Computer Gurus

[EDYDO 0]

I just learned the difference between Windows XP OEM pre-activated and Windows XP bios lock. I had a motherboard go bad and it could not be replaced with an original. I lost my operating system, software and files due to bios locked Windows XP from e-machines. It was great for about 15 months and then wham, lost everything, no safe mode, no nothing.

For those who don't know, bios lock operating systems can not be re-activated with a different motherboard and pre-activated can.

So, how can you tell BEFORE a crash that your operating system is bios locked? I don't ever want to rely on that again and I don't know how to tell.

Ed

[waltappel 1]

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I just learned the difference between Windows XP OEM pre-activated and Windows XP bios lock. I had a motherboard go bad and it could not be replaced with an original. I lost my operating system, software and files due to bios locked Windows XP from e-machines. It was great for about 15 months and then wham, lost everything, no safe mode, no nothing.

For those who don't know, bios lock operating systems can not be re-activated with a different motherboard and pre-activated can.

So, how can you tell BEFORE a crash that your operating system is bios locked? I don't ever want to rely on that again and I don't know how to tell.

Ed

I had never heard of it before now. I build my own PCs so it has never been an issue with me.

I looked it up and think *any* manufactured Windows PC should be regarded as bios-locked.

Walt

[eeneR 3]

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I had never heard of it before now. I build my own PCs so it has never been an issue with me.

That is the answer to your question...build them yourself, and you will never have to worry. When you get those really really cheep pc's..that is one of the catches... Same thing with integrated hardware that you have a had time replacing if it dies.

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[labrys 0]

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For those who don't know, bios lock operating systems can not be re-activated with a different motherboard and pre-activated can.

But you can do a repair install with a retail copy and regain access without losing anything.

As far as finding out ahead of time is the software is BIOS locked, ask the manufacturer before you buy.

Owned by Remi #?

[mdrejhon 8]

Hi,

Your files are not lost -- they are just inaccessible through normal means. I can remove the hard disk, hook it to another computer, and copy all your files and photos to a CD or DVD -- presto, files are rescued.

However, purchasing a retail copy of Windows and then installing it on top of your old Windows XP, will automatically recover all your software and files much more easily. Yes, this is another expense (~$100), but this is the easiest DIY solution.

The more complicated route is the removal of a hard disk and put it into another computer, and is familiar with the "Documents And Settings", directory tree structure, for file recovery.

Your files and private information are not lost. Don't reformat the hard disk or give away the computer yet.

[EDYDO 0]

Yep, you are exactly right. I did a LOT of searching. It is just irritating to have to go to all of the hassle and PAY microsoft again, just because one component in my computer failed. I also fault emachines for not having a replacement board.

It appears from my searches that nearly all big manufacturers use bios lock and smaller shops use pre-activated. I am going to watch Ebay for an unregistered OEM copy and re-install. I had my files backed up on CD, but I am still losing the program software (right??). I had Microsoft Works package with Picture it Publishing and Word, both of which I used a lot. I have no idea how to recover that. On top of putting my files on CD, I recently used Norton's Ghost to back up everything. I thought I had all bases covered, but the software engineers figured how to take much of it away.

A major point is that unless you buy the full package or have the pre-activated version, it can happen to you.

Ed

[labrys 0]

If you do an in-place upgrade with a retail copy of XP you won't lose anything. Your applications (Works, etc) will still be there and functional.

Just be sure to do an upgrade and not a new installation.

Owned by Remi #?

[70sdiver 0]

i can get you one.I think around 85 bucks.or you could go the hacked version lol PM me

[Thunderbow 1]

*** ...fault emachines...

[mdrejhon 8]

Actually, you won't lose any of your software at all provided you do an in-place reinstall of Windows. Your desktop and desktop icons and Start Menu will be exactly the same as before. Just make sure you reinstall to the same Windows folder on top of itself.

[EDYDO 0]

Thanks guys, great information. I wanted to learn more about what was happening and what to do about it. I also wanted to warn others as to the time bomb that lurks in many of our computers.

Ed

[Johnsisland 0]

You don't need to buy another copy of MS Windows, if all you want are your files. Just download a copy of Knoppix.

I also like to partition a new hard drive, and move (at a minimum) My Documents to the new partition. Not always possible to to rebuild and make a new partition, but with I know with Dell it's possible.

Once you have the Data on a separate partition, it doesn't take much time or skill to reinstall the OS, when someone (malware) hoses it up, IF the reinstall doesn't automagically wipe the hard drive, and create new partitions.

If you are unlucky enough to have some POS that won't let you create a partition during a reinstall, you can always choose to use a USB hard drive, and you will be able to wipe, and reinstall OS on the POS hard drive.

Yes, I do value my data. And no, the methods above are not bullet proof, they only protect against problems with the OS. If you want to protect agaisnt hardware failure, let's talk about a mirrored RAID.

Computers are a PIA. Or is it the end *users?

Johnsisland

Arch? I can arch just fine with my back to the ground.

[AlexCrowley 0]

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the time bomb that lurks in many of our computers.

Oh crap, a guy just called and said that if i get infected with too much spyware my computer will run under 55MHz and if that happens THE TIMEBOMB IN MY COMPUTER WILL GO OFF!!!

Thank God Keanu is not only an expert hacker but a bomb disposal expert. The only defense is to run my Matrix screensaver!!

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.