Laptop upgrade/ password issues

Reeksy · 08-11-2008, 09:19 PM

Ok, so i have a few probs,

Problem number 1: I have a laptop current version win 2000 SP4. and i want to upgrade it to XP, and then only media edition if i can. however the product key i am entering is incorrect, although this is the product key under the back of the laptop i am using, the product key that i had with the disk went long ago, now i have looked under unattend.txt on the disk and no product key is given there, any ideas on how to solve this first issue?

Problem number 2: As this was a laptop brought from my previous employer, it had a lot of changes, password protected before you could even get to desktop, majority of my computer docs removed from view, (so much so that only (local disk, D drive and contol panel are visible, how can i sort this problem out? any ideas.

Problem number 3: Again, because this was a company laptop, i cannot seem to gather any outside internet access as computer was on LAN in offices, can i get round that quickly?

Appreciate any responses, Cheers in advance

**djaburg** · 08-13-2008, 08:21 AM

The product key should be the one that came with the media center disk, not on the laptop that has windows 2000 installed on it (which I assume the key is for that). The issue of the installation key could be that the disk you're using for the install is not for the same version or type of installation CD that you have. For example if you have a retail key for an OEM disk, it typically won't work.

As for the other issues with the computer and permissions, reinstalling the OS should remove any restrictions to use that the OS imposes, and resetting the BIOS should resolve any other passwords that are required to access the computer.

Chevy · 10-31-2008, 10:39 AM

The best solution is to take it to the IT folks at that company, and ask them to wipe/reinstall it for you. they sold it in an unusable condition so they shouldn't mind fixing it.

08-11-2008, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Reeksy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 4 OS: xp media center edition	Laptop upgrade/ password issues Ok, so i have a few probs, Problem number 1: I have a laptop current version win 2000 SP4. and i want to upgrade it to XP, and then only media edition if i can. however the product key i am entering is incorrect, although this is the product key under the back of the laptop i am using, the product key that i had with the disk went long ago, now i have looked under unattend.txt on the disk and no product key is given there, any ideas on how to solve this first issue? Problem number 2: As this was a laptop brought from my previous employer, it had a lot of changes, password protected before you could even get to desktop, majority of my computer docs removed from view, (so much so that only (local disk, D drive and contol panel are visible, how can i sort this problem out? any ideas. Problem number 3: Again, because this was a company laptop, i cannot seem to gather any outside internet access as computer was on LAN in offices, can i get round that quickly? Appreciate any responses, Cheers in advance

08-13-2008, 08:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
djaburg TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,326 OS: XP SP3/Vista/7 Server 2K/2K3/2K8	Re: Laptop upgrade/ password issues The product key should be the one that came with the media center disk, not on the laptop that has windows 2000 installed on it (which I assume the key is for that). The issue of the installation key could be that the disk you're using for the install is not for the same version or type of installation CD that you have. For example if you have a retail key for an OEM disk, it typically won't work. As for the other issues with the computer and permissions, reinstalling the OS should remove any restrictions to use that the OS imposes, and resetting the BIOS should resolve any other passwords that are required to access the computer. __________________ Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done. The inherent vice of capitalism is the uneven division of blessings, while the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal division of misery.

10-31-2008, 10:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
Chevy Retired Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Notlob Posts: 5,452 OS: Vista Ultimate My System	Re: Laptop upgrade/ password issues The best solution is to take it to the IT folks at that company, and ask them to wipe/reinstall it for you. they sold it in an unusable condition so they shouldn't mind fixing it.