Best way to restore?

[Guest]

Hello,

I have Windows XP Home Edition.

A few weeks ago, I started getting a message that my Windows software is an
unauthorised version. It is actually my girlfriend's computer.

Some time ago (?), she had a problem and took the computer (laptop) to Geek
Squad. She called them today, and they said that the previous owner was using
some sort of "borrowed" commercial software, and that it caused many of his
customers to experience the same problem. They said to bring it in...she
didn't ask if they were going to charge her, but I am asuming they would.

I am not computer savvy, but I did read that I could use the backup disks to
recover the system. She made the backup disks right after buying the computer
from Best Buy, so it should be the authorised version.

My questions:
Should I try this?
If yes, what is the best way to do it?
Will I lose files or programs?

Please respond as if I was a ten year-old, because that is the level (if
that) of my ability on computers.

Thank you.

 

[JS]

What software was used to create the backup?

JS

 

[Rock]

Hello,

I have Windows XP Home Edition.

A few weeks ago, I started getting a message that my Windows software is
an
unauthorised version. It is actually my girlfriend's computer.

Some time ago (?), she had a problem and took the computer (laptop) to
Geek
Squad. She called them today, and they said that the previous owner was
using
some sort of "borrowed" commercial software, and that it caused many of
his
customers to experience the same problem. They said to bring it in...she
didn't ask if they were going to charge her, but I am asuming they would.

I am not computer savvy, but I did read that I could use the backup disks
to
recover the system. She made the backup disks right after buying the
computer
from Best Buy, so it should be the authorised version.

My questions:
Should I try this?
If yes, what is the best way to do it?
Will I lose files or programs?

Please respond as if I was a ten year-old, because that is the level (if
that) of my ability on computers.

You have to check the documentation or with tech support for the computer to
find out if the recovery process is non destructive (keeps programs and
data), or destructive.

 

[Guest]

--
It is all a joke?

What software was used to create the backup?

JS

JS,

She used the Recovery Media Creator that came installed when she bought the
computer. It is a one-time only program.

Hope that helps...had to track that info down fom her...and she is even less
computer-savvy than me...lol

Thanks

 

[Guest]

--
It is all a joke?

You have to check the documentation or with tech support for the computer to
find out if the recovery process is non destructive (keeps programs and
data), or destructive.

Hi Rock...are you the Dwayne Johnson "Rock"?

Anyway, the documentation says that I have a choice between "Full System
Restore", which reformats the compter as it was when she bought it...ie, no
files or programs, and the other choice is "Full Sytem Restore (with backup)"
which saves the one already there and installs a new copy of Windows XP. It
saves existing files, but programs must be reinstalled and configured...the
thing I'm trying to avoid.

Any ideas, or do I have to hold my nose and pick door number two?

Thanks

 

[Rock]

--
It is all a joke?




Hi Rock...are you the Dwayne Johnson "Rock"?

Anyway, the documentation says that I have a choice between "Full System
Restore", which reformats the compter as it was when she bought it...ie,
no
files or programs, and the other choice is "Full Sytem Restore (with
backup)"
which saves the one already there and installs a new copy of Windows XP.
It
saves existing files, but programs must be reinstalled and
configured...the
thing I'm trying to avoid.

Any ideas, or do I have to hold my nose and pick door number two?

Thanks

Either one of those two choices or buy a copy of XP and do a repair install.
This keeps programs and data intact. I suggest an retail upgrade copy.

No, I'm not he - lucky for him.