How to access my desktop? I can only get on the internet?

Question

I have a dell inspiron and i recently wiped it using another cd for another computer and put vista on it (it had xp). It has been working for about a month now, but now when i turn it on it on and log in, it says that i dont have a genuine windows code. I assume this because i didn't use the actual vista cd's to wipe it, i used another computers cd's to return it to factory settings. Also, the cd to set it back to factory settings was for a desktop, and I used it on a laptop. Yes I know this wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it's to late to change it now. When i log on it has three options

-use this computer with limited access

-type in windows code

-and something else I forget it at the moment

So then I click on the 'use this computer with limited access, and it only opens up the internet. I cant access the desktop or start menu at all. What are your opinions on what I should do? Thank you for all of your time and help

Answer 1

Like XP, Vista requires you to activate your copy of Windows via a Microsoft Server. Usually you can use the product for 30 days before it accuses you of being a pirate and shuts its virtual doors. When you click limited access you are taken to a web page and probably prompted to buy a key. I've put myself in this situation to play around with it and found some interesting results:

I was able to type " C:\ " in the address bar and get the to the Windows file explorer. If this doesn't work for you try " file://C:/ ". You could then go to windows/system32 and start taskmgr.exe. By clicking File > New Task > explorer.exe I was able to start explorer. Even if that doesn't work, you should be able to navigate the file structure and get around well enough to backup your data, copy program files, etc.

My recommendation would be to get a valid license. It is not doing this because of the media you used to reformat, it is doing this because you are not using a valid license key. 9 times out of 10 this means pirated. Happy hacking, arrgrrggg matey!

Answer 2

I think you aren't meant to install from another computers CD. Either buy "Genuine Vista" or a free operating system like Ubuntu.

Answer 3

Eh, its explorer.exe, just open task manager via ctrl alt delete

then be sure your on the tab applications.

make a new task named explorer.exe

and press enter.

done.