My BIL gave me his 2006 vintage HP Media Center comp that hasn't worked since 2008 because there was a fan error. Well I fixed it (fan plugged into the wrong port) and everything seems to be operating fine. However when I saw that it had updates waiting to be installed, I went ahead and started the update. Then it informed me that I don't have a valid version of XP. This must be true because I noticed none of the HP software for the computer is on it at all.
Great.
I would like to get the original XP Professional Media Center software back on it. Is there a way to do this without having to purchase the original from Microsoft? Hell they probably don't have it anymore.
So then I ask: Is there a way a can validate the XP professional that is already on it? Or do I have to have the key from Microripoff? There looks to be some stuff on the web, but I don't know if it's trustworthy.
In reply to Derick Freese:
I've heard of WPAkill, but I don't know much about it. My google search tells me it's used in malware, but yet there are all sorts of places to download it.
Well, it's technically malware. It removes the Windows Product Activation registry keys so it doesn't phone home. Use it, delete it, run malware scans. It is piracy, but it does what it's supposed to do. Don't update Windows afterwards. As with any other piracy method, this is sketchy.
Additionally, you can more than likely download an OEM version of XP or get one from HP. The software disc really isn't worth anything, it's the software key. As long as you have a COA on the computer that's legible, just enter the key when installing from ANY OEM install media. Don't use an install disc from another OEM. Technically, installing from anything but a genuine OEM or Microsoft disc is piracy, but I won't tell if you don't tell.
Microsoft is the reason I stopped selling Windows-based PCs. If I build one for someone, it's usually sans OS or has some flavor of Linux installed, unless they really need Windows. I have no problem installing the OS, but I do have a problem with how much it costs. If I have a customer willing to pay the extra, then sure.
Are you coming to the Challenge?
Is the COA legible on the tag?
Oh yeah, right on the side, it has the product key
Does it say Windows Media Center?
No legal way to do it, and subverting Windows' copy protection is not for computer noobs. You need a crack like WPAKiller and then you have to use AutoPatcher for updates (you can download the packs from torrent sites).
Technically WPAKiller is not malware (technically, Windows' copy protection is closer to malware). Legally it is. I'm sure there are plenty of sites dispensing malware that would like you to try to download and run their software though.
It seems like this install is already cracked so the hard part is done for you. See which service pack it has and get an AutoPatcher pack from that date onwards.
If you're not gonna play fancy 3D games on it maybe give some Linux distro a try, there are a few made for media center PCs like Mythbuntu.
http://ultimateedition.info/ is a very fully stocked version of ubunutu. Run LXDE for a lightweight interface as well.
The other thing to look for is a restore partition on the hard drive. Some of those old machines had a boot menu loader that would take you to a restore partition and put it back to factory. Other places to look for a restore disk would include ebay type places. Getting a restore disk will generally be less expensive than purchasing another copy of Windows, even an OEM copy. Since you already have a license why buy another. The other option would be to find and OEM copy of windows that matches the one on the COA. Then you can install from that disk with your key and give the disk back when you are done.
Johnboyjjb wrote:
Since you already have a license why buy another.
The problem seems to be that he doesn't have a license. The install he has now appears to be pirated so I'm betting there's no restore partition.
If there's a sticker with a license key on the computer itself that one might be valid, and a factory restore disc could help - manufacturers actually offer up factory restore discs on their website (usually), they just don't make them easy to find.
I have a OEM copy of XP Media Center ISO files (it is basically XP Pro w/SP3 and Media Center extensions, ready to burn to CD/DVD) Found it online.
I'll see if I can put it up on Dropbox so you can download it, burn it to CD and reload the system (you may need to put the Hard Drive Controller files on a floppy disk and load them by hitting F6 when starting the Windows installation) The rest of the drivers would be available from HP's website.
Derick Freese wrote:
Does it say Windows Media Center?
Yes it does.
I'm considering to do the factory reboot when the computer first starts up, I had an old HP from a while back that crashed and I ran the reboot. That reloaded all the original software.
There is nothing of significance on this PC, so there's nothing to lose.
