For some reason my computer (HP Notebook) crashed and I had to re-install Windows XP Home Edition on the computer. When the product key screen comes up I enter in the product key and a message comes up saying invalid product key. I called Microsoft and they said that Service Pack one is no longer supported by Microsoft. So now I have a computer that I can not use because the operating system I once had is no longer supported by Microsoft. There has to be a way that I can get the computer back running without spending any money. Or do I have to purchase a whole new operating system?
2007-09-14 04:07:18 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
There are two issues here. One is your invalid Key, the other is being at SP1.
You can run a while without registering, can you not? Open WIndows update and download and install SP2. Then when you go to register, you will be at SP2. The microsoft help desk is inhabited by robots. "If user is at SP1, reply "Unsupported".
2007-09-14 04:15:22 · answer #1 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I you purchased a valid copy of WXP -- regardless of the edition, even though Microsoft does not support SP1 any longer, they should assist you in upgrading to SP2. Upgrading to SP2 is simply a Windows Update.
Is your laptop still under a warranty? If so, where did you actually purchase the laptop? If Microsoft is refusing to help, where you purchased the laptop might.
Whatever you do, do NOT upgrade to Vista just yet. There are a lot of compatibility issues with it -- especially if you are a heavy gamer. Vista requires DirectX V10 and most PC Games still require V9 and Vista is NOT backward compatible. Also, Microsoft is about to launch SP1 for Vista.
2007-09-14 04:19:03 · answer #2 · answered by Vera C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you would most likely have to buy the upgrade to Sp2 before it will reinstall. I had the same basic problem, but I was just trying to repair the system files that where lost from a nasty virus.
To be honest I think its just microsoft trying to get as much money out of you as possable, but I will say that Sp2 is much more stable and secure then Sp1 ever was.
2007-09-14 04:15:08 · answer #3 · answered by zspace101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your best bet is to purchase the new Op. System. However, I wouldn't go through the computer stores to deal with it. You might be able to go into computer resale shops and purchase an updated op. system from them at a reduced price.
Worst case senario is that you get one from the main stores. best buy, circuit city, etc., and you'll have to get the device drivers for your hardware.
2007-09-14 04:13:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