Gateway ESX500x w/COA for Windows XP Home but w/XP pro running.

[Guest]

Problem Description: A friend brought me a Gateway ESX500s computer that she
had purchased used from somewhere, it has Windows XP Professional operating
system. She ask me to fix a dialup networking problem with NetZero , but when
i checked the computer it has a COA for Windows XP Home. It's missing System
Restore and Disk Cleanup functions. It also will not update on the Microsoft
Update website had to use Shavlik Netchk to force updates. I would like to
know if there is a way to replace the bogus operating system without
purchasing a new copy of windows XP, and if not then what can be done to
repair or replace w/new operating systemwith out going to Windows Vista,
(friend doesn't want to add memory). Contacted Gateway but they stated that
computer is more than two years old so they don't have original disk(s) to go
to that model (since they've under new ownership)

 

[Rock]

Problem Description: A friend brought me a Gateway ESX500s computer that
she
had purchased used from somewhere, it has Windows XP Professional
operating
system. She ask me to fix a dialup networking problem with NetZero , but
when
i checked the computer it has a COA for Windows XP Home.

That in and of itself doesn't mean anything. The original owner could have
replaced the OEM version of XP with a legit XP Pro version that is now
having problems. On the other had for their to have been a legitimate
transfer of the license, the seller must provide the product key,
installation media and COA. Without that your friend does not have a legit
license for XP Pro.

You could run one of these utilites to retrieve the product key that was
used to install XP Pro.

ViewXP http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

AIDA32 http://www.aumha.org/freeware.htm

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Then check the legitimacy of this product key.

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx

It's missing System
Restore and Disk Cleanup functions. It also will not update on the
Microsoft
Update website had to use Shavlik Netchk to force updates. I would like to
know if there is a way to replace the bogus operating system without
purchasing a new copy of windows XP

No. The only way to have legit version is to possess and install one.
There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.

Even if the license she had were legitimate, the best thing to do when
getting a used computer is to do a clean install of the OS and all programs.
Otherwise you inherit the operating problems and other nasties such as
malware, kiddie porn, etc.

, and if not then what can be done to

repair or replace w/new operating systemwith out going to Windows Vista,
(friend doesn't want to add memory). Contacted Gateway but they stated
that
computer is more than two years old so they don't have original disk(s) to
go
to that model (since they've under new ownership)

Get a legit version of XP and do a clean install. The previous link on
genuine MS software gives you one way to rectify the problem.

A different option is to find someone that has a generic OEM version of XP
Home. Try installing that using the product key that's on the sticker on
the computer case. Many times this will work. If so just copy that
installation CD for the user.

If that doesn't work the user need to purchase an OEM version or XP, or a
full retail version or a retail upgrade version if they own a qualifying OS
such as Win05/98/ME/2000 (these qualifying OS's can be had for low cost on
eBay). I recommend the retail upgrade because it is transferrable to a
different system and the cost is comparable to the OEM version.