[ronaldo831]

Hi, Im having problem with my wifes Laptop Its a Gateway mx6214 Running Windows Xp.

So The problem is... we want to reinstall Xp because Its so slow. it takes like 5min just to open a program. The Prom. is we dont have the Cds That came with the Computer, she dont remmenber if she ever got them. So i went to the Gateway Web site but they dont offer the Cds anymore!?? So the only thing i was left to do was To look for the i386 folder and use that method.. well i try it works.But before it begins to install, it goes to a BLUE- SCREEN!! So im force to do a force shutdown. Ive trying like 5 times with the same results!

So Here is my Q:

If i was to buy a New copy of XP from the store or internet and do a clean reinstall... can i just Install that Way? would the laptop wrok? Or do i Need the original Cd's. The computer still has the green stiker with the prudut Key. Would i even need the old key at all?

I hope i get help from you guys. I really need a laptop for school. but cant spend that much... im a lil short on cash right now..

[etaf]

if you purchase XP - you would use the Key on that CD
You would also need all the drivers from the gateway website

enter the serial number here to get all the drivers for that machine
http://support.gateway.com/support/d...ter.asp?Tab=My

Heres a linkfor drivers and manuals etc
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/...009028nv.shtml

http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/...de/8511264.pdf
its possible you have a hidden partition and can create the Recovery CDs
OR restore from the HD - using F11 as it boots

see if you can create your own CDS

you could also try system restore
start
programs
accessories
system tools
system restore
choose a date before you had the issues

ake sure you have copied any user data you need before you start recovering the PC to factory condition

[Kenny_]

Couldn't she just buy the XP setup disk, and run it on her BSoD PC? After all, I think all XP setup disks give the option to format data/delete former partitions.

Also, I think you could use either keys as long as the OS is the same. Just don't run Windows Genuine Advantage IF you doubt the legitimacy of your PC >>

[etaf]

Just don't run Windows Genuine Advantage

use the correct key and also run Windows Genuine Advantage to ensure you get all the latest secruity updates automatically

[suzzan]

if you don't have the original cd. u can download the operating system xp from the net.




suzzan

[etaf]

But only download from a legal Source on the NEt, not sure where that would be possible apart from Microsoft, and not sure if they allow downloads

Get a Genuine Copy ....

[ronaldo831]

ok i got the cd

but know i get this message.

"Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer”


now i understand to get it to work i have to play with the BIOS?...
but i cant find the opion to get it to work...?

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by ronaldo831

ok i got the cd

but know i get this message.

"Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer”


now i understand to get it to work i have to play with the BIOS?...
but i cant find the opion to get it to work...?

Describe the CD you have. Is it an actual XP CD? What version is it?

---------------------------------------------------------------

[ronaldo831]

Its a Original clean.. Xp Dvd.

Windows Xp SP2 Home DVd

[IsolatedSnail]

Sounds like the CD is not seeing your hard drive, you might want to try reseating the hard drive. You should be able to get to a install screen where you can select which partition to install on, then you can delete all the partitions on your computer and then install XP onto the free space. Windows will request to format the drive to NTSC then you can just click next through everything.

[Saga Lout]

Another possibility is that you need specific Gateway drivers to add to the mix by tapping the Function 6 key at the start of Setup to identify a SATA hard disk. Try Setup again and tap that key and when the system pauses for you to put in a floppy disk, just hit Enter and see if XP adds a driver that enables it to see your hard disk.

[ronaldo831]

well my laptop dont have a floppy...
ima get a usb tomorrow..to try it....

[Saga Lout]

Originally Posted by ronaldo831

well my laptop dont have a floppy...
ima get a usb tomorrow..to try it....

You probably don't need a floppy - what I suggested is to simply tap the F6 key very early on in the Setup process and later on, you'll find out if Windows found a generic driver for a Gateway SATA and manages this time to identify the hard disk. Don't buy something you may not need at this stage.

If the hard disk still cannot be "seen", there's still a possibility of a loose connection - it happens with laptops sometimes. When you boot up and see a black screen with white writing, do you see anything referring to Primary Master? Go into BIOS settings to see if the hard drive shows up there. If it does, it's only Windows that can't find it and that would strengthen my SATA driver theory.