Oh boy, this sucks

[Fearless888]

This is a really loaded question, but I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on a serious problem that just befell me in the past couple days.

Basically, I ended up having to reinstall windows on my computer, but I didn't realize that I didn't have the key code for authenticating my windows xp. Now I am stuck in this predicament with seemingly no way out.

I cannot uninstall the version of windows that the cd installed (because I have to enter the key code in order to get to the desktop), nor can I try to install a different version by overwriting it (because when I put a different windows disc in the computer asks for the other one).

Basically there is no way for me to fix the problem without getting the cd key, and there is no way to get the cd key. I am not computer savvy and I don't know if I need to get a new hard drive, motherboard, or what in order to start fresh and install a new version of windows. PLEASE HELP!!!

P.S. I can try to figure out what kind of motherboard and hard drives I have in my comp if that will help. Man this sucks.

 

[TahoE]

It wont be a motherboard issue. You could reformat the hard drive and install a different O/S w/ a CD Key. Is there not a CD Key on the disk case?

 

[Fearless888]

I have tried 4 different cd keys for that disc and none of them work. I have tried to use a different disc which has the cd key, but my computer asks for the disc which has no cd key. I basically have to bite the bullet and replace whatever part of my computer contains the OS and just start fresh. Is that the hard drive? If so, would I have to replace all 4 of them (I have 4 xms2 ddr 2 memory "sticks" which I believe to be the hard drive)? Again, if you need more info on my computer, because my explanation probably sucks, I have a notebook full of all the information on it. Thanks again.

P.S. I basically was that cartoon til 4 am last night tahoe. Heh. Sigh.

 

[Cut Chem!st]

I have tried 4 different cd keys for that disc and none of them work. I have tried to use a different disc which has the cd key, but my computer asks for the disc which has no cd key. I basically have to bite the bullet and replace whatever part of my computer contains the OS and just start fresh. Is that the hard drive? If so, would I have to replace all 4 of them (I have 4 xms2 ddr 2 memory "sticks" which I believe to be the hard drive)? Again, if you need more info on my computer, because my explanation probably sucks, I have a notebook full of all the information on it. Thanks again.

P.S. I basically was that cartoon til 4 am last night tahoe. Heh. Sigh.

No.. you don't need to buy a whole new hard drive just to get the OS off. Just boot from the windows xp disk and format the partition. Also, those sticks are ram not the hard drive.

Even if you clean install your still going to have to reinstall an OS, so you still need a key. What other version of windows do you own that you are trying to install? Look for the xp key, it should be on a sticker somewhere in the case.

 

[Fearless888]

That is the problem. I already completely uninstalled windows and formatted the partition and stuff with the disk which has no cd key. Now I can't boot my comp from the disk, it just continues on to try and finish the install.

Then, if I try to use a different disk (a disk for which I have a cd key) my comp just asks me to put in the other disk (the one with no cd key).

In other words, I have a disk that has a cd key, but I can't use it until I get rid of the windows that was installed using a different disk with no cd key. But I can't uninstall that windows or overwrite it because I have to finish the install with the cd that has no cd key (confusing, I know). So I am pretty sure I have to replace the part of my comp that has the OS installed on it (my comp won't let me do anything, even the f2 thing in the beginning where I can try to start in safe mode)

Oh, and about the different versions of windows. I accidentally used a 2002 windows xp version (that is the one with no cd key). I have tried all of the 2007 xp cd keys I have, but they won't work for that cd.

:facewall::facewall::facewall::facewall:

 

[Cut Chem!st]

That is the problem. I already completely uninstalled windows and formatted the partition and stuff with the disk which has no cd key. Now I can't boot my comp from the disk, it just continues on to try and finish the install.

Then, if I try to use a different disk (a disk for which I have a cd key) my comp just asks me to put in the other disk (the one with no cd key).

In other words, I have a disk that has a cd key, but I can't use it until I get rid of the windows that was installed using a different disk with no cd key. But I can't uninstall that windows or overwrite it because I have to finish the install with the cd that has no cd key (confusing, I know). So I am pretty sure I have to replace the part of my comp that has the OS installed on it (my comp won't let me do anything, even the f2 thing in the beginning where I can try to start in safe mode)

Oh, and about the different versions of windows. I accidentally used a 2002 windows xp version (that is the one with no cd key). I have tried all of the 2007 xp cd keys I have, but they won't work.

:facewall::facewall::facewall::facewall:

Set the bios to boot from disk drive? And what OS is the one that you have the cd key for. If it's another version of xp, it doesn't matter if it's the same disk, you can use different keys as long as they are all xp keys.

