Installing XP Professional

[Huh]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Using your new Windows XP Professional CD
and Product Key, proceed with a "repair install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
| think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
| XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
| so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
| can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
| don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
| upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
| used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
| do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

 

[Rock]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

Backup all important data in the event something doesn't work right.
Then do a repair install with the new CD and enter the new license key
when asked. That should keep installed programs and data intact.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Smoker~]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but
I think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original
Windows XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his
computer so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My
question is, can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the
drive first? I don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or
what, and if it is an upgrade, upgraded from what operating system?
(remember he purchased it used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP
then that's what I want to do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

Since it's a Dell the XP OS was probably on one of their hokey proprietary
disks and not an original XP disk. It is always better to format and install
clean, especially in your circumstance.

 

[Fishman >]

Since it's a Dell the XP OS was probably on one of their hokey proprietary
disks and not an original XP disk. It is always better to format and
install clean, especially in your circumstance.

And then find you have no drivers and can't get on the web to get them?
Try a repair install 1st.

 

[Doug Kanter]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but
I think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original
Windows XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his
computer so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My
question is, can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the
drive first? I don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or
what, and if it is an upgrade, upgraded from what operating system?
(remember he purchased it used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP
then that's what I want to do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

It is possible to use your legally purchased CD to install XP. But, the "I
don't know" factors are often things that will haunt you later when dealing
with an old installation. It's always best to start fresh. If I recall
correctly, your new CD will give you the option of wiping the hard disk
clean and starting over. That's the best path to take. However, before doing
that, you should visit the Dell site and download the various drivers for
hardware (video, sound, etc). The Dell should have a sticker on the side
and/or back with a "service tag number". Using that number, the web site
will usually take you to exactly the files you need. Put those files on
removable media, such as CDs or floppy disks, and have them ready AFTER the
XP install has finished. Although video & sound will work after the
installation, you may find they don't work as well as they should.

I'm assuming (and someone else can correct me if I'm wrong) that XP
purchased very recently should include SP2, which has its own firewall.
Without a firewall, it's likely your machine will become infected with
something nasty in as little as a few minutes. To be safe, disconnect the
machine from the web while doing the XP install. Actually pull the network
plug, in other words. When the install is finished, start Control Panel, and
look for Windows Firewall in the list. If it's there, you're safe to connect
to the web. The Windows firewall only does half of what a firewall should,
but that's good enough for the moment, so you can run Windows Update.

When that's all done, go to www.zonelabs.com, and pick up the free version
of ZoneAlarm, a proper firewall. It has nag screens that last about two
weeks, which try and get you to buy the fancy versions, but they vanish and
never bother you again.

 

[Doug Kanter]

And then find you have no drivers and can't get on the web to get them?
Try a repair install 1st.

That's why you get the necessary drivers from the web, and onto removeable
media BEFORE wiping the disk.

 

[Johnny Lingo]

And then find you have no drivers and can't get on the web to get them?
Try a repair install 1st.

Since it is a Dell, you can get the "Service Tag" number and go to the Dell
website to download all of the drivers:
http://support.dell.com/

 

[Talahasee]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

Having read all the other comments, I would agree that the
SAFE thing to do-- and the easiest thing to do due to the
computer being used-- God knows who had what on it...


I'd use that CD and new key and fdisk, format, and start
from fresh.

In that way, with a "formatted on ______ date, your dad
starts with a fresh, clean, computer.

just be sure he has good backups.

Good luck!


Tallahassee

 

[paulmd]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

Dell almost always puts a Certificate of Authenticity sticker on their
computers, if it's still attached, and it says "XP Professional" then
the copy is probably legit. If there is a COA for another OS, you have
a legit copy of that OS, not XP Pro.

You CAN use a retail CD with Dell numbers, It will install, but you
won't pass instant online activation, but if you call call the
Microsoft telephone activation system, a guy in India will make it
happen for you. Call during peak hours, they will ask fewer questions.


I work at a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, I've done this dance
maybe fifteen times.

At this point, you will be cleared for windows updates, Windows Genuine
Annoyance and all.

 

[Huh]

Thanks to all that reponded.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Q. "You CAN use a retail CD with Dell numbers...."

