submix8c

? Nope! And I'm unaware of Wine supplying any Windows Software either. So, no. WINE is available but the Software is not. Rule#1a -http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules HTH

(Heh...) The first four. The fifth one is a JPG (not Japan). Download 7-Zip and install it. Then open the individual files with it. Those are Compressed and the Real Name is inside. Are you saying you have a Norwegian XP CD? Or that you have installed a Language Interface Pack over top of an English? And yes, you swapped Video Cards, thus requiring re-activation. I recommend that you *don't* keep fiddling with Hardware after Activation. Also, after 30-days, you'll be locked out of XP (except for Safe Mode?) and will have to clean wipe and reinstall (starting your whole horrible process over again). Even if you did it "the OEM Way with that secret key for that PC" along with the "secret OEM-Specific OEMBIOS.xxx files" fiddling with Hardware over and over will yield the same result. Bottom line - during the 30 days, decide what Hardware you wish to permanently keep installed, prepare an nLited CD, integrating all Fixes and Drivers, then Clean Install and Activate ONCE. Also (for fun) do a Web Search for "WPA.DBL". Maybe these topics will help understanding the "special" stuff? http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/82638-oemscan-automated-multi-manufacture-pre-activation-utility/ http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/63258-building-a-pre-activated-cd-from-an-existing-installation/ Google this. oembios site:msfn.orgHTH

Sorry, but there's (generally) no back-porting of 2000/XP drivers to Win9x OS. Sadly, WinME was sorely lacking for Drivers. Sometimes (but not always) Win98/98SE drivers will work. Find the XP NIC Driver and use that one on Win2000 (they are usually backwards compatible). Here's an extremely comprehensive package of Win98SE Drivers. Also an Unofficial Windows ME Service Pack here - http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/61407-service-pack-for-windows-me/ Above doesn't have anything to do with Drivers, just Updates. Here's a list and links to downloads (may/may not work anymore). http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/46581-98-fe-98-se-me-updates-patches-hotfixes/ HTH

Do us all a favor. Go download this - http://filehippo.com/download_everest_home/ Install it and run it. Save the "Computer", "Motherboard", and "Devices" sections to TXT files, zip them with (e.g.) 7-Zip (as ZIP file) and attach. Otherwise we're spinning our wheels here. I'm pretty sure I had an Evo (same Mobo) that I dumped a while back. It seems that the actual Manual is AWOL on the HP/Compaq website. Edit - I take that back. The original "c01123817.pdf" is AWOL. Here they are (what exists) - http://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/psi/manualsResults/?lang=en&cc=us&sp4ts.oid=96266

@Sophy - Please ignore all of that "Better to do a clean install". While I (gernerally) agree, the fact is that you say you have all the software you installed on Vista and the keys (hopefully *not* on your HDD but on a CD/DVD or physically purchased at a Retail Outlet). In this case, why does it matter? An Upgrade will save you a lot of time and, provided you're stisfied with it, BOOM you're done. If not, then a Clean Install can always be done instead afterward. As for the COA Key vs Keyfinder Key, that's normal, since the Internal (Keufinder) is used by OEM's to "roll out" mass-produced PC's. I'm not going into the details since the info is available on the WEB and is (nearly) pointless unless you have a Vista Install DVD (which you claim to not have) and the ISO files (DVD Images) are no longer available. Basically, out of luck. The above is *exactly* why I informed you to see if there was an Option to "Create Recover DVD" in your Vista Start Menu paths somewhere. It's *also* why I was very adamant about getting (at minimum) the Running OS Partition backed up. Now, about the Backup. Do this - 1- In the Start Menu Search Box, do a find on "CMD.EXE" 2- Right-click on what it finds and "Run as Administrator" 3- Enter this at the Prompt - C:\WINDOWS\system32\diskmgmt.msc 4- You'll see the Partitions that exist on your HDD in the lower right Please report back on whether you have more than one. This is (somewhat) critical as there may be a Hidden (you can't see it in Windows Explorer) Recover Partition (to restore to Factory, i.e. when you pulled it out of the Packing Box and first plugged it in). If so, then we *may* be able to (additionally) prepare a Recovery DVD from that. Also, it *definitely* should be Backed Up *and* the Master Boot Record (Physical Sector #0) since it will contain "special code" to allow for a Restore From HDD (see you Manual for how-to). No point in going into technical detail about the above. Just do it and we'll go from there. Now, about those Drivers. The Upgrade/CleanInstall will install whatever Windows 7 has. It makes no difference. Dencorso is helping on that (any Drivers Windows 7 doesn't have on the DVD and you need to download and save on CD/DVD). Again, you've come to the right place. Other forums may/may-not give completely accurate (legally) info. We do. Busy yesterday, so didn't test Full (your) Scenario. I'll also install "Vista Service Pack 2" and maybe a piece of Software (for fun), Will test and give complete step-by-step instructions. I will say this - the previous Test seems to imply that this is the Anytime Upgrade (to Windows 7) option offered by OEM's. Side Notes - I have an nVidia GeForce 6200 (PCI) that gets recognized just fine in Windows 7. Also be aware that many OEM's have many different models that have the exact same motherboard. Why you have an XPS manual as opposed to Dimension I have no clue. http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dimension-Motherboard-Systemboard-Compatible/dp/B002N7S1A4 http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/dimension-9200/ http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/xps-410/ Only the Box and additional (external) Hardware will be different. Carry on and I'll get back to this thread later.

