Windows XP Issue (Activation) II

Apparently, _Leythos_, on 30/01/05 13:35,typed:
don't add up
to what you're trying to make us believe.

So, tell us, if you want us off your back, what was wrong, what the BIOS


I thing he should give the details more for records' sakes. If anybody
experiences similar problem, this thread could be helpful to him/her.
This is in keeping with newsgroups' spirit.

Sam.



update fixed, and the Model/version of the emachine and the version of the
OS that it shipped with, unless you feel that you need to hide something
from the world.




--
Please remove the underscores ( the '_' symbols) from my email address
to obtain the correct one. Apologies, but the fudging is to remove spam.

Leythos wrote:
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:02:31 -0500, kurttrail wrote:

Leythos wrote:
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 11:34:33 -0500, kurttrail wrote:

"1.) Will my or my Mom's PC render useless? (MS finding out and
disabling it
via Windows Update or some other technique?)"

If you used the same product Key on both machines, at some point,
one or both may be disabled - you just never know.

How? I have never heard of MS disabling a computer AFTER it has been
activation. Please document your answer.

Did I say they would? Nope, I said "You just never know". How many
people thought they would move to Activation in the 98 days.

And how many Win98 computers require Activation today? Zero.

How many
people have Activated XP and then found that an Update declared their
Activation was not good?

I don't know of any instance of Retail and OEM copies of XP doing this.

I've had several instances where we updated
XP with SP1 and the activation was checked and we were told we could
not install SP1 based on our key - had to blow it away and start
again with new keys from MS.

Sounds like you are talking about VL Keys, not retail or OEM ones.


It could also be that
one or both will not be able to gain access to updates.

LOL! Mandatory Validation hasn't started yet, and MS has already
stated that they won't validate computers with Automatic Updates
turned on.

Yea, but, as I said, you never know. If you look closely I never
declared that the system would become unactivated, I said you never
know what they will do.

No, you just tried to imply it with FUD, instead of facts!


"2.) Will I go to jail or get a fine?"

Unknown.

Not for jail time. Violating the EULA is not a criminal offense, so
there is absolutely no chance of jail time. And being fined would
require MS to sue the OP, and MS has NEVER sued anyone for casual
copying for non-commercial use.

But the threat is there, which is what I said - you seem to have
confirmed that MS CAN sue for it.

And I can fly to the moon, but it is about as likely as MS sueing a
private individual installing a copy on somebody elses computer for
repair purposes.


Since you paid for XP on both machines, it's a semantics
game, sort of. You are technically in violation of the licensing
agreement, but you are not using more than you paid for.

"3.) My best friend bought a Dell and ran over his restoration disk
with the wheel of his chair, schmuck . Almost same scenario, he has
the right/license to run it but can't. Can I install my copy onto
his PC without getting my PC or my Mom's deactivated or rendered
useless?"

Your friend can get a replacement CD from Dell. Your installation on
his computer presents the same issue that your install on your mom's
computer did. If you use HIS activation key then there is nothing to
worry about, but, if you use your key then you have two installs of
the same key - see #1 above.

The direct answer is, nothing will happen to the OP's or his mother's
computers by installing and activating XP on his friend's computer.

Your answer is WRONG - you have no clue what MS will do in the future

My answer is correct for the present. MS does not deactivate any copy
of XP that has already been activated, and has no plans to do so in the
near future.

or how the duplication of keys/activation will impact their systems.

Duplication on one machine has no impact on any other machine. Saying
anything different is just FUD, period.


"4.) Will I go to jail or get a fine if I also install it on my
best friend's PC?"

See answer to #2, he's running one install and he paid for one
install through a valid vendor - so, technically he's not running
something unpaid for, it's just the wrong version of what he paid
for - as long as you don't install your key you have little to
worry about. If he calls Dell they will send replacement media, but
not a new key.

I haven't seen you answer these questions from his original post
Mikey. All I've seen you do is play little games to avoid directly
answering these questions. The OP isn't asking any questions about
the BIOS he reflashed, so stop trying to use it to divert from
answering the OP's questions, or aren't you man enough to answer
them directly, and honestly?

The OP was asking about something that he's been told is wrong

No, he was asking if there are any consequences for installing his
copy of XP on family and friends computers.

Yes, and he was told it's the wrong path to take -

It is the path he already took, and his mother has a working computer,
which she didn't have before taking that path.

and again for
various reasons in replies that he and you don't accept.

