What does it mean when a used laptop is advertised as having Windows XP installed and coming with a COA sticker? Without having a Windows install cd, is there any benefit to having such a sticker? Would it, for example, permit one to call MS and obtain a new install disk for Windows XP?
posted by washburn on Jan 15, 2009 - 11 answers

My laptop's right-arrow key is remapping itself. Any tips for diagnosis or repair? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi on Oct 25, 2008 - 10 answers

I just got a notification on my Windows XP laptop to install Service Pack 3. Thing is, I already have SP3 installed. Is this a necessary update? A redundant Microsoft goof? Or something more sinister? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi on Sep 20, 2008 - 6 answers

What's the best way to erase my hard drive for resale if I don't have original OS reinstall CDs to work with? [more inside]
posted by rhoticity on Feb 29, 2008 - 13 answers

How can I get my laptop to print wirelessly to an HP DeskJet 6980 like it used to? [more inside]
posted by stleric on Jan 21, 2007 - 7 answers

How can I use the IR port on my Windows XP laptop to control my television?
posted by punishinglemur on Dec 26, 2005 - 6 answers

My laptop is running hot lately with the fan going all the time regardless of processor load. Is there a windows XP setting that controls processor stepping? [more inside]
posted by srboisvert on Nov 28, 2005 - 14 answers

Strange laptop wireless problems following Windows XP Home upgrade to Pro.... [more inside]
posted by borkencode on Sep 17, 2005 - 10 answers

Laptop Clean XP Install:
1] My (on board?) sound card is unrecognised. How do I find out what drivers to use?

2] What programs do you really think I need? I already have VNC, VLC, Firefox, Thunderbird and AVG installed. What else should I add? (Freeware/OS appriciated but not needed.) [more inside]
posted by twine42 on Dec 16, 2004 - 8 answers

WinXP: my laptop downloaded a windows update (not sure what sort). Now, when I shut down, it tries to update my machine. I get a message saying that Windows is updating, and it advises me NOT to turn off my machine until it's done. But it continues to "update" forever. I've let it sit for two hours, and it still claims to be updating. Finally, with clenched teeth, I shut off the machine and rebooted. Everything seems okay. Now, whenever I shut down, it asks me if I want to install the upgrade or not. If I say yes, the machine stalls on that upgrading message. If I say no, it shuts down fine. I'm ok with saying no all the time, except that now I can't ever add any new updates. What should I do?
posted by grumblebee on Oct 27, 2004 - 14 answers

Twiddling my thumbs... wirelessly! I'm setting up a new Windows XP Pro laptop with built-in 802.11b. It seems to detect our Apple Airport (I) base station just fine, and connect to it. Just can't get any network services through it (ie: web pages are all 404s). Any suggestions?
posted by scarabic on Dec 24, 2003 - 7 answers