Okay a friend got a Gateway from whatever store I didnt ask and theres soem problems:
1) It is in french
2) the recvoer CD somehow caused a wole slew of hardware to malfunction and nolonger work.
So to fix #1 is it possible to format the laptop and reinstall windows wih say a nromal WinXP (english) disk an valid cd key?
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
It should be. Assuming it's normal (and functioning) computer, reformatting the disk and installing a fresh clean copy of Windows should fix both problems (also assuming the hardware malfunctions are because of a poorly implemented installation and not actual broken hardware.*)
Of course, any data will be lost forever once you format the disk. If that's not an issue, go for it.
(* - also assuming the hardware is common brand hardware. If it's little-known or very new the installation disk you use might not have the drivers needed to get the hardware to work. You may need to visit the manufacturers website to download the most recent drivers for the brand of, say, CD-ROM drive or video card you are using.)
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
1) Yes, although you'll want to make sure that you have network drivers.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
Thing is dont you need to se the cd that came with it like could I take a random XP Pro Disk and install? There arent any compatibility issues with the differences betweem a latop and a desktop?
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
The compatibility issues is generally limited to whether the CD has the right drivers.
For example, A dell XP cd may include the right dell drivers for the Laptop to work. However, you can use a generic/manufacture XP CD and download the right drivers from the web.
You will probably need another computer connected to the internet, as the most common missing drivers are network, sound, and video.
Do you know how to check/update drivers?
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
quote: There arent any compatibility issues with the differences betweem a latop and a desktop?
There are differences between different XP cds for different computer brands. IE, you probably can't use the XP cd that came with a Dell to install windows on Compaq. The Dell XP Cd has something that limits it to DELL computers.
However, the generic or manufacture XP Cds (like the ones bought at stores), will work on anything.
I once lost both my XP home and professional cds. I went to a local computer store and they burnt me a new cd for Home and Professional for free. Remember, what you are buying is the key, not the cd. Many local computer stores will burn you a disk for free if you say you lost your disk.
If you have a Dell computer and you want to be safe, borrow a Dell cd from a friend (but use your own key). The point is, the compatibility issues are between OEM disks versus company disks on different manufactured computers--not laptop vs desktop.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
he has a gateway laptop, and its french so I'm thinking he can format, install a generic winxp cd on it, dl the drivers and eureka its in english.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Listen to me:
He will not be able to download the network driver. Make sure you have a copy of the network driver before you reformat.
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
That is why I pointed out:
quote:You will probably need another computer connected to the internet, as the most common missing drivers are network...
I was under the impression the current computer was not really working.
If you can use the current computer, be sure to download and burn the network driver. If you can't, then get on another computer to download your drivers.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
I have my own laptop I can downlaod drivers on, and a usb stick which I can put files on.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
What not just change the locales and such to be English? Heck, on this current system I've got English and Thai installed. Look for "Regional and language settings" in the Control Panel. You'll still need an XP disk to grab the locale files, but I think that'd be enough... And no need for a full reinstall.
Am I missing something?
-Bok
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
you cant actually switch winxp to english, example no way to change it so that the start menu says "Start" when if in french says demarre.
anyways we're finding drivers now but o fa we cant find the audio drivers for the mx6452h model.
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