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Restarting my computer from scratch.

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yarellanoo's Avatar
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03-Nov-2009, 01:57 PM #1
Restarting my computer from scratch.
I have been having so many problems with my computer. First my Internet Explorer was not working so I decided to delete it and just use Firefox. Next I installed Verizon Internet security Protection and then I had problems opening up the virus scan. So I was told to delete the software and re-install. Well now I cannot even re-install it it gives me errors. SO therefore I surf the internet with no virus protection which means any day I can get a virus and I dont want that. I just want to start this computer from the beginning. I have my windows xp disc, but when I went to do it it asks me for my product key. I looked for it under my laptop and it has the product id, I enter that one and it says its wrong. What do I do now?
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03-Nov-2009, 03:47 PM #2
Well, you can't install Windows without a product key. You will have to ask a friend if they mind giving you theirs (I'm sure you can use the same key 3-4 times) or if you have another computer use that. You might just want to check you typed it correctly first.
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03-Nov-2009, 03:55 PM #3
Callum_Dawson, advising multiple use of the same product key for Windows is not only incorrect (except in the extremely unlikely case that it is a volume license that the OP has a right to use) but is an attempt to get the OP to do something contrary to the EULA. This is your third violation for some kind of illegal activity.

OTOH, the advice to double check the typing is excellent.
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03-Nov-2009, 04:05 PM #4
Quote:
Originally Posted by yarellanoo View Post
I have been having so many problems with my computer. First my Internet Explorer was not working so I decided to delete it and just use Firefox. Next I installed Verizon Internet security Protection and then I had problems opening up the virus scan. So I was told to delete the software and re-install. Well now I cannot even re-install it it gives me errors. SO therefore I surf the internet with no virus protection which means any day I can get a virus and I dont want that. I just want to start this computer from the beginning. I have my windows xp disc, but when I went to do it it asks me for my product key. I looked for it under my laptop and it has the product id, I enter that one and it says its wrong. What do I do now?
Best bet is to call MS and explain your situation, that you have a valid cd key and it's not taking. Let them walk you through what needs to be done.

It's relatively quick and painless, compared to some other companies.
yarellanoo's Avatar
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03-Nov-2009, 04:06 PM #5
Thanks. I have the product key id, it was just saying it was incorrect. Actually I was told that it says error because I was trying to reinstall windows while I was in windows. I have to boot from the cd. Then I will have no problems using the product id.
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03-Nov-2009, 05:08 PM #6
These are pretty much the steps to follow. Carefully read each screen that appears and it'll advise you which key to press to perform a function.

Boot from the XP CD

Press any key at the Press any key to boot from CD command

Delete all current partitions

Create a new C partition

Format that new C partition in the NTFS file system

Install XP

The entire process will involve 2 restarts. Do not(!) press any key when the above command appears during each restart. The command will disappear in a few seconds and the process will continue.

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yarellanoo's Avatar
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04-Nov-2009, 04:54 PM #7
Flavallee: During the 2 restarts of the computer, Do I still leave the xp cd inside my computer or when is it that I remove it?

Thanks
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04-Nov-2009, 05:23 PM #8
The XP CD has to remain in its drive until after the second restart and the desktop loads and settles down.

You'll know it's done because you should receive a pop-up prompt afterwards asking you to activate XP now or do it within the next 30 days.

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04-Nov-2009, 05:29 PM #9
Thank You so much. I will be trying it again.
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04-Nov-2009, 05:37 PM #10
Take your time and read each screen carefully that appears. It'll tell you which key to press to perform a function. Remember, you're doing a hard drive format and fresh install of XP and not doing a repair of XP. Don't get confused there and press the wrong key. And don't select the quick option to do a NTFS format.

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04-Nov-2009, 05:46 PM #11
I have a question. It has nothing to do with this subject. It's a different one. My laptop after I' am done for the day and I turn it off everything turns off correctly, but when I try to turn it back on I have a huge problem. I push the power button, all the blue light come one, the screen stays black, and then my computer goes off and on, off and on. it goes on for 5 seconds off for another 5 and so on. I have to continously try to turn on my computer through out the day. Then it finally turns on. I have no idea what the problem is. Do you???
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04-Nov-2009, 05:56 PM #12
Unplug it. Remove and replace the battery two or three times.

If this doesn't fix it you may want to post this problem in the Hardware forum. And specify whether this is on battery or AC or both.
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04-Nov-2009, 05:57 PM #13
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