New and Boy Do I Need Help!

Hi all...I am just a grandmother...store pics...find info..and e-mail friends and family. I usually manage to work out probs with this computer by trial and error..been successful through the years.

Well....I had to reinstall Windows a week or so ago...long story and too late to change anything...used a defragger and it deleted a Windows component.

Anyway...I inserted a copy someone gave me(I've done this before with no prob, same copy)...MS Office and XP Home Edition. On the disc is an authorization number. This time it doesn't work...I keep getting a message that activation is running out. No matter how many times I put it in...it refuses it.

I went to Accessories/System Tools...there is nothing there that says I must activate.

Is this because of IE for some reason?

I lost all my pics and everything when all of this originally happened...however...I've managed to search for backups and found some of them...THAT took me forever...let's face it...I'm no whiz at this thing!!

This computer use to be an emachines....had new components installed a couple of years ago...couldn't tell anyone what the right numbers are for it now. Not even sure that makes a difference.

I only know that I have 5 or 6 days and then this message claims I can't use Windows any more anyway. Good Lord!!! What happens then?? Needless to say I am weary...sick of it...and soooo tired! I've managed over the years not to crash this thing...right now I'm ready to back out of the driveway over it.

Can I be saved??? I have the original Windows cds that came with it..but..I need to put all my new pics on cds before I try anything...I can't afford to lose another year of pics! I don't know what to do about the activication code as I don't see one on anything where they say it should be!

I have no idea if anyone can make heads or tails out of this explanation. I want to continue to use Windows and get my pics saved before this thing runs out...I take it I won't even be able to get Windows to come up if that happens!!

Thanks so much...I lucked up finding this site....Windows Help was a joke. I am getting updates from Windows presently. Any instructions must be in "Grandma language", in my case.....AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS!!! God bless Computer GEEKS!!!! There has to be a place in Heaven for each of you!!! ))

 

Lol hiya Grandma

Unfortunately, Mr Bill Gates is very smart when it comes to money making, the "Authorization Code" (Product Key) on the back of the case actually restricts the number of reinstalls you can do, so after you've gone past a certain amount, you have to buy a new copy. After a bit the reinstalls get reset and you can use the code again, but until then you either have to buy a new copy OR wait till they get reset.

Thats the he makes his money

 

Well, you can ring M$, spin 'em a bit of a yarn about having to reinstall because of problems, and ask them if they will reactivate. Usually works

 

Yer you can do that, I've done it once or twice :-D

HOWEVER if you have already contacted Microsoft and given them your Product Key, it will be recorded in their system and they may wisen up. If you do end up doing this, tell them you have just upgraded your machine and you haven't reinstalled, just your Hardware ID has changed so MS Office wants you to Reactivate. They usually don't object then ...

 

ok...this helps as I went to the activation again and it gives a number to call and a long number to give the person I contact. Then it says to click "change product key" only if the contact person tells me to...so I assume they are suppose to give me another product key. Should I do this? I have the cd that was given to me right here with a long number on it..it's the one that won't work when I type it in. Thanks so much!!

 

"".I inserted a copy someone gave me(I've done this before with no prob, same copy""

unfortunately if the copy you have is already registered to another computer you will have to purchase another product key. you used to be able to register several computers using the same product key but Microsoft change the rules and now you can only register one computer with one product key or you must purchase a multiple license for more than one computer.
so unless your computer is the only one using this copy you must purchase a new product key or a new copy of windows.

 

You should look around on your PC's case first. There should be a sticker that says "Windows XP Home Edition Product Key" and there will be 5 groups of 5 mixed numbers and letters. When you find this sticker, write down the product key. Then launch the activation feature and choose the telephone option. Then click the "Change Product Key" button and enter the key from the sticker that you just wrote down. then click the "Back" button once or twice or thrice until you see the "Activate via internet" option. Choose it and select "Activate only" (you don't want to go through the trouble of registering your name and email; registration is optional; activation is mandatory). It should activate online w/o any problems. If not, then you'll have to call the 800 number. If you don't have a product key sticker, and you're using the number that someone else gave you, then you are technically breaking the law and using a pirated license. You did say it's an EMachines tower, this means there should be a product key sticker on the back of the PC. Anyway, when you call the 800 number, it's mostly automated and you'll only get a human if the ID number has been activated too many times in the past year (the ID number is different from the product key; an ID number has no letters, and is 9 groups of 6 numbers). Normally, you can activate using the automated walk-through. If you get a human, tell them you just re-installed Windows XP. They'll ask why, tell 'em the truth. They normally ask you if the copy of Windows has been installed on any other computers. If you have a product key sticker on the back of your tower, then you say "No, it's only on this one computer". They'll give you a new 54 digit ID number (9 groups of 6 numbers) to type in, and that's it. Painless. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes.
:-D

