Recommission Older Computer

smolnar · 29 May 2017

I have run Windows 7 on my laptop computer.

I have an older 64bit computer that has been running Window XP Professional since May 2004. For various and sundry reasons I have decided to start using it again.

I hooked it up to my LAN on a two way electronic switch, and much to my surprise and delight, it started!

Up to a point, that is. I got the first part of the login, that is the computer spooling up and checking the RAM (which passed the test) and I got the XP selection window where I selected the normal startup, and then a white strip across the bottom of the monitor screen and . . . nothing.

Obviously, even from my limited hardware experience, I suspect there is a problem with the OS. I still have the installation disk, but I was thinking of upgrading the OS to Windows 7 (I'm writing on my production tower which is running Debian v-8.8).

I'd appreciate some comments as to what I might try to get the older computer running again.

Thank in advance.

redoak · 29 May 2017

You don't say how old your computer is, but perhaps it's not worth purchasing a Windows 7 license for it (if you can even find a legitimate one). I certainly wouldn't put XP back on it. You might as well just slap Debian on it with XFCE or MATE, and have a reasonably performing rig...

smolnar said:

I have run Windows 7 on my laptop computer.

I have an older 64bit computer that has been running Window XP Professional since May 2004. For various and sundry reasons I have decided to start using it again.

I hooked it up to my LAN on a two way electronic switch, and much to my surprise and delight, it started!

Up to a point, that is. I got the first part of the login, that is the computer spooling up and checking the RAM (which passed the test) and I got the XP selection window where I selected the normal startup, and then a white strip across the bottom of the monitor screen and . . . nothing.

Obviously, even from my limited hardware experience, I suspect there is a problem with the OS. I still have the installation disk, but I was thinking of upgrading the OS to Windows 7 (I'm writing on my production tower which is running Debian v-8.8).

I'd appreciate some comments as to what I might try to get the older computer running again.

Thank in advance.

Layback Bear · 29 May 2017

You could do this first to see if your system will handle Windows 7.
From Microsoft.

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

If you system is capable; finding a legal copy of Windows 7 to buy will be a challenge.
Their are droves of illegal Windows 7 all over the net.

Jack

ThrashZone · 29 May 2017

Hi,
Seems if you boot to a linux usb you can see if the machine operates and get some system spec's about the machine to see how much memory it has.....
Emergency Kit - save your files from a dead OS - Windows 7 Help Forums

Lucid Puppy way to recover files from a non-bootable computer - Windows 7 Help Forums

If all is well you can replace the hard drive and see if it's the issue.

You can use win-7 for 30 days before you'd have to activate it with the key just install without an internet connection or just use activate later in the installers process.

Jody Thornton · 29 May 2017

redoak said:

You don't say how old your computer is, but perhaps it's not worth purchasing a Windows 7 license for it (if you can even find a legitimate one). I certainly wouldn't put XP back on it. You might as well just slap Debian on it with XFCE or MATE, and have a reasonably performing rig...

I've been looking very very seriously in to Q4OS (which is a Debian derivative). It's quite nice, and I've noticed a LOT of Windows applications working on Wine. Might be a good idea.
:)

SIW2 · 29 May 2017

Plenty of win 7 licenses available in Europe.