installing Valid windows XP over old version

[RakeKiller]

A system that was purchased on craigslist has a been exhibiting the blue
star and is not a valid version of windows.
Owner went out and bought( and opened the package) a retail version of XP
pro.

Question: Can they install the new version OVER the old version without
destroying data they have already saved?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

A system that was purchased on craigslist has a been exhibiting the blue
star and is not a valid version of windows.
Owner went out and bought( and opened the package) a retail version of XP
pro.

Question: Can they install the new version OVER the old version without
destroying data they have already saved?

If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and a _legitimate_ retail or OEM full license
of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CDs and Product Keys.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341



--

Bruce Chambers

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[Rock]

A system that was purchased on craigslist has a been exhibiting the blue
star and is not a valid version of windows.
Owner went out and bought( and opened the package) a retail version of XP
pro.

Question: Can they install the new version OVER the old version without
destroying data they have already saved?

What version of XP is on the computer? If it is Pro, then do a repair
install with the new version. If the installed version is XP Home I believe
what you can do is an upgrade starting it from the installed XP desktop.