Imposseroonie! The have to exist in the I386 folder (compressed). You can't even install without them! They're what allows for a Product Key to be entered and validated. Was your Original OEM CD some kind of Recover/Restore CD? What does it look like? And don't be too frustrated/scared by what jaclaz said, even though he's technically correct. Can you explain what you mean by "out of service"? Erm, I have several COA's scraped from old PC's, but don't bother with them as I have the Original OEM stuff - and NO, don't ask! Sorry... I also have two HP's (Pro OEM) with stickers still attached but (again) I have the "special" files (see OEMBIOS) that jive with the BIOS SLP1.0 and the Internal Keys (not COA, different). I have all of this crap to repair people's PC's that foolishly clobber them with Trojans/Virus/Malware. (Usually for a 12-pack of Busch, kind-hearted me.) Rule #1a - http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules We techies are a strange and secret lot.

OK, Sophy, I'm back. You can get that "internal" Product via a KeyFinder (e.g. Magic Jellybean) but that's only for your current Visat and is *not* the one on your COA. In addition, there's a "special file" in one of the folders (usually) that goes along *with* that Internal Product Key. Please note that the Internal Key is for when Dell (and other OEM's) Mass-Roll Out the PC's and are tied to something called "SLP 2.0" aka "SLIC 2.0" and allow for pre-activation for THAT VENDOR AND PC SERIES ONLY. This combination doesn't cause "Genuine" until you actually goes to Windows Update. That's the "Validation" part. This I attempted to explain earlier. Now, as to the link you gave -IGNORE IT-!!! That's for a Clean Install. On to the meat-and-potatos (or potatoes ). I've done a preliminary test as follows. 1- Clean Install (as your link gave and I explained earlier about "nothing on HDD (e.g. "new")" (note1 - I "cleaned" the 512byte MBR area to make my test disk "appear" to be "new") (note2 - used Vista RTM Business since that was the Upgrade Path to my Windows 7 Professional OEM Refurb) (note3 - I allowed it to use Default Product Key 30-day Activate - not one that can be Activated since Generic) 2- During Clean Install, I "skipped" entering Product Key (to use Generic) -and- un-checked "Activate After Install"(?) 3- Since Win7 Upgrade requires Vista SP1, I installed it after I *finally* got to the Desktop 4- Popped in the Windows7 Pro OEM (Refurb) DVD and ran "Update" 5- After many reboots, it finally came to a final "Enter Product Key" and "Activate after finished" (or some such) which I unticked -and- clicked "Skip" (sam as the Vista Clean Install) At this point, I'm at my Desktop all updated but with a brand new "default key" (the corresponding Windows 7 Pro one). This is where you would go to "Control Panel->System". In the lower right, there's a "Change Product Key" that you would click on and enter that (hopefully) valid Product Key you receive. My Test says "You have 3 days to Activate". (WOOPS!) So that key *better* be a good one -and- able to Activate. I can probably do another scenario with the Dell Recovery (Home Premium) but I wanted to prove that my Pro DVD would work, since it *appears* to be similar to what you'll receive. (note- Mine is SP1u, not SP1, so therein may be the slight difference in appearance). If you wish, I'll construct such a scenario to do final proof of *your* specific setup (don't ask, and yes I have the tools, because I yam geek like others here). Please hold tight and I'll attempt to do that tomorrow. Meanwhile, you may want to prepare a *real good* backup of your current setup. Side notes - The Upgrade, since it *was* an upgrade, didn't allow for the "System Reserved" partition usually created with a Clean Install of Win7 HomePremium/Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise (and ignore Enterprise, since it's exclusively a Volume License thing). Looks like you *may* be good to go, with a valid key that will activate and be genuine. That's the most important part. Again, Rule #1, backup, backup, backup. Do that at first opportunity. See you tomorrow (hopefully). And (again) FORGET Clean Install. The down side is it takes a looong time and many reboots. HTH and L8tr.