(I personally think that spinning a "bit of a yarn" is dishonest and lying; stealing software is just like walking into WalMart and walking out with a new DVD player and mountain bike; if you have a product key sticker on your PC, then you have already paid for a valid legal Windows license when you bought the PC, and you should be using that product key when installing Windows; if you're using a product key that was written in Sharpie marker on a friend's disc, then you are stealing; it doesn't matter if you steal from a pauper or a prince, stealing is stealing whether or not the victim can "afford it")

 

Try this -

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

This free utility will find your current product keys for both XP and Office. It does not have to be installed, just extract the files to a temporary folder and double click keyfinder.exe. This may or may not help if you have to talk to someone, as this is the same product key that is being rejected by Microsoft's automated activation system, and from what you say in your first post this may or may not be a legitimate XP disk.

If you do not succeed in getting it reactivated all may not be lost. The system may continue to run but be unable to receive updates. Or the disc could be taken out and attached to another computer to enable your photos to be copied off.

There are other possibilities too, but let's see how you get on.

 

Wow...I was actually on the above site when I received the message that someone had responded here. I was about to try it.

I went to the activation again. Got the automated and nothing worked. It didn't transfer me to a rep...which I thought it would..anyway...

When I had this thing updated the guy must have taken the product key that was on it off..that's all I know. The 2 stickers on the back of this thing don't work...neither has the right number of digits. I took it to a shop and a reliable person I've known all my life.

Another question(sorry). I have the original emachines installation disks. There is nothing on them that is a key because they say the manufacturer put it on the PC. I'm just out of luck on that one. I'm going now to try this site and see what happens. You are prob right and I'll not find the original product key but it's worth a shot. Also I was wondering about what you mentioned..that I may just not be able to get updates.

Now..how do I back up stuff I want to keep in case I have to buy a new copy or try the original one again? Do I just get a cd and click on the documents to save? I don't know how to save Avast! anti-virus and maybe I can't anyway. I'd like to save a few things but at this point pics may be all I save if this gets any more complicated.

Thank you so much..I will come back in a few and let you know how this Magic Jelly Bean thing works....you are so kind to respond...I've got up 2 hours ago and have done nothing but worry...The darn Microsoft 7 is expensive and I really don't want to have to purchase...but...guess I'll have to try and work it out. Thanks again...back in a few!!

 

The best thing to do right now is copy off to CD/DVD/external drive all your personal files - pictures, Word docs etc, etc. That will avert the worst scenario. You can't copy Avast or any other program.

Once you have all your personal stuff saved, and if XP stops working, you would have the option to reinstall XP from your original disks, which would restore the system to the state it was in when first purchased. All other software installed since would need to be reinstalled in that case, and you would be faced with reinstalling service packs and updates. A big job, but at least it would put you back on a proper footing.

 

Yeah...I've decided that I must do that. We're out of cds so getting some today. I've never copied lots of files but assume you just click on them and that works to start copying to cd. Thanks so much...I will let everyone know how this turns out...Tues is the last day that I can use Microsoft according to the alert from them. I was curious about other programs such as Firefox,etc. Thought about changing...I'm sick of Microsoft XP anyway!!!

 

What do you all think about Firefox 3.5 or 3? I can apparently download them free. Are they compatible with Avast? I've always used IE. Here comes the really dumb question...so you still have to download Windows???? Can I still place any files I've saved on Firefox?

 

I hadn't realised you aren't au fait with basic file operations, such as copy and paste. It is slightly more than just clicking on them

Open XP's Help and put Copy Files in the search. The fourth item down is copy files and folders to a cd. Have a good read.

 

Firefox is just a program, similar to IE, that runs in Windows XP, your computer's operating system. You can't do anything at all without XP, unless you install a different operating system, such as Vista or a Linux system. Avast is just another program running in XP, an antivirus program, perfectly OK but then so are a number of others.

 

Since you did a fresh install using the friend's disc, the MagicBean Keyfinder will simply report the number you used with that disc. If you have the EMachines recovery discs that came with the system, use them. Most (if not all) factory recovery discs do not require the user to manually enter the product key when the discs are used on the PC they were shipped with. The product key is programmed into the discs and will be entered automatically.

 

jlj - pls don't do anything with your original disks until you have completed the advice I gave in #10. Otherwise ALL your personal files will be permanently destroyed.

