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how do u get a dos prompt on startup? i know there is a way but i don't remember. i am trying to install windows 2000 on my laptop since i can't find my activation key for xp or any that work. the problem is that the version of windows 2000 i have isn't bootable so i need the dos prompt for it to work. thanx.

well it depends on what OS you're usin but with older OS's its an option to "restart in ms-dos mode" when you hit shut down. If you dont see it then restart and hold down the F8 button and you should see the option.

you really dont need an activation key for xp...check the web....<p>find a win 98/me machine make a boot disk...<p>jason

i have no os right now thats the prob

here's what you do. <p>you're gonna need 4 blank IBM formatted floppy discs.<p>put the windows 2000 CD into your working, running computer (i guess that'd be the one you're online with).<p>go to start, hit run, and type
X:\bootdisk\makeboot.exe
(x being your CD rom drive letter)<p>follow the prompts to make the 4 bootdisks.<p>after all 4 bootdisks are done, put boot disk 1 into your laptop and power it on. follow the prompts from there.<p>[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Paragon ]</p>

well i got xp installed and working thanx for the help guys.
now i have a new problem i need to install all my drivers for all the stuff in the laptop but i think i can handle that. thanx again.

ok new prob
anyone know how to get around the xp activation?
i have tried a few things but they havn't worked
if u have any ideas please let me know

It is good to hear that you got it installed. Just to let you people know, XP does not have "real-mode" DOS....thus the reason that you had to boot to a floppy (so that it would boot to the system files on the floppy). You might have been able to boot to the CD if you had changed the boot sequence in the BIOS setup....unless you are using an external PCMCIA CD-ROM drive....then you are just out of luck....since you cannot get PCMCIA support in DOS.

i did boot xp from the cd and does anyone know how to get around the activation?

Check out www.astalavista.com<p>
They are a great place to look for serial numbers and cracks!

So you have XP HOME edition. I would have suggested you to go with PRO but ** well.<p>Here's a REALLY GOOD HOWTO with the KEY you need ETC. (You can then also upgrade to a new Service Pack)<p>http://www.tweaktown.com/document.php?dType=guide&dId=350<p>Tell me what you think about it.<p>AND BTW Can anyone explain me why does I have a 1-star rating? I've not been a jerk or anything and I give infos when I can.

Sorry guys gotta close the post, getting illeagl.