XP Produck Key Issue

eprophet

DatabaseError wrote: »

you can try contacting microsoft, but as it appears you have a copied disk, and no COA I can't imagine them being too helpful, but you never know.

Best bet is buy a legitimate copy of windows or try a free linux distro. Out of curiosity, exactly which version of windows have you installed (home basic, professional etc..)

Hi,
The disk is Windows XP Professional (with no service packs). I have since installed service pack 2 followed by service pack 3 and changed the product key to reflect the one that is currently on the computer.

birkee

Sounds like the PC was already screwed up, because of missing files. How can it not recognise jpg files? It's basic Windows installation.
Not to forget, this PC may not be 'man enough' for Windows 7 either. How much RAM is there for example?

Windows XP should be cheap enough now, as they are stopping support for it,,,,,see if there are any computer fairs in your area, because the dealers can usually be contacted again, if you have any problems with questionable discs.

Adding updates to the installation disc is 'slipstreaming' not 'streamlining', you won't get far with advice if you Google the wrong word.

DatabaseError

eprophet -you have a PM

eprophet

birkee wrote: »

Sounds like the PC was already screwed up, because of missing files. How can it not recognise jpg files? It's basic Windows installation.
Not to forget, this PC may not be 'man enough' for Windows 7 either. How much RAM is there for example?

Windows XP should be cheap enough now, as they are stopping support for it,,,,,see if there are any computer fairs in your area, because the dealers can usually be contacted again, if you have any problems with questionable discs.

Adding updates to the installation disc is 'slipstreaming' not 'streamlining', you won't get far with advice if you Google the wrong word.

Hi Birkee,
Thank you for the advise. As you prbably guessed, I am not the most technical for people...but I get by.

Regarding 'streamlining' can I ask a couple of questions please.
If you know:

1. If the product key has been changed, will the streamlined disk the original key of the current key?

2. Is streamlining possible with an oem disk that has had service packs installed?

Thank you.

mongoose2009

from memory you only get a nag screen for 10 seconds say "not genuine" or so then XP will just work so not that much of a big deal

SP3 will just install even if you have a hookey copy

birkee

eprophet wrote: »

Hi Birkee,
Thank you for the advise. As you prbably guessed, I am not the most technical for people...but I get by.

Regarding 'streamlining' can I ask a couple of questions please.
If you know:

1. If the product key has been changed, will the streamlined disk the original key of the current key?

2. Is streamlining possible with an oem disk that has had service packs installed?

Thank you.

I think "slipstreaming" retains all of the original data from the original disc re. activation number etc.
It's more a case of updating operating files, rather than the identification files, and pre installed software on a recovery disc.
Don't forget it's "SLIPSTREAMING" as in "behind in the slipstream" of the original, or "afterwards",....... not "streamlining" as in changing the air flow characteristics.

eprophet

Thank you all for your help and advise. It's been an education for me.

It's all sorted now so I thought I'd better let you all know.

Thanks.