Given a Laptop... GOT PROBLEMS

[ChillerVapes]

Hi, I was given "back" a laptop which I had previously upgraded and repaired but in the year and a bit since I had it, it has been misstreat and filled with junk.

I've installed TuneUp Utilities and run everything I can and fixed errors and cleaned disk space.

I've Downloaded CCleaner and cleaned junk and repaired the registery

I've run a Deep scan disk (before windows boots) on both HD's

I've used Bit Defender, Malwarebites and Spybot to remove more nasties

I'm still having some problems...

1. an error message keeps popping up saying: There is a problem with your licence so notifications will no longer appear.
error code: 0xC004D401

2. I can not access the control panel (it flashes up for a split second and then disappears.

3.I can not access that built in program which tells you of any compatibility issues

4. The battery is no longer recognised and will not charge.

5. Windows Update icon appears in the taskbar but it will not launch when I click on it.

Dell Inspiron 1501

Ok I know it's old but my £2000 Sony Viao has a dead GPU so this is better than using my mobile

I hope someone can help as I just want it running properly and I'm all out of suggestions.

Thanks,
Chiller.

[kibbster]

I would say it sounds like Windows has been well and truly knackered with the shopping list of faults.
I would guess that important system files were infected by viruses and then the virus checkers removed them, breaking Windows.
Personally I'd format and re-install if it's been that badly mistreated.

[ChillerVapes]

I'm giving SP1 a go... bit defender thinks it's not installed for some reason then SP2 and 3.

If that fails then I will do the dreaded format. (I really hate formatting)

Other than the problems listed, the system is fast and does not crash.

[jakethevape]

Jan 26, 2013 17:55:08 GMT ChillerVapes said:

I'm giving SP1 a go... bit defender thinks it's not installed for some reason then SP2 and 3.

If that fails then I will do the dreaded format. (I really hate formatting)

Other than the problems listed, the system is fast and does not crash.

I work with computers in my job and more so with PCs that have been mistrated with junk. Dont waste your time trying quick fix software from the internet and go for a full re installation of windows.
Backup whatever you need to keep IE documents Etc.

AND if you want to give it a new lease of life try the windows 8 compatibility application as this can revive a old PC/Laptop.

Good luck and PM me if you get stuck.

[ChillerVapes]

Windows 8 on an old pc?
are the system requirements low or something?

[kibbster]

Windows 8 has much lower requirements than 7 or Vista, it can after-all run on tablets.
You will probably find it runs faster than 7.

[ChillerVapes]

where will I find the windows 8 compatibility app?

[ChillerVapes]

NM found it, Dowloading MSDN version of windows 8 now (for free) legally

[ChillerVapes]

I'm back but I've no windows 8 yet. I have tired installing it, got as far as the restart and the simple loading screen and then nothing. I tried about 5 times and it got stuck at the same point every time.
My guess is the DVD-RW I used is a bit too scratched even though it wrote the disk ok.

I can't find my stack of dvd's yet since not everything is unpacked from the house move yet.

I might attempt using my phone in virtual usb CD drive mode which can run iso's if I can remember how to do it.

Bit of an update... my control panel has started working again and the error message has stopped popping up but, I still cant update to SP1???

Anyone have any suggestions

[jakethevape]

What specs are the PC?. Just need to know RAM and CPU. If you can get to My Computer, Right click and select properties and it should display the system infomation and IF there is any service packs already applied.

[ChillerVapes]

Windows Vista Home Basic (installed to keep it a touch faster)
No SP
Processor: Mobile AMD Sempron 3500+ 1.80GHz
RAM: 1918MB (Crosshair budget RAM)
32bit OS

[jakethevape]

That should handle Win8.

Not so sure about the "legit" downloads about as I thought stuff it and paid the £24,99 to get the upgrade (first time I EVER paid for an OS) but I think that has gone back to the standard £49.99 Digital download.

BUT a quick look on a sertian demonoid website for a ISO image of win8 comes up with allot of results. Cant really say much because of forum rules but its not to bad to find.

You then need to make sure the BIOS is set to boot from CD first, you press F12 when the computer turns on (maybe different from model to model) and a blue screen with white text should appear and you need to use the arrow keys to locate the boot order (DONT touch any other settings unless you know what your doing as this is the underline system that keeps the computer ticking over). It should be set to boot from CD then USB then HDD as default. If its not make sure you Save and exit rather than just exiting.

Sounds like you know about burning ISO images so that should be a doddle, I went through 3 or so ASDA value DVDs untill one worked, its pretty hit and miss with home burnt disc media in my opinion but should be ok. The only thing is to look for a version by the "Teams" that release such software (for trial ofcause because we will pay for it once done ). But the system info you gave should run win8 without much of a hassle and as others have said they have made it allot more resource friendly so you get more power from older hardware.

If you really want to push the laptop, a £49 60GB Solid State drive would make that laptop (and even a 8 year old laptop) boot up in under 10 seconds and run applications at lightning speed but I wouldnt bother if this is not your main system.

[ChillerVapes]

I got the iso image from the microsoft site.
it installs an evaluation period version of windows 8
You then use windows update and download media centre edition for free (exp 31 jan)
then for some reason, it gives you Windows 8 Pro for free forever!

Go figure.,, its all over the net.

Not breaking the law, it's just Microsoft are so stupid, they have left themselves wide open for people to gain Windows 8 totally free without breaking any laws.

[Deleted]

Tis true , google is your friend ,

[jakethevape]

lucky sod lol. It asks me to pay for the windows media center features