LOL! To me it would be wrong to masterbate with sandpaper, but someone
else might just get off on it. Just because you and MS might think it
is wrong for the OP to get his mom's computer working again by the
method he used, doesn't mean it is wrong for the OP or his mom, as the
alternative would be his mom would have an expensive door stop, instead
of a working computer.


and has
been told many times why it's wrong

And he knows that technically it is, but he has already done it, and
want to know the consequences of actions he has already done.

See above - it's already been said.

Ditto.


and what the consequences are of
changing an OEM system and why.

And you answered with FUD, not reality. Once activated, MS does not
disable OS installs on purpose.

You are the one spreading FUD, you have no clue what MS will do with
people that activate more than one install with the same key, you can
ONLY HOPE what you think is going to happen.

I have installed the same copy of MS's PA-disabled software on more than
one computer, so I know from first-hand experience what the consequences
are. There are none as of yet. What will happen in the future is
nothing but an exercise in shear fantasy.

The correct answer is
that installations in violation of the EULA should be considered
unstable for updates and support of any type.

Pure propaganda that is proven wrong by reality. Windows Updates still
works without Validation, and MS has already stated they will continue
to work for those using Auto Update once Mandatory Validation is
implemented. Speculating about anything past that is nothing but
meaningless FUD. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. That is obviously where
you live, as that is all you have been spreading, and it is quite
obvious to those of us that don't owe MS our livelihoods, or our MVP
status.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

Not the way I did it....


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"daygo140" wrote in message
...
| Wrong RAINMAN, the PC wasn't working. Or else why would I try to mess
with
| it? My Mom didn't want any added features she don't need. It broke,
BAD!
| Basically by doing what I did I prevented my Mom from spending alot of
money
| on a MOBO aside from other damaged components that I couldn't do
anything
| else but replace.

MOBOs are cheaper than XP

Alias
|
|
| "Leythos" wrote in message
| news | On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:55:08 -0500, kurttrail wrote:
|
| And what good was valid license gonna do on a computer that wouldn't
| run?
|
| Actually, the computer worked fine before - it was not shipped in a
broken
| format. Sure, the user wanted to ADD features or something, but he's
not
| telling anyone what he was trying to do that the BIOS update fixed.
|
| So, the computer was running fine, user wanted some new/updated
feature
| that the machine did not support, user installed a non-vendor provided
| firmware update, user broke his mothers machine, user doesn't want to
| repair it, user installed illegal copy of XP, user wants to ensure
that
| he didn't do something he may have problems with later (which is not
the
| case)....
|
| Get over it - as you seem to be fond of saying.
|
| --
|
| remove 999 in order to email me
|
|
|

Leythos wrote:
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:55:08 -0500, kurttrail wrote:

And what good was valid license gonna do on a computer that wouldn't
run?

Actually, the computer worked fine before - it was not shipped in a
broken format. Sure, the user wanted to ADD features or something,
but he's not telling anyone what he was trying to do that the BIOS
update fixed.

He wasn't there when it broke. He just fixed it for his mom.


So, the computer was running fine, user wanted some new/updated
feature that the machine did not support, user installed a non-vendor
provided firmware update, user broke his mothers machine, user
doesn't want to repair it, user installed illegal copy of XP, user
wants to ensure that he didn't do something he may have problems with
later (which is not the case)....

Total Bullsh*t. Nothing but useless speculation.


Get over it - as you seem to be fond of saying.

I haven't said "Get over it" in this thread. And I can only find one
instance where I ever wrote that phrase on the USENET.

http://groups-beta.google.com/groups...=2005&safe=off

You are so full of sh*t that you don't know who has said what!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

So, tell us, if you want us off your back, what was wrong, what the BIOS
update fixed, and the Model/version of the emachine and the version of the
OS that it shipped with, unless you feel that you need to hide something
from the world.


The PSU went. Capacitor blew and due to unstable voltages produced while it
was failing, took out the integrated video card. The PC then wouldn't boot
only but once every twenty or so tries. I tried everything, finally I used
a cheapo test video card and it booted successfully. Bought a new the video
card particularlly one which when installed the system couldn't boot.
Ironically there was a BIOS update on the mobo manufacturers web site that
specifically "fixed system can't boot with that video card installed" among
other things which were beneficial. Among the fact that eMachines doesn't
provide any BIOS let alone the latest one that the mobo manufacturer had to
fix the issue.

You satisfied?

I expect nothing less than getting questions and having to get analyzed on
every little thing I just wrote. I have nothing to prove. My Mom is now
happy along with me too.

But I didn't feel like explaining something I had the fixed. Yes I could
maybe could of done this or that, which I probably tried, I spend a ton of
time on this PC before I realized it was the integrated vid card, instead of
doing what a lot of techs (even good ones) would of done, toss the mobo.

All I wanted was answers to questions I DIDN'T HAVE. Somehow most of you
got all off the scope of the post.

Anyway I had a fun time. Sorry if I ****ed people off. But based on the
sentence above and the thread you can see why I was a little bitter now.

Have a good day!

Thanks for all your time. All of your input was greatly appreciated.



"Leythos" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 13:33:27 -0500, daygo140 wrote:

Wrong RAINMAN, the PC wasn't working. Or else why would I try to mess
with it? My Mom didn't want any added features she don't need. It
broke, BAD! Basically by doing what I did I prevented my Mom from
spending alot of money on a MOBO aside from other damaged components
that I couldn't do anything else but replace.

Bull$hit - the BIOS that it shipped with and the OS worked fine when she
started using it. If there was a hardware failure a BIOS update would not
have corrected that. So, you're spouting BS again. If the computer was
shipped in working order then it was not unusable unless YOU changed
something about it.

I've been doing this a long time and you're statements just don't add up
to what you're trying to make us believe.

So, tell us, if you want us off your back, what was wrong, what the BIOS
update fixed, and the Model/version of the emachine and the version of the
OS that it shipped with, unless you feel that you need to hide something
from the world.


--

remove 999 in order to email me

daygo140 wrote:
DUDE that's it in a nutshell. (QUOTED BELOW)

And he finally answer my questions (original post). My intention was
achieved finally! I didn't know I was going to go through the third
degree to get it though.

You have just been through what the MicroFaithful do to people that
don't tow the MS line. They nitpick, get totally off topic, and spread
a web of FUD until they get you become so frustrated with them that you
either give up, or have a temper tantrum, and then they'll just dismiss
you as some anti-MS kook.

Microsoft is a proven predatory monopoly, and a proven copyright and
patent infringer. No private individual has ever been proven to have
done ANYTHING legally wrong, for doing what you have described to this
group. So don't let the MicroSycophants get you down, and don't ever
let them make you feel like have done something wrong, when all you have
done is help out friends and family that have computer and/or OS
problems.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

Bruce Chambers wrote:
kurttrail wrote:



You are a total moron. Your answer is to render the PC unusable
again.


Still resorting to name-calling when you've nothing else to offer, I
see.
The OP has already rendered the computer unusable, and we've no way of
knowing if the BIOS flash was even necessary, in the first place.
Based on this thread, I've very little confidence in the OP's
technical ability.


And you are still a total douchbag, Bruce.

The computer HAS NOT been rendered unusable. It works now, but it
didn't work before, so while we don't know if the BIOS Flash was
absolutely necessary, it worked in getting the OP's mom a usable
computer, period. And based on all your reposnses to PA questions, I
have absolutely no confidence in your ability to comprehend what you
read.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

kurttrail wrote:



It works now, Brucey, but was unusable before he fixed the BIOS problem.


And just where, in the original post, did the OP say that the machine
was unusable _before_ the BIOS flash? He didn't. But he did say that
the BIOS flash had rendered the machine unusable by initiating the WPA.


Deal with the reality of the situation.



I'm not the one with the well-known unfamiliarity with reality.
Remember, the OP didn't ask for technical advice, he wanted information
on his legal situation.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

Bruce Chambers wrote:
Bill wrote:
Your mother's machine should have MS seal on it with the
'Product Key'. This is a legal key and you paid for it. It is
not disk dependent except for restrictions on OEM stuff...
You 'should' be able to do a system repair with any disk
of the OS...
Bill
Atlanta
PS write it down in your user manual too!


No, not "any" OS installation CD. Product Keys are bound to the
specific type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full,
or Upgrade) with which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home
OEM Product Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or
for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product
Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM
Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An Italian
Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line: Product
Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

It _might_ be possible for the OP to use a generic OEM CD and the
eMachines Product Key, but there's no 100% certainty that it the two
would work together.

And that is valid information, based on reality. But I have been told
in the past, by an MS employee, that an OEM Key is will work with a
generic OEM copy of XP. MS does not make OEM Keys that are specific to
any OEM, so while there is no 100% certainty that anything made by MS
will work, there is a very high probability that the Emachices PK will
work with any generic OEM copy of XP.

But this is all off-topic to this thread, as the OP seems only to have a
retail copy of XP.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

KURTTRAIL

send me an email to



"kurttrail" wrote in message
...
Bruce Chambers wrote:
kurttrail wrote:



You are a total moron. Your answer is to render the PC unusable
again.


