To start with, you can't just switch drives from one computer to another and expect it to boot to windows, unless the computers are the exact same make and model. You can put your C drive into the new computer and if you have a windows xp disc, do a repair install. If it asks for a product key, look on the case of the new computer for the sticker. If the new computer came with a HD and works, I'd just start transferring important data to it either with dvd or flash drives and eventually get it setup the way you like. The people that do a clean install are erasing the whole drive. Yes, a re-install will erase your entire C: drive, a repair install would leave your documents intact. You're going to need a windows xp disc to get started, also software needs to be installed to work, not just a simple transfer folders thing. You may be able to put your old C drive in the new computer, boot from the xp disc, go to the recovery console and fixboot or fixmbr and she may boot up. Don't know what windows genuine advantage or activation will do noticing your C drive has a different motherboard, video and ram.

this is the other thread with part of the info on it. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/comphelp/msg051706324223.html?16 If I were her I would make sure she has the key from the pc, I would do the magicjellybean too make sure it and belarc show the same so she has proof of that, then try calling the microsoft number for re-activation and tell them what is going on and that she does not know exactly what the guy did and see what they say, if she happens to get someone on a very good day she might get lucky and they go with it. Won't hurt to try. there are other places she can actually get updates too. you can get sp2 on cd for example, for free from microsoft, sp3 can be put on a cd also. Also there is a method to get updates using firefox which should not have the validation issue this is the link to that. updater There is also autopatcher, here is some info and the link to it is in the article. Simple definition for the types of update: Autopatcher full: If this is the first time you want to update your operating system, download it, install the updates inside it and reboot. Autopatcher update: Contains update for each month (lets say for this month, March). Use this after you have installed the Autopatcher full. autopatcher info I have never used these just read about others that have, use at your own discretion. I know that Windows Genuine Advantage can be turned off in Internet Explorer, Click Start, all programs, at top select windows update, in the browser click tools, manage add ons, select from the drop down box add-ons IE has used, scroll down to Windows Genuine Advantage, select it and change to disable, save. She needs to check her pc to see what she has already does she have sp1, sp2 or just plain xp?? Here is the link for her to order the cd from microsoft. order sp2 on cd from microsoft

not sure how much more descriptive I can be. the smyptoms are stated quite clearly above. the add/remove window opens up, the slider at the right is very small indicating a very long list, but beyond the first 4 or 5 programs in the list it's blank. you can move the slider, or click on the down arrow and the slider moves like there are programs in the list, but NOTHING is visible. very odd. I will follow the links provided above and see what I can see. next tuesday, I will be infront of the computer again, and I will post some screen shots. thanks, John

Luis it would appear that your hard drive is formatted in Fat32. As your error message notes, it can only create a backup up to 4 gigs making it useless for you. To check your computer click Start, click My computer the RIGHT click on the C:\ drive and click Properties at the bottom of the new window. Now look near the top and you will see whether your drive is Fat32 or the more Efficient NTFS. If your internal hard drive is either Maxtor or Seagate you can download free back up software from their site. This is a modified version of Acronis True Image and is a large file.