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Do I need to reinstall windows XP and how do I do it?

I bought my wife a refurbished laptop a while back, she only uses it for facebook and the Cafe World game within the facebook site. All worked well for about two months and then the Cafe World game started to slow things down, The game would freeze or run so slowly it was unplayable.

I tried the usual delete cookies, temp Internet files etc, but this made no difference, I updated the flash player and still no joy, I used different browsers, FireFox worked for a while but then the problem started again. after trying several browsers with no luck I used my laptop to access her Cafe and all ran well, I then used her laptop to create my own Cafe, this not only loaded, it played well and quickly proving that everything needed for the game was installed and working on her laptop.

I have looked in various forums and although there are lots of people with similar problems nothing seems to fix it.

As I said at the beginning the laptop is a refurbished item and it did not come with a Windows XP Professional disk, however the XP product key is on a Windows XP Professional label/sticker on the bottom of the laptop, I have looked everywhere on her laptop to find an image of the original installed copy but I cant find it.

Does anyone know

A. How to fix the problem on Cafe World

Or

B. how to reinstall Windows XP Professional using only the product key

Thanks in advance

Scott

Update:

Microsoft essentials installed, working and up to date

Update 2:

Thanks for you answers. All other programs and apps run fine until the Cafe app is opened, I have tried the system restore suggestion and checked for viruses but still the Cafe runs slow or freezes

6 Answers

Relevance
  • ?
    Lv 7
    10 years ago
    Favourite answer

    Apparently this is a well known problem see the links below:

    http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search?p=cafe+world+pro...

    If you are running a multi core processor, have a look at this link:

    http://www.fixya.com/support/t3364042-causes_slow_...

    and note the first answer.

    You should not need to re-install XP as it it quite a tedious process and some versions are no longer supported so you might not get the updates to return you to your present level.

    The last time that I did it 101 updates had to be downloaded which took a whole day.

    If you really need to re install Windows then have a look at the link below, it is not for the faint hearted!

    http://www.officialwindowsmagazine.com/news/reinst...

    Regards, Bob.

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    if you try spybot or some other antivirus thing and still have the problem

    try these things first [btw you will need the install program, anyone can get the product key]

    i use free commander to facilitate this action>>

    go to windows\prefetch folder. delete ALL the files.

    go to programs, accessories, system tools and click on system restore. on the left panel there is a line or reference in about the middle of the page, click on it and check the box that says turn off system restore. The usual child like warning occurs and say ARE YOU SURE? of course you are sure,

    shut down your computer and restart.

    it should be noticeably better. shut it once more and reboot.

    if it is not faster, you have a virus. one more thing you might try is ccleaner.

    check all the boxes but the last two. it will stop your auto complete and erase your passwords, though. then shut down. then reboot and do a defrag.

    if all that fails, you will need to reinstall. I would suggest, if you do, do not take the repair option..it is almost always a waste of time.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    Do other apps run slowly as well, or is it only Cafe World?

    Run a full scan with SAS.

    http://www.superantispyware.com/

    To reinstall, you'll need a copy of XP Pro, and you may be able to get a copy from a friend. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a copy or get restore disks from the laptop maker.

    Make a disk image when you're done to use in the future.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    at the beginning, earlier you do something, BACKUP onto CD or DVD all your archives, track and photos/video. you need to try this a minimum of month-to-month in any case. in case you very own an iPod or similiar, then you could use this as an exterior annoyingpersistent to backup your information. A sparkling setting up is cautioned yet bear in mind which you will additionally would desire to reinstall all classes immediately equipment - acquire the latest version from the information superhighway in case you do not have the disks. domicile windows XP additionally demands activation and authorized genuine benefit as quickly because it is reinstalled - so which you will require a real XP serial selection. once you pass to reinstall, you need to make a seperate partition on your annoyingpersistent for archives etc. so which you install XP on "C:" power and make yet another partition "D:". earlier you attempt something, do slightly examine on the information superhighway relating to reinstalling suggestion. in case you reside in Melbourne, Australia i will help you to for a small fee. good luck!

  • 10 years ago

    im not sure about a

    as for b

    You'd have to download windows xp setup from somewhere and use your product key at the bottom. if you contact microsoft they maybe able to help.

    if you can find a windows xp bootable disc all you need to do is put the disc in and restart. then it will ask you if you want to boot using disc, just press any key. it will take you through the setup process.

    if you do reinstall id recommend formatting the hard-disk first and installing a clean copy.

    you can do this in xp setup.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    10 years ago

    She obviously has a virus i notice you make no mention of any kind of anti virus software or firewall

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