Trying to install XP

[Guest]

I'm trying to install Windows XP Pro with SP1 to replace the counterfeir
version of XP Pro with SP2 on my computer. When I begin, I get this warning:
"Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the CD.
Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is
currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be
recovered."
Does this just mean that I will have to download SP2 again or will I lose
important files and settings?

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Rob,

It means that:
All records of UserNames/passwords (and file ownership) will be lost.
All record of installed software will be lost (the program files remain)
All record of IE settings (including favourites) will be lost
All record of Network connections will be lost
All record of Profiles (Outlook, Language etc) may be lost
All Video settings (maybe including screensavers) may be lost
...and more....

EVERYTHING that was ever "Set Up" will probably be lost.

 

[Guest]

Well, that answers that. Thanks Pat.
I got the notification that I was using a counterfeir version, so I got a
legal copy from my employer that we're allowed to load onto our home
computers. I guess I'll check to see if my tech dept has the newer version.
This is soooo frustrating!

 

[Eric]

They won't have a newer version. Basically, since you have SP2 already, any
WinXP disk you have will not want to install, unless you do it from scratch,
as it won't be an upgrade.

The solution is to save all of the files and settings you need to keep
(maybe on a CD-R, if you have one)...then reinstall the legal WinXP from
scratch, download the latest updates and drivers, reinstall the other
software, and then copy back the files you need to keep. I had to do this a
few days ago myself... I simply wanted a fresh XP install, as my old one had
too many errors from old programs and such.

-- Eric

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Rob,

Now I'm no expert at the details, but there may yet be some hope...

1. Try Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs - is there an entry
for "Windows XP Service Pack 2"? If there is un-install it and
then try installing Windows from your new CD again.

2. If is there no entry for "Windows XP Service Pack 2", then try this:
See if you can borrow a CD for Windows XP Pro with SP2 - install
from that, BUT USE YOUR OWN NEW CD KEY.

3. If is there no entry for "Windows XP Service Pack 2", and you cannot
borrow a CD, then this MAY help:
At issue may be the CD key that was used to install Windows - see
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/ and download Keyfinder v1.41.
This is standalone program that locates and displays the Windows
CD Key - under Options in that program you can "Change Windows
Key" - use the NEW Key from the new CD.

Good Luck - Let us know how you went!

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Eric. I guess this is the point where I admit (even to myself) that
I'm just an ametuer at computer repairs. I have a "thumb drive" to save
everything on. My fear is that I won't save everything I need. All of my
documents are in folders in my My Doc's so I'm not worried about that, but
I'm afraid about losing the other stuff (programs that were installed,file
ownership, etc. as per Pat's post). Is there one place I can go to to be
sure that I get everything? For instance, could I just try to copy my entire
C drive? I'm thinking that won't work because of the sheer size of it? I
apologize in advance if this is a stupid question. I'm trying to learn, but
it's a slow (sometimes agonizing) process.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Now this sounds simple enough for even me to get through. I'll give it a try
and let you know how it goes. Thanks!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I'm trying to install Windows XP Pro with SP1 to replace the counterfeir
version of XP Pro with SP2 on my computer. When I begin, I get this warning:
"Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the CD.
Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is
currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be
recovered."
Does this just mean that I will have to download SP2 again or will I lose
important files and settings?

This means that your installed OS is at a higher service pack level
than is the WinXP Pro CD you're using. You'll either need to uninstall
SP2 before attempting the upgrade, or try slipstreaming SP2 into the
upgrade.

For slip-streaming the service pack and subsequent updates to WinXP:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

 

[Guest]

Woo-Hoo! I rebooted from the CD and the installation process continued. I
am up and running and everything looks good. Thanks Pat (and all other
repliers) for all of the help. No way I could have done this without you!!!
))

 

[Guest]

Hi again Pat,
Well, everything went well until the final restart. I uninstalled SP2, then
installed Windows XP w/SP1 from the CD. I thought everything was fine, but
now my computer can't restart. It brings up a screen that offers me the
chioces of opening in Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode with
Command Prompt, Last Known Good Config, or Start Windows Normally. I tried
Normally, Last Known Good and Safe Mode, but it won't start. It just keeps
going back to same screen. Any ideas for this?....feel like I'm drowning.....
Thanks for your time!

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Rob,

You sound like you are in really deep water.

The only thing I can think of is to begin the installation again BUT
look for a screen that offers you a REPAIR - take that option.

Write back!

 

[Pat Garard]

Rob - Just a thought....

Check your keyboard - the F8 key may be jammed down....

 

[-]

Hello,

I advice you to stop wasting time at trying to install an unsecure and unreliable system; try Linux, you'll be surprised by the ease of use of the installation, and will appreciate not to have to format every 6 months (or more often) once it's installed..

You can take a look at knoppix for trying wihtout haviung to install and Ubuntu or Mandriva for installing.