder close after keeping them open for 15 seconds, why windows movie maker freezes, and why do i always get an error message wenever my computer starts up? thanx PS: how do i know if my cd key is bogus?

"Fast Search" "could" be part of the reason:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=307817
But you could be "dead in the water" if you attempt to make the recommended changes without the XP installation Disk.

This "could" be part of the reason.
http://forums.support.roxio.com/lofiversio…ex.php/t87.html
But without the XP installation CD (and possibly Roxio installation program) you could be "dead in the water" if you try to do what they recommend.

PS: how do i know if my cd key is bogus?

When you go to Microsoft Updates, you will ordinarily be asked to participate in the MS Genuine Validation Program to assure your MS Operating System is valid and not pirated (or already registered to someone else's machine.) (A possible problem "may" be that your aunt sold your machine to you, and then built a second computer and activated it with the very same XP disk that was used on your machine) If that machine gets activated/registered/validated by MS before yours, then yours is "pirated."

One step in the Validation routine allows the owner/user to type in the Product Identification Key. Do So.
You'll be either validated or rejected.
Here's their "how to tell" page:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtote…ws/default.mspx

If you run into "rejection" or some other problem status, you "might" benefit from submitting your situation to Microsoft, here: http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx
And ask for a solution.

I would not recommend installing a New Retail Version "over-top" of your present Operating System and "hope" that I wouldn't lose all the other installed application programs.

Your new XP might identify that your machine already has XP with a different Product Identification Key and refuse to install without complete re-format.

You new XP might install, and cause application program loss due to new registry configurations.

Or, it might work. (but I haven't done this procedure, while trying to save data and applications)
Perhaps a "Repair Installation" would work, but MS always recommends backing up data and list of Drivers at the very least to guard against permanent loss of data, etc.

I wish I had a "sure-fire" safe solution for you. I don't.
Hopefully a more knowledgeable Member will come along with a better recommendation.

Best Regards