fix my old 9300 or get a cheap netbook

Hi guys I need a computer to tune/log my ECU in my car. I i have my old dell inspiron 9300 that need a new OS, batt and charger. I lost the recover disk and my brother ripped the key code sticker so i cant see the first set of numbers, it came with XP pro is there any thing i can do to save it with out buyin a new OS. Like i said im using this to tune ECUs and data log using romraider and ecuflash. So should i fix the 9300 or get a netbook, any suggestions on netbooks under 300 cheaper the better or a place to get a Windows OS?

 

There are a number of utilities that can get the Product key from your copy Windows XP that's installed. Use one of the free programs to get the Product key, then get a copy of windows and use your key to install......IMO this would be the quickest\cheapest for you to do.....

IF you need a new Battery\AC charger then a netbook, might suit your needs depending on how intensive the program you are going use is. Remember the Netbooks are really only good for basic computer jobs (surfing the internet, word processing, ect).....Batteries for the 9300 can be very expensive if you go through Dell, I am sure there are cheaper alternatives, but the 9 cell from Dell is ~155USD.

 

Battery and AC adpater are going to run you close to $100. Netbook might be easier to use in a car though.

 

the computer powers up windows loads i get two error messages and then when it gets to the desktop all i have is my backround nothing else no task bar or icons it i hit "ctrl alt del" it says task manger is disabled by the admin. Long story short its in-op.

 

Hi,

most likely you managed to install malware on that computer.
Best option is to flatten and rebuild, but then you need your Windows install disc and the key...

Michael

 

I agree with Michael, sounds like you installed a virus or something....Your best bet would to either be to try to get to "Safe Mode" and see if that works...If it does then get a program like Malewarebytes and run a pre boot scan to see if you can remove the virus.

THe other option is to reinstall the OS, but since you cant load the OS its goign to be near impossible to get it. You can call Dell on the off chance that theyd send you an OS disc, but it may cost you a few bucks to do so.

 

Or get the Dell recovery image off some torrent. Check well for viruses! The Dell media would just work and not ask for a key.
The existing key is probably not good for any purpose because it would be an OEM SLP key. The key from the bottom would have worked with an OEM retail disc.