Windows XP Pro and Downloads

[dlaud81]

Ive recently brought a 2nd hand PC which came pre installed with Windows XP Pro, from what i can gather it was orignally Windows 98. Now when i attempt to install say MSn im having great issues i get the following error messages depending how i try and install it:

Code 0x80070057
The Parameter is incorrect

or

Live programs cannot be installed on Windows Server, Windows Xp pro X64 edition or operating systems earlier than Windows XP Service Park 2.


Thus far sufing the net has offered no issues bar this, i dont the issue is or i can resolve it.

Thanks for any advice.

[stroyal]

Win 98 has nothing to do with it, as xp does not upgrade like previous windows, It clean installs.
Did you upgrade to service pack 2 or 3 like the message implies.

[dlaud81]

No i havent installed anything, i dont know how to upgrade.
it doesnt promt me to do anything

[stroyal]

You probably have automatic updates turned off.
Go to Windows Update, It should be in your program menu.

[dlaud81]

Ive now done this and it comes up saying...

a Volume License Key (VLK) that has been blocked

and im to pay nearly £100 ?

Ive just brought this PC second hand and was assured it came with a fully working OS, now it seems i cant get it to work correctly

[stroyal]

Sounds like a pirated copy of windows, nothing you can do but buy a legal copy.

[dlaud81]

and what will happen if i continue with this one as everything works ok in terms on net browsing, will it cause issues with downloading etc ?

if i buy a new OS will it matter if its Xp or Vista ?

[stroyal]

It will continue to work like it does now.

It's up to you which you get, XP is getting hard to get and won't be sold anymore in a few months. The cheapest Vista is less than XP I beleive