... downloaded a virus about 3 years ago which wiped everything on there. I worked in a school at the time and the computer technician there sorted it out and put the school version of windows xp on it. Now when i swith it on its asking me to verify my version of windows, which obviously i cant do. I cant access anything on there and im not bothered about anything on there other than my pictures and videos. Is there anyway i can get them off the laptop?
Thanks
Cassie
Hi I have a laptop that is about 6 years old. It had windows vista installed on it. My daughter?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by xxcassiexx
- Topics:
- vista, laptop, computer, windows vista
Details:
Answers (1)
Hmmmmm....it's likely the tech installed either a copy of XP that was already installed on another machine, OR it was a 'pirated' copy. I guess it's also possible that it was installed somehow without being verified.
I'm not sure this will work, but you can try to boot the machine into Safe Mode. You do this by tapping the "f8" key as it is coming up. If you catch it correctly it should bring up a screen asking if you want to boot into Safe Mode, which, obviously, you reply 'yes', or 'ok'.
It will continue to boot and if successful it will eventually take you to your desktop, and it may ask you a question or two as it finishes, which you say "ok" to. You will know it's in safe Mode when you see those words in all 4 corners of the screen, and the icons on the desktop will be enlarged and maybe re-arranged.
Safe mode is a 'mode' where most of the drivers and services are not installed, and you won't have internet access either. But it should allow you to open Windows Explorer and search for all your pictures. I THINK you can use the USB ports to be able to copy or 'move' all your pictures to where you can then transfer them to another location. Once you are done saving all the pictures and files, you can log off.
Then I'd recommend you do one of two things:
(1) either go buy a legitimate copy of XP and install it.
(2) buy a copy of Windows 7 and install that instead.
BUT...if your machine is old, you may not want to go with Windows 7 as it may not function very well on an older machine with less memory, and less speed.
You may have to talk to a mom-n-pop computer place about that and see what they say.
I think Microsoft is going to stop supporting XP soon, so this means once you buy it, if you have problems with it, they won't help you after that time.
I'd also suggest you take steps to keep your kids away from your personal computer and set up one for them that is as kid-proof as possible.
Good luck.....hope this helps.
I mean VISTA...lol. I have XP on the brain. Sorry!!