[morlandroger]

Have had probs with laptop (Advent 7105) and system restore does not want to work. No disks provided. My version of XP will install but not activate.

Does anyone know where I can get hold of a version of XP Media Centre 2005 to reinstall. I can get all the drivers online.

Many thanks

Roger

[dabhand16]

Can't help you with the software, but when you do get it up and running, I think you have to switch system restore on. The installation default has it switched off IIRC.

[Chris H]

Have you tried restoring from the hidden boot section.

I can't remember whether it's F9 on bootup or esc but I'm pretty sure there's a hidden booter on advent pc's.

Read this

UKT Support - Advent 7105 Laptop

[morlandroger]

Thanks Graham and Chris,
It's F10 but does not want to play ball (will try again though)

An alternative (since it is a spare laptop now) is to play with something like Linux. Can I install CS3 on that though?

Roger

[Chris H]

Linux plus CS3 nope

Have you got a copy of XP pro, Media addition was a flop anyway

[morlandroger]

Originally Posted by Chris H

Linux plus CS3 nope

Have you got a copy of XP pro, Media addition was a flop anyway

just the bog standard XP disc from another PC. Tells me that the reg. no. on the back is invalid so will not activate. Assume that the number is specific for Media Edition.

[Markulous]

I assumed you've tried all, as suggested here UKT Support - Advent 7105 Laptop

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Can't help you with the software, but when you do get it up and running, I think you have to switch system restore on. The installation default has it switched off IIRC.

Nah, is switched on by default

[morlandroger]

Originally Posted by Markulous

I assumed you've tried all, as suggested here UKT Support - Advent 7105 Laptop



Nah, is switched on by default

Thanks Markulous.
That's where I have gone for drivers. Need to get operating system though.

Roger

[morlandroger]

Problem solved
Decided to dig through some old discs and lo and behold Nellie created a recovery disc when she bought the laptop
Reinstalling as I type. She has a brand new gleaming Tosh so I will put my ailing HP into storage and use her old Advent (just needs some extra RAM to give it a boost)

Cheers folks

Roger

[brian wright22]

Originally Posted by morlandroger

just the bog standard XP disc from another PC. Tells me that the reg. no. on the back is invalid so will not activate. Assume that the number is specific for Media Edition.

Yes the Media Laptop will have what is called an OEM XP version.(Original Equipment Manufacturer) XP software.
That means you never get the retail XP disk. Under this scheme, Microsoft do not give direct help to the end user and you are forced to go the the agent of the laptop for help.This only lasts for the warranty of your system?

If your XP Pro version is an OEM version this will not allow you to use it to update any other computers. If it is a retail version then normally the Microftsoft XP disk will still prevent you updating another system.
If it is a Windows Genuine Advantage Kit version then this will allow several updates and clean installs to other systems.

I hope this helps Morlandroger.Brian

[brian wright22]

Roger ,after my efforts above and hope it hasn't confused you ,try this link to Microsoft for your Media Centre.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...3-EEB7A62D1B20


Failing that have you tried this?How to Manually Run the Recovery Media Creator

If you've deleted the shortcut to Recovery Media Creator then don't panic. To run it manually open My Computer and browse to the C:\Windows\Creator folder and double click on CD Creator.



Brian