PeteH

Hi

Interesting Post, I had similar problem recent INCLUDING the loss of "system restore". I have seen post on an XP website (NOT Microsoft) that adding to OR changing/upgrading MAJOR parts of the computer eg hard drives, memory, Processor, (all of which I have done) Causes windows to believe that you are using a "pirate" copy of windows, because it cannot "see" the original "setup" the upshot is that you cannot use "restore" OR obtain updates, without a "fix" from microsoft for which W.G. (Mr Gates) requires "money".

I (fortunately) had the original disk (XP) and having fitted a new (additional, larger) hard drive, set that drive as primary, loaded a complete NEW copy of XP. which was accepted as a NEW system, I now have access to restore etc and a full complement of updates. as well as a MUCH faster machine!!. Renamed the OLD drive and still can access its data. "windows" is a pretty "c---p" O/s but the alternative(s) are?????.

Hope you solve YOUR problem soon, best before the kids come on summer holls!!!!

pete