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Name: The Colonel
I'm trying to format and make a clean install of XP Pro onto my friends Gateway laptop. I've done this several times and usually can get thru any problems or difficulties, however, the exception to the rule. I went into setup and made sure that the boot sequence was CD.DVD/ROM was first boot and HDD second. The laptop continues to boot into the XP O/S that I am trying to format. Please advise.
The one that I'm using does boot in any other PC I use it in. I even went as far as cleaning it with a CD cloth etc., still won't boot in the notebook.
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Then you may have a problem with the CD drive. If it is a removable drive then try removing and re-seating it. Also boot into the BIOS (setup) and verify the drive is configured. Could be the drive has simply bit the dust.
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Checked the CDROM out, it reads okay etc. A little more detail may help with a solution. The reason for the clean install is of course a virus or two. To shed a little light on the desk top all the icons are exe. file ext. Upon clicking on them various error messages are received ie:Windows cannot open this file, windows needs to know what program created it. Thats basically all the desktop icons. In the control panel nothing opens when clicking on a specific icon. In programs,all the icons there are exe. file ext. as well, same error messages.
Does this help any?
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Obviously the laptop boots up, why not tap f8 on bootup and get into safe mode with networking. Then open a browser and download Avast Free, set it to do a bootscan on the next reboot and move everything it finds into the chest.
Then see how it looks when it boots up into normal mode.
There are also many good free cleaners listed in my link. I would suggest running those too. Good LuckSome HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions Cheers
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No Good. I was able to go into Safe Mode W/ Networking and download the Avast program But!!!! That was it. It also became a exe file and clicking on it did nothing. I again downloaded the program and attempted to open it instead of saving it to the desktop, again, no luck the program would not run. Open for more suggestions. Thanks
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Are you missing the prompt: Press any key to boot from CD...
http://www.microsoft.com/library/me...
If you don't press the key in time, it will bypass the CD & boot from the HDD. The screen may be hidden by the Gateway logo.
Why are you reformatting rather than fixing whatever the problem is?
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No, I'm not missing the prompt, there is none. As screwed up as this laptop is I thought that it would be much easier, as well as more prudent, to do a clean install.
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If WinXP is still bootable then try exploring the WinXP CD while in XP to verify the drive and disk are working together and the disk is good.
Do you see ANY POST screen identifying hardware and RAM? If not, boot to the BIOS and disable fast boot and any logos.
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Just a stab in the dark, if you can get into safe mode maybe try a system restore to as far back as it goes and then work from there.
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I do see a Post screen. Also, I have put in the XP CD and was able to explore/review the contents etc. if that is what you are referring to. I also clicked on install, however, nothing happened. Thanks again all of you for your help/suggestions.
Please advise further.
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Tried the system restore, as with all the other icons when I click on it the error message is the same. Windows cannot find this file etc.
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http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.co...
That may help solve your problemSome HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions Cheers
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Thanks for all your time and suggestions. I'll get on this first thing tomorrow morning and get back to you. I need a break. Have a good night.
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"The one that I'm using does boot in any other PC I use it in." Do you mean you're installing XP into computers that weren't previously installed with the OS? That would be a huge violation of MS's EULA.
"So won’t you give this man his wings
What a shame
To have to beg you to see
We’re not all the same
What a shame" - Shinedown
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Jennifer IMO your remark was pretty lame. I was under the impression that you can use any install CD to do repair installs and then use your product ID. I could be wrong though, but that is my understanding.
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XPUser4Real
There are TWO ways to take the statement by the OP. One is they are using a disk in the manner you think. The second is they are installing multiple times on multiple computers.
I know people that re-install XP every 30 days because they are using a CD that is already registered.
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Two good reads can be found at.http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Lin...If you use your cd on his machine be sure to use Microsofts program to validate and update making his system 100% legal.
I am not a Legal Beagal but I believe it is illegal to install xp on multiple computers using and "keeping" the same key .
As apposed to installing on multiple machines updating the key to correspond with the coa sticker on each machine.
1 cd 100 machines 100 coa stickers.
On the cannot get cd to boot.
Are you sure the bios....setup... isn't password protected. Some systems will allow to to go into setup ..make changes ....but when you f10 and reboot nothing has changed.
Example Compaq evo desktop. Now there's a mean critter. LOL! It sits there silently and lets you waste your time in setup.I would go into setup and see if a password was also put into the bios.
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Okay, first off the CD I'm using is a valid/authenticated XP Pro O/S that belongs to my friend who's laptop I am working on. Jenn your comments are not appreciated, try directing your opinions/comments to something constructive which is the object/purpose of this forum.
The BIOS is not password protected, been in there and made changes. Again, if anyone with constructive suggestions is willing I'm ready to try some more. Thanks to you I'm speaking of.
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Colonel
That attitude will get you no where. You are being arrogant. The forum rules are abided by the regulars here. One of them is to not aid in any piracy. You are the one that didn't make a clear enough statement that started the question of OS legality.
If you care to move past that I suggest you tone it down. If not, then move on to another forum.
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OtheHill, I understand that Justin Weber runs this website, did you maybe get appointed to this website? Those are flaming remarks you are making. This OP has the right to state his opinion and I think maybe others that try to get involved should stifle. No need to get things into an uproar. It would be nice if suggestions were made to help the poster rather than negativity which looks to be happening from you.
Maybe let's all try to get along and help the people with their PC problems
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XPUser4Real
You are the one inflaming the situation by telling Jennifer her response was lame. She stated a fact and didn't accuse the OP but simply pointed out something as did worldlibrary.
As far as posting constructive thoughts I think I did that in #3 & #10.
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Hmmm. If the cd wont boot but is readable installing from the D:\i386\winnt.exe may be an option.
If the machine will boot off another cd....example spotmu or opcrack then it most likely will boot off a dos disk.
So make a bootable dos cd with all the files from the xp disk on it. Boot from dos cd then cd to i386 and the type in winnt.exe.
If smart drive is not loaded it will take a bit longer.....but then loading an OS is the perfect time for a snack and a cold one.
The last time I loaded a Gateway with a laptop cdrom in it...it never would take the factory cd but loved an old beat up burned copy. Go figure!
Hope you get this up and running.
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Hey guys, sorry for all the disturbance etc. It's "Deer Season" here and I've been away most of the time. As soon as I can I'll get back on to this problem. Again, sorry for any hard feelings lets all forget it.
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