In addition the "nice try, driveragent" is incorrect. You clicked on the wrong "download" button. What happens is if you click on the "right" one, you get a "driverguide downloader" file (an entirely different thing), which when run (and skip all the "optional" baloney that you don't want), you'll get the Driver in "<YourUserID>\Downloads" folder -or- (maybe) "C:\Downloads" folder. You're doing it wrong. And I can't vouch for whether that's the right one. I have no need for it so haven't downloaded it. It lists as which *may* include the VR driver. HTH

@prochazka - WTH, dude? That's to do a WinZip Repair Install. Indeed, the *only* comment links to a yet another Commercial Product? Hey, guys, is this spam?

Well, in addition, you *may* have hade an OEM Install using the "internal" key and the specific OEMBIOS.xxx files for your machine. Those don't require Activation but do require Genuine Validation. As I recall, you had to "tamper" with CD's you had on hand just to get installed? In addition, the COA Key (not the same as the internal OWM one) will *always* require you to Activate. No biggie, the COA keys are legit.

Just popping in to give a link to what (may) be your Drivers. http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/archive/legacy-98me Not sure about this one, but it *does* state "128 VR PCI". http://www.video-drivers.com/drivers/259/259210.htm Carry on, Drugwash...

Short answer - Yes. Bear in mind that there's a "File And Settings Transfer Wizard" that you may be able to easily transfer you current user data files offline until you Wipe-And-CleanInstall. They call it "Easy Transfer" now. PC-World info and basic description - http://www.pcworld.com/article/233594/windows_easy_transfer_for_vista_32bit_version_to_windows_7.html A nifty tutorial by HP (read it) - http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01530497 The Download - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=14179 Wiki-Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Easy_Transfer Regardless of what it says about "included in Vista" use The Download one. Never trust Wiki for totally accurate info. I highly recommend - 1 - Clone the Original Vist before you do this (Rule #1, remember?) 2 - Install and Run the program for your User-ID (default), also collecting any folders/files that an Installed Program may have the stupidity to stor in a location other than your User Profile (yes, they do that - examples are Camera Softwares, Picture Editor Softwares, Music Editor/Ripper Softwares, etc.) (note - be SURE you didn't miss anything) 3 - Wipe the HDD and Clean Install 4 - Create a Use-ID *exactly* the same as your Original and Restore from the files you created (saves a lot of confusion). Easier would be to shrink the Original Vista Partition, and Custom Install to the free space. Then use Easy Transfer, bouncing between Dual-Boot. This way you don't lose the Original Vista. Of course this still requires you to have a pretty good size hard drive. I'm having some silly personal stuff going on, so bear with me on the Test Scenario. Just sit tight until we're ready. Several extremely knowledgeable folks are members here and will pop in to assist occassionally (looking a jaclaz, dencorso, and perhaps NoelC, in addition to Tripredacus). The important thing about your purchase is more the Product Key than anything. I'm starting to lean towards "upgrade may work". We'll see.

Meanwhile, if you wish, as soon as I clear up a few items, I'll give the Test a go before you actually do it yourself. That way you would have a confirmation. Fortunately, I have the "tools" to do it with. Better safe than sorry? BTW, I'm still confused as to how the Seller can be legally distributing Refurbisher DVD's. https://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/refurbisher_programs.aspx Generally, these are to be supplied with the PC they've been installed upon. See this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/32-bit-English-software-intended-builders/dp/B004Q0PSMK Also see this (the info the seller neglected to mention) - http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-Builder-Refurbished-Installation/dp/B00LG20IB2 The above is exactly what you'll be getting. Please note the language. Since mine was directly from a "Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher", pre-installed onto my Dell (which I purchased), with COA (attached to the PC), and a real nice Pamphlet stating that the Vista COA still attached to the top of the PC was rescinded and will not be accepted by MS (to prevent piracy), but the DVD does not have the inner coloration exactly the same (but IS an actual Pressed DVD-ROM with pretty shiny silver inner holograph), -and- (I looked around inside the files) it was pre-loaded from an Image directly from MS Servers and then Activated for the Serial# of said PC, there -may- be a good chance that yours is still legit -but- I still don't understand how they can get away with it -unless- the assumption is You Are Refurbishing Your Own PC and MS is OK with that? Ennyhoo, you may wait until I can confirm Upgrade or proceed as you desire.

@Dibya - HxD would probably work as well as HexAlter. It appears that HexAlter simply replaces byte-wise starting at a given Offset each byte until done. Here are some folks who apparently have the (some) code? https://gist.github.com/grantland/7427669e5a948977694d And I agree with dencorso on his suggestion. Also my thanks for pointing out yet another tool.

That's an ATI Rage 128VR 32MB PCI. Here's the Rage128 info (picture is of an AGP variation). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATI_Rage#RAGE_128 You'll undoubtedly need the Drivers for it. No, PCI and PCIe are two different things. If you have a PCI slot (not PCIe) you could put it in there but I seriously doubt it will work with Windows 10. PCI slot (only one type) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventional_PCI PCIe slots (more than a single type) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express HTH

Here's their answer. Not quite an answer. http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/41386-place-upgrade-retail-oem-osb-sb-versions-post3208035.html#post3208035 I'm tempted to try it myself to confirm. Just call me sceptical. Here's you "seller" and the description of what you purchased. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Windows-7-Home-Premium-32-Bit-Full-Version-Upgrade-SP1-NEW-/291317239015 BTW, could you post the contents of the EI.CFG file? It has no "secret" info or "private key". Here's mine - [EditionID]Professional[Channel]OEM[VL]0And this makes me sceptical. $25 for a DVD of stuff you can download for FREE?http://www.ebay.com/itm/Open-Office-Suite-Software-Bundle-w-7zip-GIMP-and-more-Windows-XP-Vista-7-8-10-/371486244782 Also That picture is an OEM Refurb DVD, like mine. Only the wording is different. Mine says (paraphrased) "By An Authorized Microsoft Refurbisher". Same verbiage and DVD's for other sellers, different prices. All appear to be exactly what you purchased. Again, call me sceptical. Still, good luck. There's a lot of scams out there. ( 5,000 sold so far? )

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/41386-place-upgrade-retail-oem-osb-sb-versions.html I can confirm there's literally no difference between a Retail/Full and the OEM version except for the EI.CFG file I mentioned earlier. However, I'm not sure that entering the Key during Upgrade will work. I'd be interested in what the Seller has to say about that. <shrugs> Good luck, Sophy.

HTH - Hope This Helps (not Hit The head) And no, yours appears to be Retail 32-bit. Stick it in your DVD Reader and open the file in folder "SOURCES" named "EI.CFG". Use Notepad -or- copy it somewhere on your Hard Drive and rename it to EI.TXT. Post the contents and we'll confirm what you have. Also note that I'm assuming you probably have Vista 32-Bit since that's what usually shipped with OEM PC's. as long as that's a legit sale, you're good to go. If the DVD is real but the key isn't, you can still get a good key from MS directly by ratting on the Seller. I believe we're done here? <crosses fingers> Oh, and I highly recommend using (e.g.) CCleaner and deleting the contents of your TEMP folder then proceed to make a Full Clone Backup of the C-Drive to DVD(s) before you Upgrade. THAT'S SMART GEEK REPAIRMAN RULE #1!!!! PLEASE don't proceed to Upgrade until you have a Safety Net in place (backups, Recovery DVD's, whatever). FWIW, providing you have lots of HDD space, it's possible to Shrink the C-Drive to make space for a Clone of it to a new Partition (using the Free Space created after Shrink). That way, if something goes wrong, you just Restore from the Clone. We'll help with that as necessary. Ask for details if need be. We're used to it.

Destro, he has already stated he has Macrium. Also that he needs to Activate. Cloning it will do not one whit of good in his case. Just stop, please. Roffen, google this for some help on Bootable Recovery. Also go back to the other thread and re-read it. The simple answers are there. http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/175084-microsoft-is-making-my-life-miserable/ And so sorry about your personal troubles. Hang in there, my friend. It's life and sometimes it just stinks... However, <3 her to the bitter end. It's who you are, right?

Um, Destro, the OP wishes to occasionally Reinstall, not "save a clone". Ghost, Acronis, Macrium, Easus, yada-yada, OK?

Congrats, Destro, you mentioned eBay (again).

