G
Guest
I have decided that after I install 2 new harddrives I will reinstall XP but
I have a few questions.
The last time I reinstalled was maybe 4 years ago and things have changed
with regard to WGA and WPA.
1) I have Belarc advisor and the product key that it reports. I also have a
COA sticker on my computer. Which of these do I use when asked during set up?
I have had to re-register a few times such as when I updated my video card
driver last Sept. Is this going to present a problem?
I don't have a problem explaining to Microsoft the circumstances regarding
this reinstall, I just don't want to NOT be able to re-activate if there is
even a chance of that.
2) I have my original Dell XP reinstall disc. This is a genuine reinstall
disc not just a recovery disc. But is pre SP1.(wine colored disc) It is only
"XP Gold". I also have SP2 on a disc from Microsoft, so I can reinstall that
way. But I also have a genuine Dell XP with SP2 reinstall disc that came with
my sons laptop this past Christmas, (blue colored disc). Can I use this disc
or would it be better to use the one that came with this particular machine ?
3) I am really NOT looking forward to redownloading all the various updates
to not only the operating system but all of the various apps. also, so I
thought about "auto patch" however, this is a 225 Mb download on a dial-up
network and I wont live long enough to see it through. I also don't know
anyone with a highspeed connection willing to help me out. Are there any
cd's available with auto patch on it, say perhaps in a magazine or available
to order? I haven't seen this option on the auto patch website but perhaps I
missed it.
As always thanks for any and all responses.
I have a few questions.
The last time I reinstalled was maybe 4 years ago and things have changed
with regard to WGA and WPA.
1) I have Belarc advisor and the product key that it reports. I also have a
COA sticker on my computer. Which of these do I use when asked during set up?
I have had to re-register a few times such as when I updated my video card
driver last Sept. Is this going to present a problem?
I don't have a problem explaining to Microsoft the circumstances regarding
this reinstall, I just don't want to NOT be able to re-activate if there is
even a chance of that.
2) I have my original Dell XP reinstall disc. This is a genuine reinstall
disc not just a recovery disc. But is pre SP1.(wine colored disc) It is only
"XP Gold". I also have SP2 on a disc from Microsoft, so I can reinstall that
way. But I also have a genuine Dell XP with SP2 reinstall disc that came with
my sons laptop this past Christmas, (blue colored disc). Can I use this disc
or would it be better to use the one that came with this particular machine ?
3) I am really NOT looking forward to redownloading all the various updates
to not only the operating system but all of the various apps. also, so I
thought about "auto patch" however, this is a 225 Mb download on a dial-up
network and I wont live long enough to see it through. I also don't know
anyone with a highspeed connection willing to help me out. Are there any
cd's available with auto patch on it, say perhaps in a magazine or available
to order? I haven't seen this option on the auto patch website but perhaps I
missed it.
As always thanks for any and all responses.