Odd Startup Problem- - Tech Support Forums

Arjay13 · July 6th, 2008, 02:28 PM

Ok - I was working on a Compaq Presario that had a virus problem. Got rid of them and then loaded all the MS updates. During that process, the OS didn't pass Genuine Windows validation. I checked with the owner and he said that his son-in-law had updated it with XP Pro. It was a volume license that was no longer valid. No problem there.

The odd thing is that when you push the power button to start the computer, it goes into a hibernate-like state and wont start. You have to hold down the power button until the computer completely shuts off. Then the next time you press the power button, the computer starts perfectly. I have turned off all power management as well as "hibernate" on the Windows control panel as well as what I can find in the BIOS.

I have worked with this machine in the past and it started fine. Is it possible that the Windows Validation process has done this? I've not seen this before. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Arjay

BipolarBill · July 6th, 2008, 05:09 PM

That is an illegal installation of Pro. I strongly recommend reloading the original OS or coughing for an OEM copy of Home.

Let's chat, shall we?

That illegal "corporate" version of Pro cannot load SP2 or 3 because it's crippled by MS. Windows Update won't work on it. Without a current service pack and patches, security is compromised bigtime - hence the current problem. That thing is a zombie waiting for a new master and was probably used to send out spam and viruses and launch DoS attacks. This *is* a problem, despite what you think.

Once a PC is polluted by trojans, it will never be right again. There may be hidden rootkit malware that you are not finding.

PLEASE do the right thing and load a legit OS on it - and secure it for all of our sakes.

Arjay13 · July 6th, 2008, 05:48 PM

BiPolar

This pc is owned by an old retiree with bad knees, marginal health and limited funds. When I said "no problem" in my original post I wasn't inplying that illegal software was ok - just that I understood THAT part of the problem. I would never advocate pirated software. THat said, however, it didn't occur to me that his machine could be used as a zombie because it couldn't be updated. The weird thig is that I don't know why his soninlaw update to XP Pro when it already had a legit copy of XP Home installed on it. Of course, THAT copy seems to be long gone. Anyway, I'll see about getting his pc legit. Thanks for the advice!
Arjay

BipolarBill · July 6th, 2008, 10:09 PM

His son in law "upgraded" to XP Pro because he thinks it's an upgrade. It isn't. I am using Home right now and it does everything I need it to.

You will notice that MS now calls Pro "Business". Thank goodness that they had the sense to do that, because now every PC n00b won't be tempted to "upgrade" because it's called "Professional".

It's all about image after all, isn't it?