Reinstalling XP or removing an overlaid installation

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Guest

Sorry to be so stupid, but I need some help. I bought a new laptop in
November 2005. It came pre-loaded with XP. I now live abroad and last spring
my Toshiba laptop started eating its screen Matrix. I had it repaired twice
and, after the second repair, the screen seems to be working fine. NOW I
discover that another version of XP has been installed on my laptop. In the
lower right corner of the screen a line of text appears, saying that this is
an XP test version 2600... Now I cannot download new software (I'm trying to
access a Vodaphone Wireless Network software program, but I'm missing
drivers.). Can someone please explain how to remove an overlaid
installation?? (if it is even possible to do so?)

I do have the recovery CD that came with the laptop, but I understand that I
will lose all data - and I only want to do that as a last resort...
 
the only way i know how to do this is to do a clean install,back all your
stuff on a external hard drive first as you say you loose all your files.
 
Thanks, Peterp - I suspected that this might be the only solution... I'm
gonna hold out for another day - I'll keep hoping that a wizard reads this
and can do some magic for me!!!
 
First.... - no such thing as an "overlaid" OS installation - there can be
multiple installations though. Windows has (had?) a setting which indicated
the OS installtion as you state.
Version 2600 is XP SP2 - the latest version. Evidently the repair center
has a VLK (Volume License Key) for the purpose of troubleshooting and
repair. VLKs do not require activation.

If your OS was not activated you would be receiving messasges to do so. Can
you connect to Microsoft and download updates? If so your insatalltion has
been validated and legitimate.

Regarding "...I'm trying to access a Vodaphone Wireless Network software
program, but I'm missing drivers..." -the key is "missing drivers" - have
you tried to download the drivers from the Software web stie?


"(e-mail address removed)"
 
Do not fear a reinstall.

I've had to do it a few times on my PC's in the past 10 years or so. It's
time consuming, but in every case it was the fastest way to clean my system
and restore system files versus using a bunch of software fixes and patches
and system file editing. In two cases it was the best solution to get rid of
adware/spyware that was causing havoc on my computers. (Being smarter and
wiser, adware/spyware/viruses are no longer a problem with my computers.)

FULL reinstall has always solved my major problems and brought my computers
back to a stable, faster condition. Reinstall is something that you can do
while you're watching a ballgame on TV or working on another project. Be sure
to have the original XP-OS and driver discs that came with the computer.
Also, have access to high speed internet in case you have to download new
drivers and updates. Just pay attention to the directions on the computer
screen and you'll do fine.

Good Luck.

oscar
 
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