Impact of Changing XP Operating System

[mikee]

I bought a used computer before we moved from Denver. Since connecting to
the internet, I have been getting Microsoft warnings that the operating
system may be pirated. I want to install a different (and older) version of
the XP operating system for which I have a disk. Is there anyway to keep my
existing programs and files? I probably dont have installation disks for all
of the software that came with my computer purchase. Will all be erased when
the new operating system is installed?

 

[Malke]

I bought a used computer before we moved from Denver. Since connecting
to
the internet, I have been getting Microsoft warnings that the operating
system may be pirated. I want to install a different (and older) version
of
the XP operating system for which I have a disk. Is there anyway to keep
my
existing programs and files? I probably dont have installation disks for
all
of the software that came with my computer purchase. Will all be erased
when the new operating system is installed?

You can save your data but not your programs, sorry. Because you'll be going
to an older OS, you'll need to do a clean install.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows - What
you will need on-hand

Malke

 

[Bob Harris]

If your "older" XP is a full retail copy, then you might be able to do a
"repair" installation, which will "refresh" the system files, but
effectively erase all service packs and updates, which you will then need to
re-apply. OEM versions of XP do not usually support the repair option, only
the full-install option.

In theory a repair does not impact installed programs or user files. A
full-install, will, of course, overwrite everything on the partition
containing XP. If you have the usually one-big-C:-drive, then, yes,
everything will be lost with a full-install.

Note also that a retail copy of XP can be activated many times, on many PCs,
so long as it exists only on one PC at a time. In contrast an OEM copy can
be activated only on one PC (really one motherboard). But, it can be
activated multiple times on that same PC.

In practice, it would be very wise to make copies of user files off of the
PC. That would be good advice even if you were not considering reinstalling
XP.

In fact, you might want to take this opportunity to divide your hard drive
into at least two partitions, C:\ for XP+programs and D:\ for data (user
files). That way in the future you could reinstall XP (or other OS) on C:
without destroying data on D:\.

As far as the software that came with your PC, you might want to check the
web for freeware alternatives. For example, Open Office is similar to
Microsoft Office. AVG is a good free antivirus. Zone Alarm and Comodo
offer free firewalls. etc, etc Take a look at the programs linked via the
Major Geeks website, sorted by category on the left of the main page. Many,
but not all, are free. And, the ones for sale are usually reasonably priced
compared to the name-brand alternatives.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/

 

[Jerry]

Using your legit XP CD slipsteam the SP3 downlaod with it, make an ISO
image, burn this to a CD and you'll have an XP w/SP3 CD. Use it to boot from
and do a 'repair' install.

Google slipstreaming for more info - I use AutoStreamer to actually do the
slipstreaming because it copies all the files necesary to make the CD
bootable.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

I bought a used computer before we moved from Denver. Since
connecting to the internet, I have been getting Microsoft warnings
that the operating system may be pirated. I want to install a
different (and older) version of the XP operating system for which I
have a disk. Is there anyway to keep my existing programs and files?
I probably dont have installation disks for all of the software that
came with my computer purchase. Will all be erased when the new
operating system is installed?

In addition to the other replies: any time you get a used computer, you
should do a clean format/install of your OS. Always. You never know what's
lurking on there. If you bought licenses for the installed software, make
sure you get the licenses and media for reinstall.

 

[Twayne]

To the OP:
Yes, a reinstall/format will delete all data permanently. Before you
do that be sure to do a backup of all of your important data; pictures,
letters, anything you created, including your IE Favorites, e-mail names
and address Book.
Then when you're done installing, jus Restore your data from backup.

Once your data is backed up, then pop the CD in the drive, delete and
recreate the partition/s you want, and sit back and follow the screen
messages. Takes a little over an hour on most machines, more on slower
ones.

A Repair Install isn't recommended because it won't remove viruses,
malware and other problems the previous user may have on the machine.
So you are correct to do the reinstall.

HTH
Twayne