Windowns XP Issues

mysticsniper · 31 Jan 2012 at 10:43

I have been given a couple of desktops that were built by a local shop that has gone out of business.

Both have Illeagal copies Win XP installed, and both are now locked out of their machines.

What would be the best way to resolve this issue? I was thinking about buying a couple of Win XP Oem disks and installing them asap. But they both have told me they want to keep their files, so will I be able to run and upgrade or would I have to format?

chaparral · 31 Jan 2012 at 12:19

Think you can do a fresh install without formating and windows will just put the old windows install into a "windows old" folder...
If i remember right

(As the Last time i installed window XP was a very very long time ago)

But if it was me i would backup there harddrives to another harddrive and do a proper format and fresh install

davethe11 · 31 Jan 2012 at 12:28

Your safest bet is to backup the files before you do anything to the existing os imho, maybe use a live cd to access the files and backup to an external hdd? I haven't used a live cd for a long time, hopefuly someone can suggest a good one for your needs.

gillywibble · 31 Jan 2012 at 13:11

Backup first. Don't think XP creates a window.old folder (may be wrong).

mysticsniper · 31 Jan 2012 at 14:11

Thanks for the advice. My only issue is that I cannot access any files. I input the password and windows give me an message saying that " you may be the victim of counterfieiting software"?

Will try to use login under safemode, but I am not sure how affective it will be in trying to access the files?

KIA · 31 Jan 2012 at 14:14

mysticsniper said:
Thanks for the advice. My only issue is that I cannot access any files. I input the password and windows give me an message saying that " you may be the victim of counterfieiting software"?

Will try to use login under safemode, but I am not sure how affective it will be in trying to access the files?

Use a Linux live CD.

Deleted member 77746 · 31 Jan 2012 at 15:45

Windowns? I shouldn't laugh but is this version a special revised version for people who have ICT difficulties?

Maybe Microsoft should release this edition soon. lol.

anything I don't mind · 31 Jan 2012 at 16:15

put the hard drives in to another PC, copy over all the data that they want saved. Format the hds and then reinstall windows on them.

CaNsA · 31 Jan 2012 at 16:18

grab Hirens boot CD
burn it
boot from it
use the offline password changer to blank out the local admin password
reboot to windows
job done.

ajf · 1 Feb 2012 at 00:25

Assuming you now have some legit copies of XP for the machines, doesn't the warning message allow you to go through and activate a genuine licence?

mysticsniper · 1 Feb 2012 at 02:21

ajf said:
Assuming you now have some legit copies of XP for the machines, doesn't the warning message allow you to go through and activate a genuine licence?

I have just paid for some off the bay, so awaiting delivery.

You don't get the chance to activate on windows, it just keeps telling me about the " you may be the victim of counterfieiting software" :confused: