For example, i have a Compaq V2617LA Laptop with Windows XP Home SP2 Spanish. I have created a Windows XP Pro SP3 CD with original OEM activation from Compaq with 6 files from my system over a Windows XP Pro SP3 Volume License. The result is original Windows XP Pro SP3 OEM, and accepts other OEM Keys and ask to activate over the phone.
My grandfather had a HP Pavilion a342n Desktop PC that I received after his passing in 2010. I booted up the computer and received the message box for Genuine Activation. It asked for the product key, and after looking through everything we could find for the computer, the original CDs were lost.
My parents want to use this computer as a replacement for their current desktop and I don't want to leave them with a vulnerable computer. Is it possible to get it activated, and if so, how? Any help would be greatly appreciated. The first is that HP places a COA Certific of Authenticity on every box that they make and this has the Product key on it a group of Letters & Numbers of 5 characters in 5 groups.This is the Product Key and according to HP it should be for XP Home.Now the real problem HP uses a Volume License Copy of XP which doesn't need Activation or you to enter the Product Key so I suppose the question here is how did this copy of XP get onto this machine?
Usually HP has a Hidden Partition on the HDD which is a Recovery Partition which can be used to reload the system to As New Condition or as it came from the Factory. The way to do this is in the Users Manual which if you don't have is available for download from here.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DocumentIndex.jsp?contentType=SupportManual&lang=en&cc=us&docIndexId=64180&taskId=115&prodTypeId=12454&prodSeriesId=362557#7remember to remove the space from between hp and the.com for a working link.Col. 1: Determine if the hidden restore partition still exists on the hard drive by pressing F10 as the PC starts. There is a chance the dumbo who installed the Pro copy may have left the hidden partition untouched. If it's there just follow the instructions for a full restoration back to as new.2: Find/buy/borrow a copy of the genuine CD for that 'particular' model of HP PC. These CD's check for the PC's idividual hardware tattoo before installing.
Once this check is passed the CD will install a fully activated copy of the OS and other software for that model PC as with Option 1. (note it must be that exact model of HP, a Pro CD from another model probably won't install)3: If the HP / Microsoft Certificate of Authority with the Key printed on it is still stuck to the PC case then almost any OEM XP Home CD will accept this Key and install properly. In this case you need only borrow/copy an OEM CD to install from.4: Obtain/buy a 'Pro' license key sticker and use that to activate the present Pro install.Options 1: to 2: will give you a freshly minted PC as came out of the box, drivers in place, all ready to go. You will have some updates to install (hundreds depending on the service pack the PC came with) but it will all happen with little interaction by yourself.Option 3: Will give you a 'legal' activated copy of Home, but you may have to then download drivers etc from HP to get a fully working PC.
You won't get any bundled software.Option 4: Is dodgy legally if the sticker is a recycled one and like Option 3: you may have to get the drivers etc from HP, and no bundled software.Note 1: if the PC is used in a domestic environment there is absolutely 'no' advantage using Pro over Home.Note 2: Option 3 will give a better running PC as it won't be loaded down with all the HP crapware/trials/bloatware they come infected with out of the box.Best. IMO, the easiest and legit step is to borrow an OEM XP home CD from a friend and use the key on that certificate of authenticity (COA) on the side or back of the computer.
The COA is a fancy looking sticker on the case that has group of five 5 letters and number Download all the drivers for your model of desktop from HP. Activate it and voila, you have a fully legal and functioning system. Also it will be FASTER too as all the boatware HP gave you will be gone. If you are not comfortable with downloading drivers, get a friend or hire a techie to download it for you. One thing you should insist on them is to NOT use bootleg software on the system or this message will appear again if you are using Microsoft software. Such as: How committed are you to needing to use XP for this machine? It may be more trouble than it's worth, as you already may be finding out.
There are various ways and means available to do what you are saying you want to do, but they are of questionable legality, not to mention their varying degrees of effectiveness. Moreover, I'm sure you wouldn't want to leave your parents with a modded version of XP Pro or whatever you may want to settle on, and I'm guessing the hardware would be a little light to be able to run Windows 7 properly.All this being said-and hear me out, now-you could simply choose one the many excellent, top-shelf linux distributions available. I would suggest these as alternatives:Mint LinuxSimplyMEPISVector LinuxFedoraUltimate LinuxI would especially recommend SimplyMEPIS and Vector; there's a new Mint out but I have not tried it.
Still, the Mint Linux 11 laptop I have has had almost no problems for the past two years, and it's used pretty much every day of the week.Depending on what your parents need to or want to do on this computer, and also depending on what sorts and brands of peripherals they may need to connect to this computer would be an important factor. I know most everyone rolls their eyes as soon as they read 'linux' and dismiss it out of hand, but that's an unfortunate mistake mostly made by people who are quick to type things like 'TL-DR.'
I can understand why you may be insistent on keeping WinXP (in my opinion, it's the standard for all user-friendly operating systems) but you've got to remember that XP is on its way out with Microsoft, too-its support will be ending in 2014, but Microsoft tends to abandon their end-of-life products long before their official dates for ending support. So, you're going to have to look for another OS soon anyhow.Why not check out some of the operating systems I've mentioned? With LiveCDs/DVDs and bootable USB media, it's easy and even a little enjoyable to check out a new OS.
Everything You Need to Know About Windows XP Professional SP3Windows XP Service Pack 3, offered in this eBay collection, which includes the entire operating system and all updates before Service Pack 3, also includes other important updates for the popular OS. The updated features include an updated Microsoft Management Console 3.0, an update to Wi-Fi-protected access for safer internet surfing, and a new 'health checking' component.
Do you need to install SP1 and SP2 first?While XP SP3 includes all the previously released fixes and functions of SP1 and SP2, Microsoft recommends installing at least SP1 on XP before the SP3 install. If possible, it's recommended that you install SP2 as well although it's not required. What new features are included with Windows XP Professional SP3?The Windows XP Service Pack 3 doesn't include major updates to the operating system, but it does have four minor new features that enhance the overall system's dependability and security.