I am such a dolt.

I was trying to use MozBackup and somehow deleted my own profile. :hide:

So, I've boogered my system royally. Windows Explorer is gone; I can't use 'quick launch'; a bunch of stuff is gone. So, I'm figuring that since I've got all this work in front of me maybe I should just go ahead and upgrade to WinXP. I've been using Window2000Pro and like it just fine, but of course, microcrap has quit supporting it.

My question is: where do I find the cheapest (legal) copy of XP?

TIA.

I would call MS and insure that your Win2000 will allow for WinXP upgrade and not require a full edition XP. Also check your computer brand for possible upgrades and driver availability.

Your computer brand may sell WinXP restore kits, which may/maynot include the OP sys.

Another approach is a yard sale computer that has a WinXP COA sticker on it and then borrow a XP CD. Rember you are buying the COA and not the CD in any case.

It will verify the installation and reformat and install XP.

I bet someone has a legit. copy of it for sale. That is what I would do. :)

save what is left of your profile and put it someplace else, like a ram stcik, or even another directory under C:

copy the default user directories into your current one.

You'll have to reconfig a few things, but it should restore ost or all of the important stuff.

to do that. i actually couldn't get through the first step. you have to remember that i'm sooo stupid i accidentally deleted my own profile.

Being the motherboard blew out on my #1 laptop, I opted to take it to my ISP (that works on computers luckily) and they were able to save the HD on it. I also dropped off with it yet another old ThinkPad I have (deemed "useless") along with the card needed to make it work with an ethernet connection.

I went back yesterday and they managed to get the HD backed up and gave it to me in a little box (I could have never done this) and also the mini PC card was installed on the deemed useless oldie laptop which I am now using at this very moment.

Total cost was $64.10.

It was well worth it!

Sometimes it is. You might try making a few calls to see if someone can help you. If you can't figure it out, find someone that knows that they are doing is my advice to you.

I hope this helps (my condolences btw).

I'd buy xp from them and also a new hard drive. You probably have an older system that uses ATA drives, so you want to look here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150014%201035907789&bop=And&Order=PRICE

The cheap version of xp here..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056

I would consider looking in the classifieds for a broke college student repair dood and have them install the new hard drive and load xp on it. At the same time, the tech can hot wire your old hard drive for recovery and then storage when everything is good. With a good tech, it should only take a couple hours, max.

:hi: