Format and reload XP

[Chriscan]

Hello im hoping that someone might be able to help me out.I gave my Daughter an old PC that i had with Windows XP already loaded onto it.

I would like to completely format the Hard Drive and re-load Xp onto making it a "clean" system etc.

When i boot from the Windows XP disc that i have(fully licensed copy) it says i cannot do this as the Xp system on the PC is newer than the one on the Disc.

Can anyone help please?

[BeeCeeBee]

When i boot from the Windows XP disc that i have(fully licensed copy)

From the limited information that I have the problem is that the copy of XP that you have, while fully licensed, is licensed for another machine. (Perhaps your own.)

 

If the disk you are using was the original one for the old PC that you mention you would not get that message. Can you supply some insight here?

 

Microsoft's EULA (End Users License Agreement) is annoyingly specific about that. You need to find the XP disk for the machine if this is not the one or get a new copy of XP.

Edited January 29, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[Chriscan]

From the limited information that I have the problem is that the copy of XP that you have, while fully licensed, is licensed for another machine. (Perhaps your own.)

 

If the disk you are using was the original one for the old PC that you mention you would not get that message. Can you supply some insight here?

 

Microsoft's EULA (End Users License Agreement) is annoyingly specific about that. You need to find the XP disk for the machine if this is not the one or get a new copy of XP.

K thanks once again for your help Beeceebee....looks like a day in the loft searching :mad:

[Guest Wolfeymole]

This is like trying to put Widows 98 on a box containing ME or W2K, it won't have it.

 

What exactly does it say on the disk that you are trying to install from, as it may be an OEM version also?

[Chriscan]

After many hours searching...dont you just love Lofts,i have found the origional OEM Windows Xp Disc for the Computer.Have now Formatted the Drive and re-loaded Windows and all is well.

Thanks for the advice Gentlemen

[BeeCeeBee]

You are more than welcome! Glad you found it.

[Chriscan]

Back again...oh dear.....

have a different problem now.Windows XP re-loaded running fine,well it was.Now when i boot the PC i get

"Windows is starting up" with the XP logo on the screen.There it stays and nothing else happens,basically it seems to freeze on that particular screen.

The Mouse pointer seems to be working ok,and the CD and DVD writer open and close ok,but the system wont boot...any ideas?

Im seriously thinking along the lines of a new Hard Drive for the PC and starting from scratch

many thanks

"Frustrated of Essex"

[BeeCeeBee]

Can you get into safemode Chris? (tap F8 on boot)

[Chriscan]

Can you get into safemode Chris? (tap F8 on boot)

havnt tried...if i can what should i do? thanks

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok Safe mode simply loads only the basic drivers. You will notice that the screen is the wrong resolution (everything enlarged) and the colour is basic as well. You will be able to view all of your files etc.

If you choose safe mode with networking you will also have internet capability.

 

You will also be given a choice to load the last good configuration and maybe that should be the first thing you try.

 

The key right now is to just see if you can into safemode (if the last good configuration doesn't work.) then come back to us.

Edited January 30, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[Chriscan]

Followed the given instructions for "Safe Mode" and have set the system back to better times.Have explained the importance of not..."i think i can delete this and delete that" to my Daughter.All is well now and she has a nice smile again...at last!

She also thinks her Dad is a computer Whiz Kid now,have told her about this site and the help available...many thanks once again :D

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Good to hear you are working again Chris, I just find it a bit weird why you had to do a restore on a brand new install. :confused:

[Chriscan]

Mysterious i know but there you go....all ok now:)

[Chriscan]

HEEELP!

This is bordering on the unbelievable now.More problems,when the PC is switched on it seems to try and Boot but all the screen shows is a "Floating" red box with

No Video Input

inside it....

tell me gentlemen is it now Hammer time or any ideas?

p.s the F2 and F8 buttons do nothing!

Edited February 4, 2009 by Chriscan

[BeeCeeBee]

You said it is an old PC, best test out the monitor on another pc before trying anything else.