 

GREAT!!! I'm trying to download my pictures and some files to a cd. I didn't know this and now perhaps I can sleep tonight!! We have 3 grandkids here and so it's been a long day...I walked away from this thing for a few hours...it did me good!!!! Thanks so much...everyone here is just super!!!
Wish I'd known about you all a long time ago!!!

If I can I have a question. How can I put my favorites on the cd? Is it possible to do so? Most everything else I lost when the "event" happened. Thanks again!!!

 

Thanks...I did copy favorites and pics and have them on cd now.
I decided to try the original copy that came with this emachine. Well...all that comes up is what is on the cd....I don't know what to click on to start the process....I guess they don't get dumber than me! Seems to me that last time it just started on its own. I've only tom and I'm no longer going to be able to use XP. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

I got the favorites copied and my pics and on a cd now. I placed the original restore cds that came with this emachines in and I got what was on them and don't even know what to click on!!! Yeah...I'm more than lacking in the file dept and most others! ) Oh well...i've only one day left to activate and i've tried all I know.

 

Well...I did realize that I had to boot that cd. Restore cds worked. Now...I still need to activate and the original product key...isn't working. So..I have 30 days but tom am going to call them...they should activate. I sure can't. Also..now I can't seem to download IE 8. Says something can't be found to dlownload it...whatever..going to bed...got anti-virus on here so feel better and am too tired to keep downloading stuff...auto is on so hopefully Microsoft will do it.Thanks so much!!!

 

It's what's called a recovery cd. Never used one myself, or an eMachine, so problem helping, but is it booting the cd, and if so are there any options on the screen?

Only thing I can find by Googling is that you have to use the F11 key, but whether you do this in Windows, when booted to the CD, or when booting up I just don't know. Suggest you try all three - today

 

HELP!!! I've gotten the original windows cd downloaded and I cannot activate still. I keep opening that window and putting the orig product key in it and it won't let me..keeps telling me that I need a new product key. I call the toll free numbers and I swear..all I get is automated with no choice to speak to any HUMAN BEING!!!!

I had this emachines upgraded awhile back...couple of years I guess. But, the orig cd worked so I've got a valid copy in here now!! Who do I call???? I can't find any numbers and it keeps telling me to call the manufacturer....is that what I have to do???
This is driving me crazy!!!! I can't download Active X which I need until this gets done.
Can anyone help me out on this??? I've been to the Micro site and I don't know who the heck to call!!! Thanks so much!!!!

 

You know guys...I have no sound...and there is no listing in the Device Manager that says "Display Adapters"....could that have something to do with it??? Just wondering

 

If you really want to keep your XP working after today, try to answer my last question.

 

I put recovery cd in and booted. There were no options...it started making a shadow copy and then reinstalled Windows. It's up and running. I have no sound and can't play videos. Won't even play computer sounds. Sorry...I wasn't paying attention and didn't answer this. I don't seem to have any Display Networks under Device Manager. I've tried troubleshooting and I get nowhere...Wizard says it can't download drivers and such as it can't find(even online) the right ones...or whatever it's looking for.

 

Good! You now have the computer's original XP system installed and running, and M$ can't excommunicate you from your computer any more It seems some of the original hardware may have been changed, so you are missing some drivers, but if we can find a way to find and install those then life should start to return to normal.

Apart from the disk you just used to restore XP, do you have any other disks? When you put new hardware devices in a computer you are normally supplied with a driver disk too. Is the guy who did the upgrade available to ask about this?

Otherwise can we glean anything from Device Manager - all those things with a yellow question mark against them?

 

) Great news to hear that they can't boot me out..but..still getting message to activate :confused

I found the drivers on emachines site...I saved to desktop and extracted each the audio and video. I was able to lanch the installer for audio as there was a file there to do so. However..the video driver extracted files had no launcher. Don't know why. I checked my listed programs and on there is a ProsavageDDR Utilities...I thought about deleting it and then going back and trying to download the video driver again. I was afraid to delete any programs that Microsoft downloaded already. I do have a second original cd with drivers on it...I used it when I reinstalled according to the on screen instructions. Not sure what happened though.

In Device Manager a, still getting the same yellow alerts next to adapters and there is no "Display Adapters" heading listed still. Thanks!!

 

If you have the video driver files coralled in a folder, just point the hardware wizard at the folder.

Bit stumped about what to do about it still requiring activation. This is happening because of the hardware changes, and will probably end up with you having to call the 800 number and explain.

One step at a time and we will have you fully functional again

 

Okay...Now where would I find that hardware wizard..under Device Manager?

