Boot Problem

[Guest]

I am using a Compaq Evo N410C, with XP installed on it. I switched my laptop
on last night, and it froze just after it had finished starting up (I thought
it was loading Internet Explorer, then I realised!). Now it comes up with a
blue screen every time I boot up. When I went onto safe mode, it crashed when
it loaded up the driver AGP440.sys.

I looked in Microsoft support, and I saw how to resolve it, but it tells me
to put in the Windows XP CD, which I don't have.

Does it matter if I use a different CD to the one I installed Windows XP
with, as I have a copy of XP for my computer.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks
Harry

 

[Justin Brown - SYNACS]

I am using a Compaq Evo N410C, with XP installed on it. I switched my laptop
on last night, and it froze just after it had finished starting up (I thought
it was loading Internet Explorer, then I realised!). Now it comes up with a
blue screen every time I boot up. When I went onto safe mode, it crashed when
it loaded up the driver AGP440.sys.

I looked in Microsoft support, and I saw how to resolve it, but it tells me
to put in the Windows XP CD, which I don't have.

Does it matter if I use a different CD to the one I installed Windows XP
with, as I have a copy of XP for my computer.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks
Harry

Harry, have you tried booting into VGA mode? If you can do that
without blue screening, then try a System Restore (Start -> Help &
Support -> Undo changes to your computer....) to any date before your
symptom arose.

 

[Bill Ridgeway]

To make the installation of Windows legal you should have a sticker (with
the product key) on the computer. You should also have (although this may
not be strictly correct) the CD used to install Windows (or at least the
manufacturers 'Restore' CD).

You certainly need both the product key and the CD (for each computer) for a
very practical reason in a situation like yours. I have seen many instances
where software CD either didn't come with the computer, has been leant to a
friend, with my brother in another town etc. Prospective Clients then
expect Windows to be installed as if by magic and are taken aback when it is
suggested that they should actually buy a replacement.

I suppose you could try another CD. Be aware that the CD should be for the
same version of XP (principally these are 'Home' and 'Professional'). You
should also be aware that (legally) the CD should not have been used to
install onto any other computer. You may have a problem with activating
Windows on one computer having already used the CD to install and activate
Windows on another computer - a device by which Microsoft to stop software
piracy.

You should, perhaps, consider purchasing another Windows CD.

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions

 

[Guest]

Hi,

I see what you are saying, but I am not sure where the CD and the sticker are.

If I only want to go into Recovery Console, do I still need to purchase
another Windows XP, when I already have an OEM version, but it was activated
on a different computer?

Thanks
Harry

 

[Bill Ridgeway]

The legal situation (in simple terms) is you need a licence (which, in
tangible terms, is your CD and the Product key sticker which you should have
on the side of the computer). If you install software onto more than one
computer you are breaking the terms of the licence and, therefore, could be
accused of pirating software. (This is a view of a layperson and subject to
correction by a law practitioner). Activating software is a way of checking
this.

The practical situation is that there is, of course, nothing to physically
stop the installation of software from a CD onto a number of computers -
although of course, this is not condoned.

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions

 

[Guest]

As long as the CD is not used to actually install windows it is an acceptable
practice to utilize any xp cd including trialware to perform utility
functions to include running the recovery console, running the system
compatability check to determine feasibility of upgrading older systems to
XP, etc., as you are not installing any software just running utilitys from
the disk. If attempts to repair the boot sector, master boot record or what
ever you were instructed to do on MS support fails and you need attempt a
repair in place reinstall or full destructive format and reinstall you will
definitely need the install disk licensed for that computer or if it cannot
be located purchase an OEM replacement from hp by calling 1-800-474-6836,
which is much cheaper than purchasing retail.
Charlie

 

[Guest]

Hi,

I will use my Windows XP disc that I used for my other computer, and then if
I need to re-install Windows XP, I will then get a new CD.

Thanks
Harry