re-formating xp-pro

[stuart]

I have just bought a new hp with vista, I have my old computer which has
xp-pro and I would like to re-format it (xp-pro) without loosing it, I have
nothing on the drive that I wish to keep except xp-pro, can this be done ?
Not sure that you would do it but if you can would you email me with a
response ?
([email protected]) Thank you---Stuart

 

[Big Al]

I have just bought a new hp with vista, I have my old computer which has
xp-pro and I would like to re-format it (xp-pro) without loosing it, I have
nothing on the drive that I wish to keep except xp-pro, can this be done ?
Not sure that you would do it but if you can would you email me with a
response ?
([email protected]) Thank you---Stuart

If you have the CD and the CD-KEY, you simply boot from the CD.
Follow the directions.

 

[David B.]

When you format a drive, you loose everything on it, including the OS, you
cannot format and keep the OS, you'd have to reinstall.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have just bought a new hp with vista, I have my old computer which has
xp-pro and I would like to re-format it (xp-pro) without loosing it, I
have
nothing on the drive that I wish to keep except xp-pro, can this be done ?
Not sure that you would do it but if you can would you email me with a
response ?
([email protected]) Thank you---Stuart

You cannot "re-format it (xp-pro) without loosing it".

By definition, re-formatting wipes the drive. Everything is gone and what
you want to have on must then be reloaded.

If you meant something else, perhaps you could rephrase your question.

HTH
-pk

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have just bought a new hp with vista,

Sorry, that sentence confuses me. Perhaps I've missed something, but
it appears not to have anything to do with what follows and what your
question is. If I'm wrong, please explain.

I have my old computer which has
xp-pro and I would like to re-format it (xp-pro) without loosing it,

Without "loosing" what? First, note that it's the hard drive that you
format, not the computer. Second, when you format a drive, by the very
nature of what you are doing, you lose *everything* that's on the
drive. That's what "format" means. It cleans everything off the drive,
so it can be reused as if it were brand new.

I have
nothing on the drive that I wish to keep except xp-pro, can this be done ?

No, if I understand your question correctly.

Why do you want to do this? Exactly what are you trying to accomplish?

Not sure that you would do it but if you can would you email me with a
response ?

Sorry, no. Ask a question here, read the response here. Very few
people here will send private E-mail to someone asking a question.
Answers *should* be here, so others can read and learn from the
answer.

 

[stuart]

Sorry i was not specific on re-formating my "computer" , i'm not anywhere
near a pro so i refer to computer as the hard drive, anyway what i want to do
is from what you say not possable, my computer came pre-loaded with xp-pro
and all i wanted to do is clean everything off except the xp-pro system that
it came with, anyway i do thank you for your FAST RESPONSE.

 

[Daave]

Sorry i was not specific on re-formating my "computer" , i'm not
anywhere near a pro so i refer to computer as the hard drive,
anyway what i want to do is from what you say not possable, my
computer came pre-loaded with xp-pro and all i wanted to do is
clean everything off except the xp-pro system that it came with,
anyway i do thank you for your FAST RESPONSE.

Stuart, please be more clear. Remember, the easier it is for us to
understand you, the easier it will be for us to help you.

You originally said that you "just bought a new hp with vista." So, are
you asking for help with this new PC? Do you perhaps wish to install XP
on it? You need to provide details!

It seems that you have an older PC, too. What is the make and model of
it? And again, does your question relate to this particular PC or to the
new HP that came with Vista?

If all you want to do is return your old PC to its original
fresh-from-the-factory state, we can help you. But please be more clear
and tell us exactly what it is you wish to do.

 

[David B.]

Use the means the mfg provided to format and reinstall the OS, this would be
a set of CD's or an onboard recovery program, your best bet would be to
contact their tech support to determine which method the PC shipped with.