Ok, this is definitely one for the ages... the program "HP Software Updates" for my HP laptop (HP Notebook ZD7000) was updating my drivers when in the middle of installation, the system shut down. When the system rebooted, the drivers were all gone. The display, modem, sound... it was like being in safe mode only worse. Oddly enough my wireless card still worked even though the dial up modem was not. I went to HP.com and downloaded & installed all the drivers for my system. The video drivers worked and my colors were restored, but the OS is unable to use the modem or play any sounds except the "BEEP!" system sound. The system is unable to detect any sound device under "sounds and audio devices" and when querying the modem, it says "This device is working properly". Same thing can be said for the sound controller. The device manager says the Conexant AC-Link Audio working, but no sound. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the AC-Link Conexant audio and AC-Link modem hardware several times while on the phone with different HP support techs (although my Farsi was a little rusty) and the OS detects the new hardware is connected and ready for use, but they still don't work. HP has sent me Driver Recovery and Application recovery discs, but they also don't help. Anyhow, I have been able to backup all necessary files and am preparing to reinstall the OS... my product key is all used up so a REACTIVATION after reformatting is impossible. However, I read the following on the Microsoft website at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878 "The Product Key information, which the Product ID contains, is sent with a "hardware hash" (a number that the computer's hardware configuration generates) to the Microsoft activation system during activation. In Windows XP SP1, the Product Key is also sent. Activation is completed either directly by using the Internet or by making a telephone call to a customer service representative. If you install Windows XP on the same computer by using the same Product Key, the number of activations is not limited. MPA discourages piracy by limiting the number of times that a Product Key can be activated on different computers." I inserted the OEM OS Disc one into the drive and I got the error message: "Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD. Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered." Since the OS discs don't have the Service Packs as part of them, I can assume this is why I am getting this error. Apart from a reformatting and fresh install (which would screw me since my product key is all used up), what can I do? The following page looks like it kind offers some help, but the info is not as specific to my plight as I would like: http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/RecoveringXP.htm On this webpage, it mentions finding 2 WPA files, but I can only locate one and not the wpa.bak file... so I am afraid to proceed. This problem is definitely a challenge worthy of the uberelite experts on this board. I guess the easiest way is if there is some way to uninstall Service Packs 1 & 2 so that the "version of Windows" on my computer once again matches the one on the disc... thus, negating the need for a reformatting of my drive. I look forward to hearing some suggestions from anyone who might have anything constructive to offer up.

1st, your OEM copy is unlimited as long as you use it with the same HP it came with. You might have to call in the activation though. 2. Try booting to safe mode and select "Last Known Good Config" see if that helps. You can also, Rollback any driver in Device Manager. 3. Its a good idea to make a Slipstreamed copy of XP with SP2 , so as to be able to reinstall clean. Otherwise , you need to do it the hard way. BTW, you wont need to install SP1 . Just install the orig. XP then XP2 , then add your drivers. Recheck with HP your system is SP2 compatible or foer issues. To Slipstream, try AutoStreamer http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.html

what you can do short of the reinstall is wipe everything from your system by deleting them in C:/windows and C:/programs . Just don't delete the system files. Then you can do a repair system and it will wipe out the sp1 & 2 updates and reinstall windows to a like new system. 1) delete all unneeded files and programs as stated above. 2) use this uttillity to wipe the registry files regscrubXP download here 3)navigate to the %systemroot%\system32 folder and copy the wpa.dbl file to a floppy disk 4)Do a complete repair of the OS with the repair console using your installation disc 5)After the repair install of the OS is complete, start in Minimal Safe mode. Open the \%systemroot%\system32 folder. Rename wpa.dbl to wpa.noact. Copy the backed up wpa.dbl file to the system32 folder. Reboot your system. this will give you a clean reinstall with all garbage removed that you needed out of there and still protect your driver files (only those that were needed) and programs (again only those you chose to leave) and so on. ********note******* This isn't a hack to avoid activating installations and will work only on the same hardware for an XP installation that you've already activated. but you must first boot into safemode immediately after the repair and switch the wpa files. IN THE MATTERS OF STYLE, swim with the current; in matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK

Why make such an issue about that fact that you 'have used up your product key'. There is only one question in your entire but lengthy post: "Apart from a reformatting and fresh install (which would screw me since my product key is all used up), what can I do?" for which I replied in your original thread at http://computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/131785.html What is the answer you seek? Regards, Bryan

Hi use another working pc obviously, follow this procedure if your going to format and start again (this worked for me on a Toshiba,im not sure on HP)& activate by net if poss / or wpa trick. http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm and reinstall, (follow advice by lurksabove aswell back upo the wpa.dbl in case your back to square one as its HP with original sp1 cd.) has M$ said youve used up your No of activations ?. i guess from pcbuyerbeware site the other option is to wait 120 days :( you could just use the 30 day bit till then.

PROBLEM SOLVED! Two words: "Norton Ghost" I was able to overwrite everything and install all the current files and windows updates with a disc image I had made in June of last year. What a miracle program!

I am glad to see that you got it worked out. Bryan