How do I do that please? I tried before to get that (I think it was) to update the driver and it searches and says it can't...over and over again. Do I direct it to the folder on desktop..if so ..how? Browse and click on folder?

Hopefully when I get home I can do it and it will work okay! You're too kind and patient...thanks so much!

I tried that 800 number several times and the automated refuses to give me a real person...just keeps saying sorry it can't help me today. So weird. I have no idea who to call and visited Microsoft site and it has a place where you can look up a call center in your area...I tried and absolutely nothing happened...nothing worked there. All I wanted was another number to call. Geeez....what a mess this is....all thanks to a tool I was using to clear up files and delete temp files!

If all else fails I guess I should just buy a copy of Windows 2000(hear it has less bugs) or 2003 which is what I have now. Guess you can buy them somewhere...but..you're right..we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

May be later in the day before I can get this done...not at my computer now.

Have a good afternoon, friend!! ))

 

Exactly. Follow the links through Update Driver until you are pointing at, or including in the search the folder with the drivers.

I'm at least five hours ahead of you jlj, bedtime soon

 

Ok friend thanks!! Have a good night then!! )))

 

You are so kind. I am so weary. I can't seem to get it right. I go to device manager...I have the drivers loaded and extracted on to my desktop. The Device Manager won't let me browse...I get to a certain window where I could type in the folder and it won't let me click on next...it's whited out. Under my listed programs I seem to have the audio one.

At any rate...I think I'm just too stupid to do this. Someone told me that I would have to upgrade the display with a video card?? Family member..who then said since I was so computer illiterate they didn't know much else to tell me. Course they have no intention of coming to do it either.

I felt awful after that conversation...hopefully walked through something a little at a time I just might get it.

However...I can't get these prosavage drivers downloaded and I know it's frustrating for anyone to "walk" me like a baby through it.

I just wanted to be able to play games.

The guy who upgraded still has a shop but he's gone to Calf. and his sister runs it. I'm sure she'd say I have to bring it in. I thought maybe my husband could figure out how to put the card in...I did look up some instructions on that.

But, upgrading drivers won't solve the problem unless I do the above.

I'm just depressed now and going to take the night off. I will try to re-group late tom. Going to enjoy my grandkids as they are here for the night. Maybe that will get my mind off this whole mess. My son might be able to come over and figure it out but he's out of town for the weekend. I just hate asking anyone and sure am sorry to keep asking how to do these things...

Friend, have a good evening...I'm taking my lacking brain and having a beer! I'll get back tomorrow...I don't think there's any hope for me..however.

 

There is another way we could approach this. Windows has something called Remote Assistance, which enables someone who needs help to invite another person to have access to their computer. That access can be simply to see your screen on their computer, and exchange messages, or can be extended to allow the other person to take full control. Few ppl seem to use it, as it just never comes up as a forum topic on any forum I know of. Maybe it's a trust thing.

You can learn more about it in Help and Support, and if you then feel you want to try it send me a PM and we can sort out a time window.

 

Using son's computer....thanks so much..I gave up and took it in this morning..have a family member(diff one) who owns a business...forgot about them at the time..he's going to figure it out...I'll be back tom sometime to further update...thanks for being so kind to me...will talk to you again today or tom friend!!!!

 

HELLO ALL!!! Yeah...it's me and I'm back up and running !! Broke down and took it in....actually have a family member who owns a shop...why I didn't do it sooner...who knows??? Crazy, I guess. All of you have just been great..I have told all my family and friends!! Your patience is sooooo appreciated. This one just got the better of me!! All I do is e-mail, save pics, and search for information. I never store in files much or transfer stuff,etc. After 5 years you'd think I'd have more experience. Good thing it's not required for my job or I'd be working for FOOD!!!
God bless y'all....so far there's nothing on here warning me about activation!!! You are all worth your weight in gold and I will continue to follow the threads!
I'm having to wear a heart monitor for the next 24 hours...something to do with my blood pressure...all lab work came back great...just a precaution before blood pressure medicine is given. WOW...who'd have thought I'd be stressed out???? rolleyes
I don't know how y'all put up with folks like me but your encouragement meant so much to me...I didn't feel like a total idiot!!!
So..since I've no computer probs tonight I'm going out and watch the Moon Over Kentucky and I'd have a mint julep but the monitor might puke or something!! Trust me...you can't judge all Kentuckians by me!!!! Love y'all!!! :wave

 

Oh Gawd rolleyes :-D

 

Awwww...shucks...y'know you have!!! :cool