Re: Lost my Windows XP Home Edition Product Key. HELP!!!

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*HANNA* wrote:
Hi Bruce!

Thanks for helping out! I already phoned Microsoft Tech and got a key but now I need to activate it and I can't find the activate now button its not showing on my... "start-accessories-system tools- etc.." :(



OEM operating systems are typically either pre-activated at the factory or are BIOS-locked and do not required activation as long as they're installed on the same computer with which they're sold.

The OS will let you know, with frequent (several times a day) reminders, if you do need to activate. To check for yourself, Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Activate Windows. Alternatively, Start > Run > "C:\Windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A." It will probably tell you that WinXP has already been activated.


I can't go on the internet because it's only blank blue screen.....When I installed my cd and a pop up box kept saying...."i386 folder missing please install the win xp cd sp2 blah blah... when the cd is already in there.. why is that?



What happens when you install the most recent WinXP-specific video drivers, as provided by your video adapter's manufacturer's web site?


Is my hard drive corrupted or something?


No way of knowing, based on what little detail you've provided. Are you getting hard drive or file system related error messages? If in doubt, download the free diagnostic tool from the hard drive manufacturer's web site and test the drive.

Since my D: drive kept on disappearing even before I reformatted my laptop......and now its not showing at all... Pleasseeee help?


What, precisely, do you mean by "D: drive?" Is this a logical partition on the hard drive, or is it an optical drive?


Do you think I should buy a new hard drive or have it repaird at best buy?




There's no indication, at this time, based on what you've said, that there's anything wrong with your hard drive, so test it before thinking about replacing it.

And, most importantly, *NEVER, EVER* take a computer to Best Buy for repairs. Not if you actually want to use it afterwards. Best Buy's Geek Squad are among the very last people in the world you want touching your computer.


--

Bruce Chambers

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