Clean Install XP for Used PC/XP

[Cosmos69]

Hi:
Recently, I purchased a slightly used PC with SP3, because I like XP over
Windows 7.

An issue I encountered is that some of programs is not like an XP that I
have on other PC/SP3. This PC is I purchased as a brand new about two and a
half years back from local BestBuy.

Then, I'm thinking of 'Clean Instal XP,' however I never done it before.
First of all, I fear whether I'm able to do that.

I regard myself, ... between 'beginner to intermediate PC' as to dealing
with any of PC issues, all of which I acquired by doing the PC at home. I
never expose any of PC professionals/Geeks.

My question is as follows:
1. How to 'uninstall' XP? There is XP/SP3 in 'Add/Removal.' Or, do I need
a program to remove/uninstall XP?

2. If successfully removed/un-installed XP from the slightly used XP/SP3, I
need to purcahse XP from the vendor? I have XP CD that came with other PC.

Any other detailed suggestions along with steps by steps insturction on this
would be truly appreciated.

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[Richard in AZ]

First, assuming the PC, bought at BestBuy is a big name box, did you get a set of restore disks with
it?
If not, depending on the PC brand, there may be a hidden restore partition on the hard drive. What
is the PC brand and model?
Or do you own a retail copy of the Windows XP installation disk, with key code?

We will need a lot more information to be able to give you accurate directions.

But generally, you don't "uninstall" Windows XP, you use the restore disks, or the retail disk, or
the tools in the hidden partition to start a new installation. The new installation removes the old
installation of XP.
If you use the PC manufacturers "Restore Disk" or "Hidden Partition" tools, you will have all of the
hardware drivers (software) included. If you use a retail copy of Windows XP, you will have to
download the hardware drivers for your brand and model.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi:
Recently, I purchased a slightly used PC with SP3, because I like XP over
Windows 7.

An issue I encountered is that some of programs is not like an XP that I
have on other PC/SP3. This PC is I purchased as a brand new about two and a
half years back from local BestBuy.

Then, I'm thinking of 'Clean Instal XP,' however I never done it before.
First of all, I fear whether I'm able to do that.

I regard myself, ... between 'beginner to intermediate PC' as to dealing
with any of PC issues, all of which I acquired by doing the PC at home. I
never expose any of PC professionals/Geeks.

My question is as follows:
1. How to 'uninstall' XP? There is XP/SP3 in 'Add/Removal.' Or, do I need
a program to remove/uninstall XP?

The normal way to "uninstall" any operating system is to format
the hard drive and install a new OS of your choice.

2. If successfully removed/un-installed XP from the slightly used XP/SP3, I
need to purcahse XP from the vendor?

You'd either have to try to purchase the OEM installation disk(s) from
the computer's vendor, or purchase either am unbranded, generic OEM
license or a retail full license form some 3rd party.

I have XP CD that came with other PC.

That cannot be used on the new, "slightly used" computer. Based on
your own description, you have an OEM license for WinXP from the
defunct machine. An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware
(normally a motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC) and is
_permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM
license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another computer
under _any_ circumstances.

You'll need to purchase a new WinXP license for the "new" computer.

As for the new installation, itself:

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Paul Randall]

That cannot be used on the new, "slightly used" computer. Based on your
own description, you have an OEM license for WinXP from the defunct
machine. An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware (normally a
motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC) and is _permanently_ bound
to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM license, once installed,
is not legally transferable to another computer - under _any_
circumstances.

Not true.
Microsoft has the right to print almost anything it wants in its license.
Manufacturer's licenses are always subject to the applicable laws at all
levels at the locality of of the purchase and/or use of the licensed item.
In order to have a limited number of unique licenses, some or many of its
provisions may not be applicable in some or may locations that the software
is purchased or used. Some localities may have laws that circumvent your
notion of "under _any_ circumstances".

-Paul Randall