Installing new XP over older XP

[Gary]

I have a copy of XP Pro that a friend gave me to try. I
liked it, so I purchased a new version and have my own
licensed key for it. Now if I try to install it over the
old version, it says I'll possibly loss files. What files
might I loose and what should I back-up? Thanks! Gary.

 

[Willit]

What is wrong with the one you have, change the key if you
want. If it ain't broke, leave it alone.....lol.

http://ryan.ript.net/xppid/

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestion. But I can't install the SP1
update with the old key being ineligible to me. But what I
really would like to know is what files in general might I
loose if I install the newer XP over the older XP. Thanks
again, Gary.

 

[Honjo]

Repair install should not cause any loss of files you need to concerned
about but it is a good practice to back up data files.

Kaz

 

[JasonA]

Any files you created yourself (with emails/address book/ documents) and the
way you setup the screen and icons etc. These might not be deleted but only
idiots don't backup regularly.

as stated just activate - you'll get a message saying that PC is already
used on different hardware and will be given the opportunity to enter a new
key - enter the one from your new CD. It worked for the one mismatched
install I did. Also you can ring microsoft stating that you have a
legitimate CD but you can't activate - they should then step you through the
process.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a copy of XP Pro that a friend gave me to try. I
liked it, so I purchased a new version and have my own
licensed key for it. Now if I try to install it over the
old version, it says I'll possibly loss files. What files
might I loose and what should I back-up?

If yours is essentially the same variant as he provided (retail CD of
Pro), then you can change the Key to be your new one. Use regedit.exe,
open to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents

In the right pane double click on OOBE Timer and very carefully change
just the first byte and OK.

Then delete the two files Windows\system32\wpa.dbl and wpa.bak

Now go to
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows
and start the 'activate by phone'. This will offer an opportunity to
change the key. USe it, accept, then cancel without actually phoning.
Run again, this time getting on the net first and then take the activate
on the net and all should go through