Trust me, you don't have to buy another whole Harddrive.. lol you just aren't booting from the cd right.

 

[Fearless888]

OMG. I was trying to use the cd key from my microsoft office cd. The cds look EXACTLY the same. God I am an idiot. But someone tried to let me use a couple xp cd keys earlier today and they didn't work either. I might have to break down and buy windows 7 since I can't find xp for sale anywhere anymore.

The xp version I have is the 2002 home version.

This is like a bad dream lol.

 

[Cut Chem!st]

OMG. I was trying to use the cd key from my microsoft office cd. The cds look EXACTLY the same. God I am an idiot. But someone tried to let me use a couple xp cd keys earlier today and they didn't work either. I might have to break down and buy windows 7 since I can't find xp for sale anywhere anymore.

The xp version I have is the 2002 home version.

This is like a bad dream lol.

Well, in the mean time set your bios to boot from the xp disk and format the partition again.

 

[Fearless888]

I am in the process of doing that right now. I have a cd key from a different windows xp home edition, which I tried earlier today and it didn't work. If that doesn't work I will have to buy another copy of windows xp. I have been looking and it seems that there are different versions of that as well. There are ones w/SP2 and ones w/SP3 and then it says one user. Should I be wary of buying xp off of the internet?


I appreciate your patience and help.

 

[Cut Chem!st]

Yes be wary and make sure it's a reputable dealer. If its around the same price as seven just get seven. The difference between the sp2 and 3 are just the services packs come pre installed 3 being the latest. Either way they update themselves to the newest so, 3 would just be less work. Make sure your set the disk drive to boot from bios and having the windows disk in the drive and not just putting in the windows disk because it won't let you boot just by putting it in halfway through an install. Also make sure your putting the key in exactly as they show, with the dashes if they have them. If you get a new os make sure to take the cd key off and put it on the same thing that is storing the disk or just leaving it in the case and putting it close to your computer. Your copy sounds pretty old so it's understandable you lost it.

 

[Fearless888]

I have finished formatting the partition. This time I know I am using a windows xp key (it is stuck to the case in which the cd came) but it says that the key is not valid. Will it not be valid if the key has been used on a different computer?

Oh, I don't know how to set the BIOS to boot from disk. I'm pretty sure that I have to press f2 before the comp starts up so I can get to the startup menu or w/e it's called, but then I don't know where to go from there, and I don't think my comp will let me get there now.

 

[Fearless888]

Looks like I am gonna have to get windows 7. 200 bucks ftl. Anything to get back to gaming I guess.

Thanks for the help chemist, I know I made this 10 times more difficult than it had to be.

 

[thebigrobbyrob]

Looks like I am gonna have to get windows 7. 200 bucks ftl. Anything to get back to gaming I guess.

Thanks for the help chemist, I know I made this 10 times more difficult than it had to be.

If its any consolation. you can get the windows 7 OEM for 100....

Its a long shot, but have you called microsoft and explained the "key not valid" issue? the may be able to help.

EDIT: Thanks Snipeye. the OEM is 100 and not 120 (the win 7 upgrade is 120)

 

[Snipeye]

Several things were being discussed in the thread, so I thought I'll try to clean up some of the posts and clarify the thread:

First off, as pointed out earlier by Cut was correct about your "harddrive" 4 sticks. Those are RAM sticks, Random Access Memory. HDD is the Hard drive. Opening up your computer, you'll see the small rectangular sticks on the motherboard, whereas the hard drive itself will be in a drive bay, connected to the motherboard only by a cable (IDE or SATA cable).

Second issue: You're not sure about using BIOS. Hitting F2 (or whatever the correct F# key is) will bring up the BIOS which is software built into the motherboard. You can always boot up the BIOS unless you somehow trashed the motherboard. Once at the BIOS, feel free to just look around, but don't save any changes you make unless you're sure about them. To make your computer bootup from the hard drive (or disc), you need to go to Boot Setup, and change the priority setup. Item on top is what the PC will first boot from, followed by the one below, and so on and so forth. If it's HDD1, F: Drive, HDD2; move F: Driev up before HDD1. Now you're gonna boot from the F: Drive (which is the CD drive hopefully).

Third issue: You were installing the wrong disk, but because it's an OS you're installing, certain version of XP/VISTA/Win 7 have a built in limit of how many times the OS Product Key can be used. Typically student versions have a set limit, other OEM products have one or two uses allowed. That's the issue you're hitting I believe. The product key was used once before, and since you're trying to reinstall with the same OS CD, it won't recognize the key as being valid.

Two methods of tackling this issue; get an unused product key from the Internet (which may be illegal), or contact Microsoft (recommended). Two ways of dealing with MS: Explain what happened, trying to reinstall Windows XP and the CD won't accept the attached product key and hope they'll give you a replacement. Or make up a reason for MS to actually issue you a new product key that's usable (A virus on the HDD trashed the OS, and having to reformat and reinstall Windows has worked before for some people).

Finally, you are paying wayyy too much for Windows 7. Here's a 64bit version of Win 7 Home that'll suffice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...116754&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-754-_-Product

Also, when you looked up for new Win XP keys. The various models have the server pack built in. Windows XP w/ SP2 is the recommended CD to get, because you can download and install SP3 on your own later. Get it pre-installed or use an hour to install it yourself.

 

[microwolf96]

Snipeye is correct.

However, you don't need Windows 7 if you don't want it. I found the Media Center Edition of Windows XP on TigerDirect for $100.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2571833&CatId=672

It's the same deal as Windows XP, but the it's been optimized for media, such as music, videos, recorded tv, and photos, meaning it'll load those much faster than a basic edition of Windows XP.

Also, before you go off buying anything, do what bigrob said and call Microsoft. They may be able to help you if you can get Windows to install with a "trial version" where it'll give you 30 days to use it, then you need to put in a key and you may be able to get it working over the phone. Also, if your computer doesn't recognize the internet adapter you're using, it may give you that error until you get the driver for the internet adapter you use installed inside the operating system. If you have a USB Thumb drive or a CD Burner + a blank CD, you can put the driver on that (unpackaged, .exe launcher ready to install) on to the disk/thumb drive and install it by pressing the key they tell you to press for 3rd party software installs (like drivers!) and install the drivers for your adapter there to minimize problems.

 

[Cut Chem!st]

I have finished formatting the partition. This time I know I am using a windows xp key (it is stuck to the case in which the cd came) but it says that the key is not valid. Will it not be valid if the key has been used on a different computer?

Oh, I don't know how to set the BIOS to boot from disk. I'm pretty sure that I have to press f2 before the comp starts up so I can get to the startup menu or w/e it's called, but then I don't know where to go from there, and I don't think my comp will let me get there now.

Sorry, fell asleep last night. Booting from the bios was just if you weren't able to get to boot from the xp cd the way you were using.

But yeah, either way you have to get a new OS. I mean, if you have the money just go ahead and buy 7, it's a lot nicer than xp.

 

[microwolf96]

Sorry, fell asleep last night. Booting from the bios was just if you weren't able to get to boot from the xp cd the way you were using.

But yeah, either way you have to get a new OS. I mean, if you have the money just go ahead and buy 7, it's a lot nicer than xp.

That is also if your computer can handle it without too much of a performance degrade. You have to take that into consideration with computers.

Some computers are designed around Windows XP, while others are around Vista or 7.

More people are comfortable with the sleek, simple look of Windows XP and don't want to move away from that. It's up to him. It's all personal preference and what your computer can handle when it comes to the OS.

[100th Post!]

 

[Snipeye]

Another caveat to remember with Windows XP:

" *Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows Vista SP2.

*Support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). For more information, see Learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Even if you have an unsupported version of Windows XP or Windows Vista without any service packs, Windows will continue to start and run as usual."

 

[Fearless888]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I went ahead and bought windows 7 before I could read the tips after I said I was going to do that though. I am pretty sure my comp can handle both versions of windows, as I bought it specifically for gaming.

But ugh! I discovered that I still had the same problems I was having in the first place (which made me begin this journey). However, at least windows 7 has told me what the problem was.

I am pretty sure that it was a graphics issue because when I tried to do something with animated graphics (the chess game provided by microsoft - I was waiting for tf2 to install) the game froze and went blank for a moment, and then came back. On the bottom right of my toolbar it said "Display driver stopped responding and has recovered." I had to download and redownload driver updates until I think I have gotten the issue under control, but I am not gonna count my chickens before they hatch.

Is it possible that my graphics card has been infected with a virus?

 

[Fearless888]

Sigh, I just tried playing tf2 and it worked for a second, but all of the boxes on egypt just said ERROR in big red block letters. Then my game crashed after like 2 minutes. Something is seriously wrong with my graphics card or video drivers.

Now, just as I finished typing this my comp bugged out again and gave me the same display driver message, except it had a different number for the driver. I am seriously about to throw my comp out the window and just go back to the n64.

As I sent this response, what I can only describe as a pixelated red fog took over my screen. I could still see the internet browser, but a thin fog of red pixels spanned my entire computer screen. Then the screen went blank and my comp shut down to protect itself from being damaged or losing data or something.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be?