More Computer Problems... YAY!

[Anonymous]

So my friend is suggesting that I grab a new harddrive(he can supply one) and a new copy of windows... what do you guys think?

[Anonymous]

I think all you need is a copy of the windows disc. If I read what you said correctly you are trying to recover your files from another hdd, if this is true then I suggest just getting the windows xp disc and install it.

[Anonymous]

Is there a difference between windows xp update and just windows xp... cause windows xp update is $99 while windows xp is $199

[Eroz]

You have to have a copy of Windows XX in order to update from. Since you don't have the CD that came with the computer you would have to get the normal version for $199. Now to me this is where it get fuzzy, you could just download a copy of XP (from torrents/etc), when it tries to activate itself, it should say this key is bad, would you like to input a new key, when you click yes, you can use the numbers on the sticker you already have (the one that is normally on the side of your computer) Microsoft will accept that one and everything will work perfectly. And techinally all of this is legal, because you are using your liceses to Windows, and not the license that came with the download, and you agree to the End User LICENSE Agreement, not the End User CD agreement. (Basically the $199 is to purchase a license to XP, you should be able to call Microsoft and ask them for the Windows XP CD and get a copy (but your license won't pass the install, because it won't)).

[Anonymous]

well... i just took a look... there is no sticker with a key for windows anywhere on my computer... dunno what happened to it. My luck with computers lately has been horrible... =/

[Anonymous]

wait... the sticker was hiding in the back top of the case... tricky sob... well i'm bringing my computer case to a friends tomarrow he has a pirated copy of windows i can install and we'll just enter my key and I should be all set... sweet deal... thx for the help guys.... again lol

[Eroz]

You shouldn't be able to enter that key until your running in Windows, at which point the WGA (Windows something advantage) should say that key fail and will promt you for a new key, the one on your case should work at that point.

[likwidtek]

Ugh, I am sorry I didn't get here quick enough.  Well first questions first.  If the computer is still less than a year old first people you should call is your tech support.  So I would call compaq first.  

My experience with compaq machines is you have an option of doing a destructive or non destructive restoration.  Choose the full blown destructive blow out your machine restore.

If you are getting errors on a windows install that's a tell tale sign of hardware failure.  It's HIGHLY unlikley and DOUBTFUL that your restore image became corrupt.  Windows can't even tough that partition so it's not like malware infected it.  Before you go and nuke all the partitions on your harddrive you should run some hardware tests to make sure it's not a hardware issue first.  Once you blow out your partition you just tossed 100 bucks out the window.  That product key sticker will not work with any other copy of windows.

I highly recommend staying away from pirated windows if you are sitting on a perfectly good copy of legit windows.

[Eroz]

How the hell can you test for hard drive failure?

[Anonymous]

Just to update you guys on the situation... I left my computer in the hands of a few friends... they've fixed it... i am happy... yay... and uhh... i'll be getting it back this weekend =p

[likwidtek]

How the hell can you test for hard drive failure?

Who said testing for hard drive failure?  I said hardware failure.  Motherboard, CPU, PSU, RAM etc

Ven:

Glad to hear it works.  What was the issue?

[Anonymous]

I dunno... maybe something in the restore files was corrupted... But I got hooked up with a fresh install of windows XP and everything seems to be working fine. The key is working fine and everything. So I should be getting my comp back tomarrow and things will be back to normal for me in no time.

[Eroz]

How the hell can you test for hard drive failure?

Who said testing for hard drive failure?  I said hardware failure.  Motherboard, CPU, PSU, RAM etc

Ven:

Glad to hear it works.  What was the issue?

Isn't hard drive hardware?

FM, Fracking Magic.