XP cheapest place to buy ?

leesmithg

Eagle_1 wrote:

ok apologies, I did feel like you were taking the mickey. I said dont ask me about system so people wouldnt ask me things which I aint got a clue about.

I have Microsoft windows XP Professional, 2002 with service pack 2. I started having problems approx 2 months ago after I tried to download updates. My main problem is my screen just freezing and wont allow me to do anything or my PC just shuts off and restarts.
I have McAfee anti virus on but have not been able to do a scan because every time I try the system freezes. I even tried to do a free online scan but again cant do a full scan.
I have been told that my problems are most likely to be the fact that I cannot install updates and was advised to purchase a genuine one so i can install updates.

Thanks.

edit to add the PC man still has not called round so I have now given up on him.

Correct me if I am wrong, you want to buy an operating system as you think it will sort out your current problems?

Uninstall the antivirus and reinstall it after a reboot. If still problems uninstall it again and then do below:

Do a repair install, when done and run windows update and reinstall drivers.

If you still have a problem save all your important files, documents, music, video etc and format and do a new install.

Don't waste your money.

Donnie

Didi you ever get a 'nag screen' asking you to get a genuine licence for Windows?
I've never heard of someone's computer freezing because they can't download updates.
Perhaps you have downloaded a Trojan/Virus or some such.

Thinking....

Eagle_1

Donnie wrote:

Didi you ever get a 'nag screen' asking you to get a genuine licence for Windows?

yes, that was a few weeks back saying my version was not authentic or something to that effect.

This guy told me I was having problems because I could not download updates, patches etc ? In all honesty he did give me some other jargon but thats way over my head.

Thanks for the help guys but I think it might be best calling another pc doctor and get him to sort it for me.


lee, see above

superscaper

Where did you get your pc from? it does sound like you've got an illegal copy of xp, in which case either your pc dealer owes you a legitimate copy or you do need to buy your own.

Eagle_1

superscaper wrote:

Where did you get your pc from? it does sound like you've got an illegal copy of xp, in which case either your pc dealer owes you a legitimate copy or you do need to buy your own.

ok thanks. I did buy from a shop and he mentioned something about not downloading updates (which I did) :eek:

Thanks again

superscaper

Well if you were told not to download updates then he knew he was passing off an illegal copy. A legitimate copy of windows should solve all your woes (well your computer ones anyway). Up to you whether you want to press for the guy to stump up a proper copy (unlikely) or just buy your own as recommended by other posters.

Donnie

You don't need to change your copy of XP in order to get the update/patches etc.
Ironically, it's one of the updates that you downloaded that produces that 'nag screen.

It was called the WGA Notification Tool.

Needless to say, I 'unchecked' that box before I downloaded the update.

You should remove it. http://www.firewallleaktester.com/removewga.htm or http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/04/26/disable-and-remove-windows-genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/

Also there are other ways of downloading patches and updates. E.g. http://windizupdate.com/

superscaper

If it's an illegal copy then the real issue is that she should replace it with a legal copy rather than try to circumvent microsoft's authenticaion checks.

Donnie

Erm...yes. But what if that isn't the cause of her problem?

Not need for me to pontificate about her buying a 'genuine' copy.

I'm simply trying to diagnose the problem by process of elimination.

leesmithg

Microsoft will give you a genuine key as long as you pass on certain details and fit their criteria, speak with them after speaking with the retailer and telling him/her that the licence they sold you is pirated.