Windows Validation

[gasamonroe]

I've had numerous problems with my Compaq Presario SA4000T lately.

1. My Word Files are saved in read-only.
2. Many of my games don't work; Internet Explorer has problems bookmarking pages.
3. My Copy of WIndows XP Home Edition is not valid???? :O

This all started when I was trying to uninstall Zone Alarm Open Beta and I did a System Restore back to the previous month... and many programs stopped working. Even the in-built system recover didn't boot up properly, so I had to do it manually. Worse yet, even when I did boot it up manually, it froze on the loading screen...
I do have an extra XP copy somewhere, but that's for a computer I built myself, and might not work with my Compaq.
Anyone here have a suggestion?

EDIT: It only seems to happen on SOME on the start-ups.
EDIT: System Restore doesn't even work in safe mode.

[EzyStvy]

Purchase a Vaild copy of Windows and don't install BETA software and you should be good to go.

[gasamonroe]

The annoying Validation messages have stopped after a single reboot, and I'm trying to create recovery dics using a single DVD...I have had to do this in safe-mode because it simply won't work normally... However, in Safe Mode, after Compaq setup finishes listing te files it needs and gets ready to write, it says that the DVD I inserted isn't blank, even after inserting several other discs... wat could be the problem?
EDIT: Could my other XP disc help recover my Compaq computer?
Or will it make tings worse?

[glc]

Save the files you need and use the system recovery process from the hard drive.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...=setupCategory

[gasamonroe]

I can't nothing will work...I've booted up an XP disc that isn't from my manufacturer, I bought this one for a computer that I built myself a while ago...should this work without ruining te computer that is having trouble?

[glc]

Read this thread - does this apply to your situation?

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=171810

You can order reinstall media from HP.

[gasamonroe]

so my OEM disc won't work with a Compaq computer?

[gasamonroe]

Can I still reinstall windows with my OEM disc on my Compaq if I still ave the Compaq Serial number?

[glc]

1. It should work if you download the drivers you need.

2. Yes, IF they are the same version.