Reinstalling Windows XP after hardware upgrade.

[Guest]

I have recently purchased a new motherboard and processor for my computer,
but I am not sure I will be able to reinstall XP after installing this
hardware. I bought my computer from MESH and they gave me a "MESH Computers
Recovery CD-ROM" which has some kind of Windows XP installation, but I am not
sure if this would work with the new hardware since it was not bought from
them. The CD contains a folder called "i386" which I have heard is something
to do with the Windows XP install. I also have a folder with the same name
hidden on my hard disk. Does anyone know whether I will be able to use the
supplied XP software with my new hardware?
Thanks
Jon Britton

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have recently purchased a new motherboard and processor
for my computer, but I am not sure I will be able to
reinstall XP after installing this hardware. I bought my
computer from MESH and they gave me a "MESH Computers
Recovery CD-ROM" which has some kind of Windows XP
installation, but I am not sure if this would work with
the new hardware since it was not bought from them. The
CD contains a folder called "i386" which I have heard is
something to do with the Windows XP install. I also have
a folder with the same name hidden on my hard disk. Does
anyone know whether I will be able to use the supplied XP
software with my new hardware?
Thanks
Jon Britton

I've never heard of thwe "Mesh" brand, so you'll probably have to
find out via experimentation. As a general rule, though, OEM Recovery
CDs will _not_ work on any hardware other than that for which they
were specifically designed.

Normally, and assuming a retail license (many OEM installations
and licenses are not transferable to a new motherboard - check yours
before starting), unless the new motherboard is virtually identical
(same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS version, etc.) to the
one on which the WinXP installation was originally performed, you'll
need to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, at
the very least:

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

As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.

This will also require re-activation, unless you have a Volume
Licensed version of WinXP Pro installed. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, you'll most
likely be able to activate via the internet without problem. If it's
been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever
count on having both at once. - RAH