Please ignore the "Server 2008" suggestion. You think Windows 7 is going to cost? Is that poster insane? http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Server-Standard-2008/dp/B002NVA6DU Windows 7 is *also* supported until 2020, in spite of the fact that MS is pushing Windows 10 on unsuspecting users. You have several options given. Pick one. BTW it's looking slim for getting Windows 7 outside of getting a System Builder (OEM) version. http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-Builder-Refurbished-Installation/dp/B00LG20IB2 Here's Upgrade - http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Upgrade-Version/dp/B002DHLUWK How to tell (if you want to Upgarde to Windows 7) whether you will need 32-bit or 64-bit. As I said, whichever one you have is the kind you'll need. Here is the Upgrade Paths to Windows 7. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579%28v=ws.10%29.aspx Again, HTH edit - And to point out, just because an OS is no longer supported by MS doesn't mean it's no longer useful. Indeed, if you choose to keep Vista I'd recommend getting all of the Updates applicable and storing them on a DVD in case you want to Restore (via a Recovery DVD/HDD-Partition?). edit2 - Seems like Dell doesn't want to deal with Vista anymore. This was pulled from the Web Archive. http://web.archive.org/web/20100712120221/http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=298A2E89689E13C2E040A68F5B280AA4&doclang=en&cs ...which confuses the heck out of me since here's a mish-mash - http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19505372 Why does this not make sense? Because OEM's have special files embedded in the Installation Media that Auto-Activates/Validates Windows (read the threads nonetheless). HTH #2...

Yes/No/Maybe.

Hmm... You're still misunderstanding. 1 - You have a Windows Vista 25-character Product Key (on a COA - Certificate Of Auathenticity). 2 - You can NOT get a Windows 7 ISO without a 25-character Windows 7 Product Key. 3 - Windows Vista Product Key is NOT a Windows 7 Product Key. (Not interchangable.) 4 - You CAN purchase a Windows 7 DVD which BETTER come WITH a Windows 7 Product Key. (note: If you don't, it's an illegal and maybe fake product sale.) 5 - Windows 7 Full Product -or- Upgrade DVD WILL Update-In-Place -or- Custom (see #7), 6 - Windows 7 Full WILL Install Clean (nothing at all on the HDD). 7 - Windows 7 Upgrade ONLY does an In-Place-Upgrade -or- Custom Install-To-Different-HDD/Partition. (note: The Vista is the Qualifying Upgrade Operating System) 8 - You *could* TEST a CLEAN (see #6) burned-to-DVD ISO Image if you HAD one (which you can't get) as they will *only* Evaluate-Install via Clean or Custom (see #5/#7) as the ISO is a Full Product -but- Install as a TRIAL and you can NOT Upgrade without said Windows 7 Product Key. And you MUST have one to Activate. 9 - Beyond the above, you MUST purchase the actual Windows 7 DVD -and- the accompanying Product Key. Now, Dell *should* have provided a Program to create Recovery DVD's from a Recovery Partition (hidden from your sight) in case your PC totally screwed up (viruses, HDD goes bad, etc). I have one here for an old Dell I accidentally killed. ALL OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer, including e.g. Acer, HP, Lenovo, etc.) are *required* to provide you with either that facility (Program) -or- an actual Physical DVD Set (usually the OS and a separate Driver DVD). If they did *not* then they are are fault but you *may* be out of luck gettng Physical DVD's (out of warranty). Please do check your Documentation on where/how to create them (if that facility still exists on you computer). The above are indisputable facts. Read them carefully (so you understand) and please accept them as truth. Side note - You can NOT Install Windows 64-bit over Windows 32-bit and vice-versa (from XP onward). So if you *do* decide to get Windows 7 *and* do In-Place-Upgrade (to retain everything/data/programs already on your Hard Disk) be aware thet you *must* check which Vista you have and get the same type. Also, if something screws up and you *don't* have Vista Recovery DVD's then you'r out of luck. HOWEVER if you *do* have the "hidden" Recovery Partition, then you can still Restore from there (read that Manual!). As for YOUR (Vista) Key, that one is good for YOUR Physical Computer and no other. Also YOUR Vista is Validated (e.g. Activated) for YOU Computer with the OEM Key. After you install (if you do) Windows 7, you'll have to Activate the Unique KEY you used, upon which time IT will be "validated" as Genuine. HTH

"Ding-dong!" "Who is it?" "Fish delivery." Are we done yet?