Problem with Windows validation on Advent 4211-B

Donnie

dave461 wrote: »

If you've restored the xp serial is a pc world one and will not allow you to register it. You need to type the code in off the xp sticker on the bottom of your pc. I've got an advent 4211 (original) with msi bios and broadcom wifi card, had to go through online activation after 1st msi bios update and wifi change, didnt need to after upgrading the harddrive or ram though.

He can't see the code, it has worn off.

Browntoa

have managed to boot with the 2nd cd, which option do I need on that one ??

Browntoa

think its going in the bin........or on ebay for parts, looks like its refusing to play ball

Browntoa

hold on, will boot again..

Donnie

Browntoa wrote: »

have managed to boot with the 2nd cd, which option do I need on that one ??

Do you get exactly the same options that you did on the 1st disc? I can't replicate your problem at the moment.
As to the initial program, what exactly was reported?
Please don't give up so easily. The problem can be easily fixed. It's just not as easy doing in via PM without being able to see what you can see.

I'm also wondering if someone had already updated the BIOS, before you received it. As the BIOS on the Advent/Techguys website is different from the one currently installed....which may explain the mismatched activation details.

Browntoa

under 11, oem strings

Type :0Bh (11)
Length :
05h (5)
Handle :0022h
count : 01h (1)
OEM String 1 : to be filled by OEM

Browntoa

seems to be running crystal DMI ??


I suspected that possibly the bios had been updated

Donnie

Browntoa wrote: »

under 11, oem strings

Type :0Bh (11)
Length :
05h (5)
Handle :0022h
count : 01h (1)
OEM String 1 : to be filled by OEM

That is not the result from the first program sent. Not the image files, but the first .exe file.

Browntoa

I see what you mean , found this about the bios

http://insanelywind.com/msiarchive/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=835

By flashing with the MSI BIOS, you invalidate the OEM activation of the Windows XP as it is linked to the Advent BIOS. As soon as I flashed the BIOS, Windows asked me to activate (and as soon as I put back the original Advent BIOS, it was quite content that it was activated) so I've had to leave it back on the Advent BIOS for the moment.

You could just active Windows, but you'll probably have to enter the key off the bottom of the laptop, and from previous experience I'd recommend anyone keeps this step for a later date (I plan in the future to change the hard disk and memory etc which will probably force a reactivation - I'll use the key on the bottom of the laptop at this point with this fresh hardware and I won't have wasted any of my hardware changes in using the key earlier).

which links to a download....

Browntoa

just found this as it goes

http://support.thetechguys.com/layout.aspx?ID={5369a6ed-3e45-4381-9b3f-89014d901f4d}&CatID={789879f1-f9f1-470a-86b6-3445bf15cc31}

the original bios and how to flash