Windows

I was trying to install Windows SBS 2008 (64-bit) for testing purposes, but I kept receiving this error "VT-x is not available. (VERR_VMX_NO_VMX)" from Virtual Box everytime I tried to Start the system.

I enabled Hardware VT from the BIOS (under Security menu) and restarted the computer - still the same error.

I disabled Execute Bit from the BIOS - still the same error.

First step to try:

- boot computer from Windows CD and choose repair (R)
- from command prompt run: chkdsk /r
- when checkdisk finishes, remove Windows CD and boot WindowsXP normally.

Second step to try:

- Follow procedures from Microsoft on how to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows from starting  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q307545

Third Step to Try:

- made sure ACPI, Plug & Play, USB all enabled in BIOS
- moved mouse from the ps/2 port to the first USB port
- booted using Safe Mode
- waited until it hung at Mup.sys
- removed the mouse cable from the USB port
- (3 seconds or so pass, the screen went black and safe mode appeared)
- restart the system
- boot normally into XP

After repairing Windows XP or after replacing a motherboard, you might receive this error before logging in "This copy of windows must be activated with microsoft before you can log on."

• Download this patch which works for Windows XP Home and Prof.
• Reboot to Safe Mode.
• Open the downloaded file and double-click AntiWPA3.cmd
• Click Yes when it prompt.
• That should be it.
• Restart the computer and you should be able to login now.

For the sake of XP installation continuity, we can use the default product key inside the XP CD.

You can find the product key by browsing:

<cd-rom drive letter>\i386\unattend.txt

At the bottom of the file, you will find the product key. One of the common product key is

CD87T-HFP4C-V7X7H-8VY68-W7D7M

After finishing the XP installation, you need to activate Windows and use the original product key of the computer.