jenny said:
I also posted this in the setup section. Not sure what
this falls under. I had a counterfeit xp pro disk
installed (which I found out when I tried to update to
service pack 1). Now, I have an authentic xp pro FULL
version disk. I don't think I should RE-install the whole
thing on top of the counterfeit installation. Not sure
what to do.
You should do it as a repair reinstall. Set the BIOS to boot CD
before Hard disk, then boot the new XP CD, start Setup (do not take
'Repair' at this stage), then after the license agreement take 'Repair
Installation'. Along the way it will ask for a Product Key; give it
the one that came with the new CD.
This will retain your existing software installations and most settings.
But Updates will have to be run again, especially SP1 unless the CD
includes it. It might pay to wait and get a copy of the New SP2 when
it becomes available - only a few days now we think
It is important to activate the basic XP Firewall before you ever
connect to the net to get the patches, so as to be protected against
things like the BLAST worm.
You will find that you need to activate again again by phoning in and
only initially be able to boot to safe mode until that is done. Run
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows
and use 'activate by phone', calling a toll free number that will be
given
Always back up essential data before doing any major system operation
like this, if you are still in a position to do so
