recovery console (upgrade) goes bad*

I was missing some files so i had hoped to use the recovery console to reinstall the files. After the installation began I realized it was upgrading. This is not what I had intended. Now that my process has gone bad...

After the installation and restart, it starts the log in and after i insert my user name and password, I get a message "this copy of Windows must be activated before you can log in. Do you want to activate now ".

I did not want to upgrade!

Now, 1. How can I activate? When I select 'yes' the system restarts and goes into a continuous loop. I assume it trying to activate on the internet.
2. How can I roll back to the previous version that I had already installed?



\HP dv1000
512 MB memory
Windows xp
Dialup internet

 

Hi sirduke,
Whether you have made upgrade disks or have an installation disk, the procedure is the same. Boot with a win98 startup disk, remove (delete) the partitions with fdisk, then remake them and re-install windows. You will still need to activate windows but all should run smothly. You can obtain the disk image online. If you don't have a floppy drive, you'll have to make a bootable CD with DOS fdisk on it. Obviously, a friends help is necessary unless you have more than one computer.

 

Thanks for responding Sparrow,

It sounds like I'm in 'dire strait' , an aweful situation. Obviously, there is no way to access the windows gui, is that what you are saying? If so, Can I access my files to back them up before I fdisk?

 

Hi SirDuke

Don't jump the gun yet or fdisk and format!

Try to boot to "Safe Mode only" F8 on powerup before Windows tries to load!

This should allow you to get the GUI and backup the files first!

When you get up in Safe Mode try System Restore to a date before you did this!

Get back with results! If you can get back to the point of needing to use Recovery console then we can help you fix it correctly!

Mike

 

Thank Mflynn,

I had tried to do a system restore before I started the recovery console, None worked. but now when I start the system restore...in safe mode...(message) there are currently no restore points available.

 

Hi Sirduke

When you chose Safe Mode did it ask you to chose a Windows installation?

Good new is "YES" meaning you did not upgrade but installed a 2nd OS!

Bad news is "NO" you actually did upgrade and you are going to need to activate!

While in Safe Mode did you get your data backed up or is it even there. You will need to get it on a flash drive or burn to CD.

Regular Safe Mode is the only way you are able to boot. When you are in this predicament Safe Mode networking is not availabe same as normal mode!

Mike

 

Ok! (bad News) I upgraded...Now, after, I have fdisked, do I need to format, (win98, or just let the xp install do it.)

And, as for the activation, will it (or should it?)be continuing to just loop or will I have time to activate, because I won't access to the internet until I dial in?

Thanx very much!