Still resorting to name-calling when you've nothing else to offer, I
see.
The OP has already rendered the computer unusable, and we've no way of
knowing if the BIOS flash was even necessary, in the first place. Based
on this thread, I've very little confidence in the OP's
technical ability.


And you are still a total douchbag, Bruce.

The computer HAS NOT been rendered unusable. It works now, but it didn't
work before, so while we don't know if the BIOS Flash was absolutely
necessary, it worked in getting the OP's mom a usable computer, period.
And based on all your reposnses to PA questions, I have absolutely no
confidence in your ability to comprehend what you read.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

Alias wrote:


Really? What was incorrect?


Perhaps a better word would have been "complete." You addressed only
the technical aspect of the OP's questions, but disregarded his legal
concerns, which seemed to be to be the main thrust of his questions.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

You are completely right I didn't put that anything happened that caused me
to update the BIOS. That was irrelevant. But in fact something did happen.
But that wasn't what I was concerned about since I fixed it. I just wanted
legal things cleared up. Which somewhere you guys got off that scope and
concentrated on the BIOS issue.

I did post the "secret information" as a poster requested since it may help
someone out. I AM ALL FOR THAT!!

HERE IT IS AGAIN:

The PSU went. Capacitor blew and due to unstable voltages produced while it
was failing, took out the integrated video card. The PC then wouldn't boot
only but once every twenty or so tries. I tried everything, finally I used
a cheapo test video card and it booted successfully. Bought a new the video
card particularlly one which when installed the system couldn't boot.
Ironically there was a BIOS update on the mobo manufacturers web site that
specifically "fixed system can't boot with that video card installed" among
other things which were beneficial. Among the fact that eMachines doesn't
provide any BIOS let alone the latest one that the mobo manufacturer had to
fix the issue.



"Bruce Chambers" wrote in message
...
kurttrail wrote:



It works now, Brucey, but was unusable before he fixed the BIOS problem.


And just where, in the original post, did the OP say that the machine was
unusable _before_ the BIOS flash? He didn't. But he did say that the
BIOS flash had rendered the machine unusable by initiating the WPA.


Deal with the reality of the situation.



I'm not the one with the well-known unfamiliarity with reality. Remember,
the OP didn't ask for technical advice, he wanted information on his legal
situation.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

daygo140 wrote:
So, tell us, if you want us off your back, what was wrong, what the
BIOS update fixed, and the Model/version of the emachine and the
version of the OS that it shipped with, unless you feel that you
need to hide something from the world.


The PSU went. Capacitor blew and due to unstable voltages produced
while it was failing, took out the integrated video card. The PC
then wouldn't boot only but once every twenty or so tries. I tried
everything, finally I used a cheapo test video card and it booted
successfully. Bought a new the video card particularlly one which
when installed the system couldn't boot. Ironically there was a BIOS
update on the mobo manufacturers web site that specifically "fixed
system can't boot with that video card installed" among other things
which were beneficial. Among the fact that eMachines doesn't provide
any BIOS let alone the latest one that the mobo manufacturer had to
fix the issue.
You satisfied?

I expect nothing less than getting questions and having to get
analyzed on every little thing I just wrote. I have nothing to
prove. My Mom is now happy along with me too.

But I didn't feel like explaining something I had the fixed. Yes I
could maybe could of done this or that, which I probably tried, I
spend a ton of time on this PC before I realized it was the
integrated vid card, instead of doing what a lot of techs (even good
ones) would of done, toss the mobo.
All I wanted was answers to questions I DIDN'T HAVE. Somehow most of
you got all off the scope of the post.

Anyway I had a fun time. Sorry if I ****ed people off. But based on
the sentence above and the thread you can see why I was a little
bitter now.
Have a good day!

Thanks for all your time. All of your input was greatly appreciated.

I'll play Monday Morning Quarterback, for the MicroSluts. It's your
fault for getting a video card that didn't work with the orginal BIOS,
so go out buy another one that does, reinstall the original BIOS,
restore the eMachines supplied OS, and the MicroKissAsses will love you
again!

Or you could just leave what ain't broken now alone, and go on your
merry way, with the knowledge that some MicroGeeks think you are wrong
for just helping your mother get her broken computer working for her.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

FYI:

The OS was never touched until after the flash. The flash brought up
"activate windows" wouldn't let me sign on past the welcome screen, probably
due to "System
Locked Pre-installation" (SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the PC's
BIOS to the SLP information. If it matches, no activation is required, but
that wasn't the case, activation was required and the Product Key was
invalid. I called MS to activate it the automated lady said it was invalid
and patched me to a human. We tried several things, including reinputting
the Product Key on the tower no avail, contacted eMachines they couldn't do
nothing. So bottom line I attempted to use the Product Key on the tower with
the original installation of XP (OEM) that came with the PC when it was
purchased and it didn't work. So why should I waste my time and try to
reinstall it to have that happen again.

