A hallmark of a new computer is when they are first turned on they go into a registration mode in which you register youself as owner/licensee. If this, or something like this, happened you had a new computer. A new software system contains drives and other dated information, don't expect all files to carry a date after you purchased the system.

Not sure this helps, but it gets the ball rolling.

Oh-I was registered-paid a "computer guy" to install this and transfer files from my old CPU...that is another problem entirely (or maybe not) apparently there was a password needed and I have no idea what password was used!
I remember the man asked me for a password, I gave him one, but that is not the one the system wants! It denies me, and I put in a couple of other possibles that I have used in past years with HP-nothing!

I have contacted the man that installed this unit and am waiting to hear back from him.

On top that this afternoon - out of the blue-it has shut itself down -twice!

Pat

SIW - System Information for Windows, shows your computer 'Secrets'= all passwords,, and a lot of other useful info too. Freeware

www.gtopala.com

"I bought a new CPU 2 weeks ago (an HP with Windows XP)"
Let me get something straight here, did you buy a new desktop, or did you upgrade your CPU (processor)(part on your mainboard)' It sounds like you bought a newer desktop computer but you are calling it a CPU

The post seems confusing. If you paid someone to transfer files then surely there would be files from the dates you question transferred too? Why would you pay someone to do that task? You are here now asking and that help could also have been willingly provided by one or the other of the helpers here. Even burning the data to a CD and copying over would have worked well.

You might seriously consider a couple of online scans to be sure your computer has not been taken over and used in someone's bot farm.

Where was the password called for? In the Windows startup? What were you doing when the computer randomly shut down? List some of your problems for us, apart from the concern you may have a second hand computer.

My previous computer was also an HP, but I had it for 7 yrs and it was Windows ME which worked fine for many years but started do strange things and I was told it was time to get XP.
I had a fairly new 19" flat screen LCD monitor an a fairly new LogiTech cordless keyboard and mouse, so just bought the tower, CPU-or whatever you call it!
I had to have someone come transfer things for me because we have Comcast and my DH has his computer in another room and has the router attached, and I had one of the wireless adapters that needed to be switched from the old one to the new tower/CPU.

I did copy some files myself & burned a CD with some info I wanted to save.

I was asked for the password -he didn't say why-but I assumed to set up Windows, I didn't hover over him while he was wotking- and I gave him the password I wanted him to use-showed it to him written down, not spoken.

I have come to this forum over the years for help, and have always appreciated the advice given, but in this instance I thought it would be easier (for me) to pay someone to do it, apparently I was wrong!

Pat

Forgot to add that I was not using the computer when it shut down. I was in the same room but reading.
When I rebooted that is when I got the message, "your system has recovered from a serious error". That is pretty scary message to get on a 2 week old computer!
HP Help sent me another email with directions to make some changes in MY Computer, which I have just completed and hope that fixes things.

I find that HP's online chatline is really helpful in solving problems. Hope you are all fixed up now. If any more trouble go to HP's help site AND also come here. Many people are more than willing to help you. Good luck!