Al_B on 19/9/2009 at 14:35
Quote Posted by Enchantermon
By the way: if I start Windows normally, I can't log on unless I agree to activate Windows via a popup displayed when I click my username. Do you think that maybe the activation process is doing something wrong since I'm trying to repair Windows with a different copy of XP than the one that came installed on the computer?
The biggest problem I've encountered is when using a retail CD for an OEM installation or vice versa and only because it would refuse the product key. Since you've got past that point it should be ok.
The fact it's asking you to activate is normal - just do the activation and you should be able to log in. Of course, you may need to do this using the telephone if your network drivers aren't operating correctly.
Enchantermon on 19/9/2009 at 14:42
Quote Posted by Al_B
The biggest problem I've encountered is when using a retail CD for an OEM installation or vice versa and only because it would refuse the product key. Since you've got past that point it should be ok.
When I use the retail CD, I'm entering the retail product key, by the way. It won't accept the OEM's key (I got my dad to read it to me over the phone).
Quote Posted by Al_B
The fact it's asking you to activate is normal - just do the activation and you should be able to log in. Of course, you may need to do this using the telephone if your network drivers aren't operating correctly.
Oh, I know that it's normal. The problem is that it has to log in to show me the steps for registration. It will let me log in if I tell it that I want to activate Windows, but then when I get in XP hangs, showing only my background as before.
EvaUnit02 on 19/9/2009 at 15:07
Quote Posted by Enchantermon
No, no, sorry for confusing you. I want XP available as a backup in case I can't get some things running under 7, like SS2 (primarily, since I'm working with CCP), Thief, and my older DOS-based games.
Once I get XP fixed, I want to wipe my Vista drive and install 7.
And you can't upgrade XP to 7, anyway.
Then do a clean installation of XP too? It should take away all of the headaches that you've been having. I know that things are more complex with laptops since you often have to deal with specifically optimised drivers, but even so it can't be that difficult to find the ones for your hardware?
I'd just create a slipsteamed SP3 disc using (
http://www.nliteos.com/) nLite + (
http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/) RyanVM's update packs (+ some of your drivers that are compatible with nLite's integration process) and there shouldn't be any trouble.
I personally would also integrate the latest versions of IE + WMP, even if you hardly use them.
Enchantermon on 19/9/2009 at 15:14
Yeah...I've just been trying to avoid that, since it would mean reinstalling programs and digging out all of my old files from the backup I made. I may end up doing that, though, if there's no other option.
EvaUnit02 on 19/9/2009 at 15:31
Quote Posted by Enchantermon
Yeah...I've just been trying to avoid that, since it would mean reinstalling programs and digging out all of my old files from the backup I made. I may end up doing that, though, if there's no other option.
No offence, but how many days have you wasted in trying to revive this XP partition now? Exactly.
Of course, I base my experience in these matters on those with desktop computers - but I can't foresee it being too much more difficult with laptops, surely?
Enchantermon on 19/9/2009 at 15:58
You know, I thought about that when typing out my last post, and figured you'd probably bring it up.
You're right, of course. I have a working OS that I can use to find and download the drivers I need.
The only thing that's holding me back (that I can think of) are all of the e-mails and e-mail addresses I had in Outlook...I need to look into the possibility of recovering them.
EDIT: Well...(
http://email.about.com/cs/outlooktips/qt/et102102.htm) that was easy.
Okay, one last call. Any other ideas? If not, I'll wipe and reinstall tonight, and then work on getting everything else back in order tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Oh, and thanks for the tip on installing games and such, Eva. I didn't know that.
TBE on 19/9/2009 at 17:48
Enchantermon, google Win XP 9-in-1 and you'll find correct media for your need. Think Torrent, and avoid thepiratebay.org for your download. I think it's ridiculous that honest people with licenses for Windows have to go through great lengths when their media has become scratched, lost, or whatever, and need a new CD for installation. If you don't have the correct media type for your license, try downloading this XP install disc. You'll need to burn it to a CD. After installation of your proper type of license, i.e. OEM, Retail, Pro, Home, etc., then use (
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/) Magic Jellybean Key Finder to change the Product Key to your legitimate key. Do this before trying to activate your software. Microsoft won't let you activate the license keys on the CD that this includes. So this is not a permanent solution to people who want to pirate XP. The OS installs with over-used included keys, and you need to change it to your product key, else it's useless in 30 days.
It will take about 8 hours to 1 day to download usually. I had it before, and then my 9-in-1 CD became scratched. I've downloaded it twice, it works fine. This CD is nice to have when your friends want you to reinstall Windows, and they lost their CD. :thumb:
Enchantermon on 19/9/2009 at 19:06
Hmm...thanks, but I really don't want to mess around with legally questionable software, even though I have a valid XP license (two, now, actually). I'll keep this in mind, though, if I ever end up in a bind when I really don't have access to a legal CD.
EDIT: Okay, I did it. I wiped and reinstalled Windows. As expected, everything seems to be fine.
Thanks again for your help, guys; it was much appreciated. :thumb:
