I had this Compaq computer and it worked fine, then my brother's 3 year old son put a car key into the USB port and fried my motherboard I changed the board and it boots up fine but as soon as I try to logon a popup window tells me that I have to activate this copy of XP? I called Microsoft and they told me that I have to get an alternate product key from Compaq. So I called Compaq and they have no idea what I am talking about! Their customer service sucks! Can anyone help?
201226
Check this page, it explains what product activation is, and what to do in your case... good luck!\n\nhttp://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm
47311
Microsoft is very strict with their new licensing terms.\n\nYour copy of Win XP Pro is valid for a single or dual processor machine.\n\nMicrosoft has stated that the product is valid for one machine only. You cannot remove the product from one computer and install it on another. If you upgrade your processor and motherboard, your copy of XP is valid only for the previous components, and not your upgraded computer.
322042
you didn' specify wether you have Windows XP Pro or Home. aniways get your laptop to the nearest Compaq retailer or service center
540043
Are you using a Valid copy of Windows XP?  Where did you buy the computer?  Remember, the computer is just an invention, and it is not part of your whole life.  You also probably need to reinstall Win XP.
589899
Try this link to see if your XP is a valid copy.  If it's not, I'd sure go back to that dealer and demand he make it right or you'll report him to Microsoft for selling pirated XP.  And I'd also demand the XP install CD as well.\n\nsupport.microsoft.com
328708
If you are running an HP (or Compaq)computer, that is a "multi-media human interface device" file (mm hid), typically, a keyboard driver.  (It may be the same for other brands, these are the ones I am familiar with)  This driver makes the 'extra' buttons on a keyboard work, like the volume buttons for a speaker, or the 'internet', 'mail' and other buttons.  The standard keys should go ahead and work, even without this driver, its just these 'extra', specialty buttons that won't work.\n\nTo fix the problem, you need to find and install the right driver for the keyboard.  If you are using the keyboard that came with the computer, then HP will have the drivers on their support site.  See the link I've attached.  In the grey area, you are asked to "Select a task and enter a product name/number" -- toggle the "Download drivers and software...", and, in the box labeled "for product" list your computer model.  On HP and Compaq computers, this is on the front of the 'tower', or box, near the bottom.  A couple of examples are "HP Pavillion 6643", or "Compaq Presario S4020WM".  The name of the computer is, of course, splashed somewhere across the middle, but the 'model number' is in that small inset tag at the bottom (the 6643, or the S4020WM")\n\nOnce you have entered this information, then you get a question of which operating system it is using.  Select the one that is on your machine, and this should bring up the drivers that are available for that model of computer.  You should see one, probably called a "Multimedia Keyboard Driver" and it may have "update" in the title.  Click on the underlined name, and it should download for you.  Pay attention to where it is being saved, in case it doesnt run the update automatically.  You might have to select "Run" from your "START" tab, and browse to goto where the file was saved, and select the downloaded driver, to update your file.  That should install the keyboard driver, and eliminate the error message.\n\nNow... if you are using a brand of keybaord that did NOT come with your computer.. an 'aftermarket' keyboard, say, like a LogiTech... then you would repeat the process, using the keyboard manufacturer's website, instead of the HP website.  Ive added the LogiTech link too... you need to select your country/language...then clkick on "Downloads" in the grey bar across the top of the page.  This brings up a list of products ... select "Keyboards & Desktops", and find the keybaord that matches your own.  (On Logitech Keyboards, you can find the model number and name, on the underside of the keyboard).\n\n:)  It sounds complicated, but it's not really.  Just take it a step at a time, and you can fix it.  :)\n\nGood Luck!  :)
166847
Ok, with this type of situation you have to start small and then gradually work your way up.  You shouldn't just bite the bullet and buy a new hard drive because the problem may be very simple.  FIRST, make sure your electric cable is OK, is it plugged in securly?  take it out, plug it in somewhere else and try it out, maybe replace the plug.  SECOND, How old is the computer?  From the DOS prompt, run a chkdsk  (check disk).  Don't know how to get to the DOS prompt?  here's how:  Click START-RUN, then type CMD and hit enter...  there's your DOS window, now type CHKDSK... let it run, it'll give you some good info...  If it is still shutting down and restarting, you may even have some virus acting on your hardddrive, work to remove it with Spybot S&D and/or Lavasoft Adaware Personal.  If this doesn't work, get your copy of XP and try to do a repair by starting the computer with the XP disk in it.  If this reinstallation of XP doesn't "TAKE" then you may indeed need a new harddrive.  Take your harddrive out, read the small print on it and see who made it...  whomever made it will usually have some utility on their website that can WRITE ZEROS TO THE DISK, to fully re-write it, I have done this before and of course it takes long (several hours) but the harddrive will be like brand new.  HOpe this helps.
13554
xp is supposed to suppot all drivers.\nsince yours is old.\ntry and get a driver from you manufacturer.\nit must work.
177968
Which is it?  ME or XP. \n\nLet's assume it's not ME, because that program would not know if it was active or not. \n\nI think it has to do with registration and ensuring it is a legal copy of XP.  They are tightening up on that these days, and updates won't work unless it is a registered copy.\n\nnice cut and paste dinger
114777
First go into BIOS, usually by pressing the Delete key while rebooting. Go to start up or boot devices and select your first boot device to your CD Rom. Put your Windows XP disk in the drive and reboot. From the options, do a repair.If that doesn't work, Try resetting your BIOS, usually a jumper on the motherboard, check the manual because they're all different.  If that doesn't work, Do a reformat and fresh install.\nIt sounds like a virus or trojon, so if you do get it up and going, without the reformat, do a complete scan with your antivirus software.
364904
YOU have discovered the problem with buying a pre-loaded system.  If you change the hardware, your OS won't load.\n\nThey got a special price on the OS, BUT it HAS to be used on THEIR system. (SOMETIMES even a minor upgrade, an additional PCI board, etc., is enough to cause it to stop working.  THEY wantyou to buy a NEW one, NOT upgrade the existing machine!!) \n\nThe ONLY solution is to either reinstall ALL the original parts; or buy, or download a new OS for your "upgraded" system, depending on the OS you decide to use.
234799
what I would try is wipe your hard drive clean and install professional again. What I think is happening is there is some code in the compaq version of xp that explains why this is happening.
3324
1.Contact the microsoft, give your previous key and they will help u \n2.Download or Order the CD (they will sent it to u for free, but it will ask for activate within 30 days) of windows xp 2 from the link below
119517
Should have come with your software. Unless of course you bought a pirated copy :( I believe I read something about XP and future editions of Windows will be configured to become inoperable on the host computer if the key is entered into another computer (like if you buy a new computer and load your copy of xp on it, it will become inoperable on the old computer)
139695
VERY GOOD IDEA!  ME is crappy.  Just be sure not to forget Service Pack 2 on your new XP machine.  I would recommend you start with a clean install.  Good luck.
306805
First: \n\n08/01/2002     It's been a number of months now since Windows XP made its debut. Shutdown problems continue to be one of the primary issues haunting users. A number of solutions have been found for different scenarios, but one thing that is generally agreed on is the primary cause for most shutdown ills still relate to hardware and software compatibility and driver issues. \n\nSecond: \n\nWhen XP is first installed it tries to determine what type of BIOS is available on the computer. Newer systems have what is known as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) capability. Unfortunately, XP doesn't always recognize a computer BIOS is ACPI capable and doesn't install the support for ACPI. Even more unfortunate is the fact that if ACPI support isn't determined at the initial install it's virtually impossible to correct this at a later time short of reinstalling XP over the top of the previous XP installation. To do so requires changing the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). The chances of successfully changing a HAL after XP has been installed is pretty close to zilch.\n\nThird:\n\nDevice Manager: Often times Device Manager will provide a clue to an item that may be interfering with a proper shutdown sequence. To open Device Manager:\n\nRight click [My Computer] click [Properties] and select [Hardware] tab.\nClick the [Device Manager] button in the [Device Manager] section.\n\nDevice Manager use a number of different symbols to indicate potential problems with installed devices. As you might expect, Device Manager is closely tied into the drivers that are used to make individual devices functional. A problem with one of these devices or a driver supporting it are often the cause of shutdown problems. Don't assume that just because you checked Device Manager once and all was well that matters will remain that way. Check it from time to time, especially if you notice a sudden change in device behavior.\n\nFourth:\n\nStartup and Recovery Options: By default, XP is configured that when a system failure is encountered the system automatically restarts. This behavior may at times be desirable, especially if a system is unattended and and a reboot is necessary to restore a system to operation. Unfortunately, it also makes it very difficult if not impossible for a user to read the messages that are presented that may provide clues to a shutdown problem. To prevent the system from automatically restarting:\n\nRight click [My Computer] click [Properties] and select [Advanced] tab.\nClick the [Settings] button in the [Startup and Recovery] section.\nRemove the checkmark from [Automatically Restart] in [System Failure] section.\n\nFifth:\n\nIn short, any piece of hardware or software can be the cause of a shutdown problem. In dealing with these issues over the past few months, experience has taught me to check the drivers first. If XP didn't come with a generic driver, perhaps the manufacturer has released a driver specifically for XP. As much trouble as it is, stripping the machine of all devices and reinstalling them one by one while checking for shutdown problems remains the best troubleshooting method.\n\nSixth:\n\nIn short, any piece of hardware or software can be the cause of a shutdown problem. In dealing with these issues over the past few months, experience has taught me to check the drivers first. If XP didn't come with a generic driver, perhaps the manufacturer has released a driver specifically for XP. As much trouble as it is, stripping the machine of all devices and reinstalling them one by one while checking for shutdown problems remains the best troubleshooting method.\n\nFirst link is article from which excerpts were taken...second link is the forum I go to when I am foaming at the mouth. They are arrogant almost to a fault...but know their stuff.
195256
Good luck with that one that can get very expensive! don't reinstall nothing whoever said that needs to go back to school. This isn't a software problem it's your bios. Google it see if you see anything just put like "resetting BIOS password for a HP Omnibook 6000" or something like that i had a bunch of hits for it but i didn't look at them all. You may find something out who knows.