Question

XP re-install critical questions

Asked by: johnfaig

I need to do a re-install of XP because my activation got screwed up.  I have a bunch of computers, but only one authentic XP Home CD with an activation code.  All of the others came pre-installed.  The laptop has XP Pro.  

1)  Can I install HP Home on the only partition without screwing up my data and applications?  (I don't think that a repair would work because PRO vs Home)

2)  What is the easiest way for me to backup the data before I begin?  (Keep in mind that the screwed up activation code prevents me from booting; I can only boot into recovery console now)

Thanks
JDF

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Asked On
2007-04-17 at 15:45:29ID22517501
Tags

critical

,

install

,

question

,

re

,

xp

Topic

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: d_mayPosted on 2007-04-17 at 16:07:04ID: 18928164

JDF,

XP's Recovery Console (
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=187000225 ), turning it into a more complete repair tool; or this discussion on the Recovery Console's little known boot data "Rebuild" command (
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=185301251 ) that can cure many boot-related problems. (There's also lots more on the Recovery Console here: http://tinyurl.com/p7fnr )

But when the Recovery Console techniques don't work and you're facing the prospect of a total reformat/reinstall, STOP! Try this no-reformat reinstall technique, and you just may get your XP setup running in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the hassle of a grand mal wipe-and-restore.

You'll find complete, step-by-step instructions with abundant screen shots
waiting for you here:
http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

d_may

 

by: d_mayPosted on 2007-04-17 at 16:08:27ID: 18928172

I do not believe you can upgrade from Pro to Home without an complete install, (clean).

 

by: d_mayPosted on 2007-04-17 at 16:09:29ID: 18928176

JDF,
A clean reinstall will remove EVERYTHING from the computer . .

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http: / / www. winsupersite. com/ showcase/ windowsxp_ sg_ clean. asp
http: / / www. socrtwo. info/ cleanxpinstall. htm
http: / / www. theeldergeek. com/ xp_ home_ install_ - _ graphic. htm

d_may

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2007-04-17 at 16:33:52ID: 18928284

I would simply slave the hdd into another system and copy the files, using a 2.5" to 3.5" ide converter....Best way to save the data....

 

by: d_mayPosted on 2007-04-17 at 17:06:38ID: 18928411

very good advice

 

by: willcompPosted on 2007-04-17 at 17:07:17ID: 18928417

Bottom line is that you really need an OEM XP Pro CD for product key to work and for a repair install .  See if you can borrow one.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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