Victim of software conterfeiting

Hi

Seeing as he backed up your data ( hopefully still having backed up data ) and then reformatted with pirated version of Windows, could you not have him pop over and re-install with your original Windows CD? this would save you some cash, as he should if working with PCs known better to use warez'd copies being honest!

Not knowing which part of this vast globe your located in a cost value is hard to add, but depending on where you go it will differ from Small Local PC shop maybe in the $50 range to re-install just software/drivers etc to $xxx if hardware is needed to be replaced as well.

But if all it is, is a reinstall and your heat issues are now gone, then if you have original Windows + Licence Key and other Software CDs do this yourself for free, we can talk you throught the steps or show you some very good pictorial guides to print off.

BUT if re-formatting make sure you have all your personal files and data, emails, settings backed up onto external media.

 

Hi


Yes on reformatting, you are correct, it is possible that a repair install with your XP CD and licence key could work and this route will keep your documents and installed software intact, but worth having him do this for you, and only after all your important docs are backed up as it doesnt always work.


First thing is to backup all your important data/files/documents/pictures/Internet Favorites etc to CD/DVD/USB Pen I mention this as dust and heat issues could cause hardware failure as it makes a PC unstable thus possibly loosing you this data, until the heat issue is fixed.

Instructions for backing up Outlook Express data http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670

To backup IE Favorites folder, I find it easy to copy the main folder over using Export from IE menus, so navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Favorites and right click Copy then Paste the folder on your Desktop ready to burn to CD with the other backups, to restore its as easy as going back to the same location and pasting ontop of the newly created Favorites folder.

SO I gather the person who was to clean up your PC from only dust and not to re-install XP was your BFs brother who you paid $80 to? ( sticky situation in having family do things and then getting them to fix things ) But to be honest and open, he caused this and has not fixed the original dust issue, so should be really helping you to fix this ( could do it with you present so you can learn how to do the re-install if ever you need to do it again, a training excercise ) , especially as he got paid to do this, or at least refund you your $80 so you can get MDG to do the work.