Guest Vernon CThomas Posted September 29, 2008 Posted September 29, 2008 I have worked with HP to uncover a problem with all of my HP devices ( they got flaky and HP techs made the problem worse and worse until they won't install at all ). I have been advised to re-install Windows XP but 1) my Dell-supplied reinstall disc has no key info; 2) I am on SP2 with countless security updates since original; etc., etc. My only problem is with the HP-related files and drivers. Is there some method to do a repair without regressing? It would take days upon days to get this system back if I uninstall and attempt to reinstall from scratch.
Guest Alias Posted September 29, 2008 Posted September 29, 2008 Re: Repairing XP for HP devices Vernon CThomas wrote: > I have worked with HP to uncover a problem with all of my HP devices ( they > got flaky and HP techs made the problem worse and worse until they won't > install at all ). I have been advised to re-install Windows XP but 1) my > Dell-supplied reinstall disc has no key info; Not necessary. It will install without one. 2) I am on SP2 with countless > security updates since original; etc., etc. My only problem is with the > HP-related files and drivers. Is there some method to do a repair without > regressing? It would take days upon days to get this system back if I > uninstall and attempt to reinstall from scratch. I would uninstall all drivers for your HP stuff and the corresponding software, turn off the computer, remove the HP devices and install the HP devices all over again. Alias
Guest Bruce Chambers Posted September 29, 2008 Posted September 29, 2008 Re: Repairing XP for HP devices Vernon CThomas wrote: > I have worked with HP to uncover a problem with all of my HP devices ( they > got flaky and HP techs made the problem worse and worse until they won't > install at all ). What "HP devices?" Be specific. And "flaky" in meaningless in the context of technical issues. What specific problems are you experiencing with each specific device? > I have been advised to re-install Windows XP .... Which only means you've stumped the lowest levels of HP's support, and they're throwing out desperation ideas, trying to get rid of you. When they suggest this, insist on speaking to a second-tier technician or a supervisor who can at least spell "PC." > .... but 1) my > Dell-supplied reinstall disc has no key info; The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. It is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop. > 2) .... My only problem is with the > HP-related files and drivers. Is there some method to do a repair without > regressing? Very probably. But, as I've indicated above, no one can possibly begin to help you if you won't provided specifics. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot
Guest Vernon CThomas Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Re: Repairing XP for HP devices Responses somewhat in order.... HP 3970 ScanJet, HP C5280 A-I-1 & HP L7780 A-I-1... at first it was just that the 7780 wouldn't scan but numerous uninstall/reinstalls plus registry cleaning, etc. by HP techs left it such that none of them will now install. There is no error message... but in the end, the system does not recognise any HP device being connected. ( The Device Manager lists it as an "Unknown" device type ). HP sent me to a Level 2 tech but he couldn't find anything and, since my wife's computer shares the printer it works fine there, they are suggesting that Windows lost or has a corrupted file(s). Found the Product Key on the bottom ( thanks! )... didn't think to look there. The re-install disc that I have is, I suspect, the one that came with my older desktop PC. I can't find another disc around. "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > Vernon CThomas wrote: > > I have worked with HP to uncover a problem with all of my HP devices ( they > > got flaky and HP techs made the problem worse and worse until they won't > > install at all ). > > > What "HP devices?" Be specific. > > And "flaky" in meaningless in the context of technical issues. What > specific problems are you experiencing with each specific device? > > > > I have been advised to re-install Windows XP .... > > > Which only means you've stumped the lowest levels of HP's support, and > they're throwing out desperation ideas, trying to get rid of you. When > they suggest this, insist on speaking to a second-tier technician or a > supervisor who can at least spell "PC." > > > > .... but 1) my > > Dell-supplied reinstall disc has no key info; > > > The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the > installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. > It is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker that says > "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory installed) > license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer affixed to the > exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop. > > > > 2) .... My only problem is with the > > HP-related files and drivers. Is there some method to do a repair without > > regressing? > > > Very probably. But, as I've indicated above, no one can possibly begin > to help you if you won't provided specifics. > > > > -- > > Bruce Chambers > > Help us help you: > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html > > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 > > They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin > > Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell > > The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has > killed a great many philosophers. > ~ Denis Diderot >
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