A. False. You cannot use a retail CD with a Dell OEM Product Key!

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Dell almost always puts a Certificate of Authenticity sticker on their
| computers, if it's still attached, and it says "XP Professional" then
| the copy is probably legit. If there is a COA for another OS, you have
| a legit copy of that OS, not XP Pro.
|
| You CAN use a retail CD with Dell numbers, It will install, but you
| won't pass instant online activation, but if you call call the
| Microsoft telephone activation system, a guy in India will make it
| happen for you. Call during peak hours, they will ask fewer questions.
|
|
| I work at a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, I've done this dance
| maybe fifteen times.
|
| At this point, you will be cleared for windows updates, Windows Genuine
| Annoyance and all.

 

[paulmd]

I've done it. Repeatedly. It's a ROYAL pain in the butt. But it IS
possible.

What happens is it will install. You go to activate, it won't let you.
You need to call microsoft. Do the phone voice mail activation. It
STILL won't let you. Wait for a human. Tell them that you are using a
retail disk to install a dell licence. THey will then ask you a few
questions. If you can get them to believe you. (Thce best way is to
tell flat truth) the human will give you a fourty something digit
activation code. Which you can type in.

The whole conversation with Microsoft takes 5-20 minutes. Which is why
you should call when they're most busy. They want to get you out of
their hair ASAP.


Next time you are in possesion of a Dell computer with an XP Pro
licence that's in need of nuking, try it.

Maybe microsoft just lets me because I tell them that I'm a Microsoft
Authorized Refurbisher (I AM), and the computer is a donation to the
organization, to be regifted (also true). Donted computers almost never
come with the original software.

 

[paulmd]

I've done it. Repeatedly. It's a ROYAL pain in the butt. But it IS
possible.

What happens is it will install. You go to activate, it won't let you.
You need to call microsoft. Do the phone voice mail activation. It
STILL won't let you. Wait for a human. Tell them that you are using a
retail disk to install a dell licence. THey will then ask you a few
questions. If you can get them to believe you. (Thce best way is to
tell flat truth) the human will give you a fourty something digit
activation code. Which you can type in.

The whole conversation with Microsoft takes 5-20 minutes. Which is why
you should call when they're most busy. They want to get you out of
their hair ASAP.


Next time you are in possesion of a Dell computer with an XP Pro
licence that's in need of nuking, try it.

Maybe microsoft just lets me because I tell them that I'm a Microsoft
Authorized Refurbisher (I AM), and the computer is a donation to the
organization, to be regifted (also true). Donted computers almost never
come with the original software.

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

I've done it. Repeatedly. It's a ROYAL pain in the butt. But it IS
possible.

What happens is it will install. You go to activate, it won't let you.
You need to call microsoft. Do the phone voice mail activation. It
STILL won't let you. Wait for a human. Tell them that you are using a
retail disk to install a dell licence. THey will then ask you a few
questions. If you can get them to believe you. (Thce best way is to
tell flat truth) the human will give you a fourty something digit
activation code. Which you can type in.

The whole conversation with Microsoft takes 5-20 minutes. Which is why
you should call when they're most busy. They want to get you out of
their hair ASAP.


Next time you are in possesion of a Dell computer with an XP Pro
licence that's in need of nuking, try it.

Maybe microsoft just lets me because I tell them that I'm a Microsoft
Authorized Refurbisher (I AM), and the computer is a donation to the
organization, to be regifted (also true). Donted computers almost
never come with the original software.

You may be able to use a generic OEM, but a retail version will not accept
the Dell key.

 

[paulmd]

In

You may be able to use a generic OEM, but a retail version will not accept
the Dell key.

I just checked the label of the CD I use. It's VRMPOEM_EN. Seems I've
been using an OEM.... But if it takes the key, it should at least let
me activate the easy way.... <grumph>

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My father bought a used Dell computer that has XP professional on it, but I
think it was a copy. By that I mean I think it wasn't the original Windows
XP cd. I just bought the Windows XP professional to install on his computer
so he can get windows updates and have his computer legal. My question is,
can I install over the existing XP or do I have to format the drive first? I
don't know if what is on his computer is an upgrade or what, and if it is an
upgrade, upgraded from what operating system? (remember he purchased it
used) If I can install a REAL XP over a FAKE XP then that's what I want to
do because I'm no computer expert. Thanks.

With second-hand computers, especially if acquired from strangers
but perhaps even if acquired from a family member or friend, your wisest
course of action would probably be to format the hard drives and start
fresh. You don't want to get in trouble because the original owner may
have filled the hard drive with kiddie porn, or have problems because
the original owner downloaded/installed viruses or other malware.

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

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