The only thing I could of done was reflash with original eMachines BIOS (if
you can find it) and use a different video card (I had the new one I put in
my mom's pc already laying around for my brother's system I was building).
I didn't have time, aside from it being 2am, to get another vid card my mom
own's a business and she needed the PC immediately.





"kurttrail" wrote in message
...
Bruce Chambers wrote:
Bill wrote:
Your mother's machine should have MS seal on it with the
'Product Key'. This is a legal key and you paid for it. It is
not disk dependent except for restrictions on OEM stuff...
You 'should' be able to do a system repair with any disk
of the OS...
Bill
Atlanta
PS write it down in your user manual too!


No, not "any" OS installation CD. Product Keys are bound to the
specific type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full,
or Upgrade) with which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home
OEM Product Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or
for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product
Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM
Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An Italian
Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line: Product
Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

It _might_ be possible for the OP to use a generic OEM CD and the
eMachines Product Key, but there's no 100% certainty that it the two
would work together.

And that is valid information, based on reality. But I have been told in
the past, by an MS employee, that an OEM Key is will work with a generic
OEM copy of XP. MS does not make OEM Keys that are specific to any OEM,
so while there is no 100% certainty that anything made by MS will work,
there is a very high probability that the Emachices PK will work with any
generic OEM copy of XP.

But this is all off-topic to this thread, as the OP seems only to have a
retail copy of XP.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

The test one was from another customer's PC.

So we would of been short a video card.

It doesn't matter. You aren't my consultant. Mind your own business and
keep your two cents to yourself unless it pertains to my question.


"Leythos" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 14:19:31 -0500, daygo140 wrote:

So, tell us, if you want us off your back, what was wrong, what the BIOS
update fixed, and the Model/version of the emachine and the version of
the
OS that it shipped with, unless you feel that you need to hide something
from the world.


The PSU went. Capacitor blew and due to unstable voltages produced while
it
was failing, took out the integrated video card. The PC then wouldn't
boot
only but once every twenty or so tries. I tried everything, finally I
used
a cheapo test video card and it booted successfully. Bought a new the
video
card particularlly one which when installed the system couldn't boot.
Ironically there was a BIOS update on the mobo manufacturers web site
that
specifically "fixed system can't boot with that video card installed"
among
other things which were beneficial. Among the fact that eMachines
doesn't
provide any BIOS let alone the latest one that the mobo manufacturer had
to
fix the issue.

You satisfied?

Yes, and thanks for telling us about it. I understand it as follows -
installed a new video card and it worked, bought mom a different video
card and it didn't work. Found a BIOS from the component vendor that
addressed the issue and installed it. Wondered by the Branded-XP install
didn't work with a non-branded BIOS. Asked about the installation of a
second copy of another XP (already installed with an already activated
key) to see if it would cause any problems or if you would get in trouble
some way.

So, here is what I think:

1) I would have found another video card or left the "Cheap" on in the
machine - the one you said worked.

2) Like it or not, the EULA is clear on this - your install on her machine
with your key is in violation.

3) No one here can tell if if MS will invalidate the install, if they will
stop supporting updates for violators, or if there may be any other
problems ever.

4) Due to #3 above, nothing anyone tells you, other than you need to get
her a valid key, means anything. Sure, you can keep bootlegging a twice
activated key and hope that there are no problems, but you will not know
until you stop using XP if you are going to run into a problem later.

5) Unless your Mom is doing some high-end work, even a PCI video card
would meet her needs (and with an e-machine I would doubt that she's doing
much in the way of high-end work), put the old cheap card back in and
return the BIOS to it's old version (since it was stable with the cheap
card) and give her the validated install back like it's suppose to be.

Here's another option for you - unless she's running QuickBooks she could
just use Fedora Core 3 and have everything most users need - except for
the MS viruses and MS threats.

I expect nothing less than getting questions and having to get analyzed
on
every little thing I just wrote. I have nothing to prove. My Mom is now
happy along with me too.

But I didn't feel like explaining something I had the fixed. Yes I could
maybe could of done this or that, which I probably tried, I spend a ton
of
time on this PC before I realized it was the integrated vid card, instead
of
doing what a lot of techs (even good ones) would of done, toss the mobo.

And if you had just left the cheap video card in it- according to what you
posted - she could have had a working computer without all of this crap.


--

remove 999 in order to email me