Re-install XP pro on a new HDD

billy_bulldog

My current HDD needs replacing, due to its small size and all the rubbish that gets accumulated over the years. I intend to fit a new HDD and want to re-install XP Pro on this (I have the original upgrade CD that I bought a few years ago), then copy my data files back from backup CD's. I will then want to completely format the old HDD so it can be reused on another machine.

So, can I do a new install of XP Pro using the upgrade CD, or do I somehow have to show it that I also have the original Win98 CD?

Would I slave the new HDD, install XP Pro, then make this disk the master (having removed the old HDD)?

How do I format the old HDD to COMPLETELY remove all traces of whatever was on it (possible malware, spyware, other nasties, registry entries) so that it is safe to be re-used?


Thanks in advance,

bb

Little_John

I cant help on the upgrade version of XP I havent used the upgrade version

the best thing would be to remove your existing drive fit the new one and give the install a try you have nothing to loose if it installs brillaint if not then you will need to install another operating system then upgrade. I dont think the upgrade version was ever released as OEM so there should be no probelms reinstalling it on another drive. as long as you can get round the fact it is an upgrade that is I know the disk's tend to be the same and it just depends on the cd key you use the determin what version it is your installing

then install antivirus/firewall and anti spyware then connect your old drive and copy all your files over that you want to keep it will be quicker than backing up to cd ect.

once you have all your files ect coppied over you can use computer management which is in control panel/administrative tools then go to disk management and delete the partition of the old drive. then create the partition and format it will make the disk useable again or you can leave it unformated and during the instalation of windows on the drive it will format it as part of the install.

gunneradt

yes you can

boot from the upgrade disk and it will ask you for a previous OS - put the old disk in- look for the I386 folder (for Windows NT or 2000), WIN9X folder (for Windows ME), or WIN98 folder (for Windows 98). Click ok, should then go through fine.

Little_John

gunneradt wrote:

yes you can

boot from the upgrade disk and it will ask you for a previous OS - put the old disk in- look for the I386 folder (for Windows NT or 2000), WIN9X folder (for Windows ME), or WIN98 folder (for Windows 98). Click ok, should then go through fine.

so that trick still works, I remember doing that with office 97 upgrade just point it at what it wants to see.

billy_bulldog

Little_John wrote:

so that trick still works, I remember doing that with office 97 upgrade just point it at what it wants to see.

Thanks guys. :T

I also remember this trick from old Win95/98 & MS Office upgrades.

I'll try a new install on its own without the original HDD connected, as I would prefer the two drives 'never to meet' as it were (bit paranoid about old corrupt files and malware finding its way onto the new HDD).


bb

llol_slim

you may be interested to know I recently needed to do this due to my HDD going pop..
I have the knowledge to do it, but as it was a work PC i thought I'd pay someone else to do it :-) The following is according to him so feel free to correct :-)
Well I went and had a word with them, and he said basically you may well struggle because basically the liscence will become invalid due to the hardware changing. Whilst this might not become apparant when installing the OS you might come unstuck when trying to register online or trying to download any updates etc.
When you register you version of windows, a digital signature is sent which will differ with a new harddrive.
If you were to ring up Micro$oft then they would basically tell you to "do one", because you'll need a new liscence..
________
laurie

John_Gray

It is quite probable that there may be 'issues' with operating system licensing when major components of a PC are changed. But Microsoft is aware that hard disks (as well as other PC bits and pieces) can fail, and provided you can convince them that what you are doing is not intended to run the same licence of XP on two computers, you shouldn't have any great problem.

John

Little_John

Windows activation which is being discussed isnt a problem unless you change 4 or more peices of hardware within the pc chaneingthe hard drive is 1 hardware change and isnt a problem.

A little trick
If you do have a problem at the point of activation use the contact microsoft method give them the number on the screen and they give you a code to activate it without checking it against any previous activations.

tigermatt

First of all, you probably want to fit the new drive as a master and remove the old drive completely otherwise you may get confused and wipe the old drive before you want to.

Once the new drive is installed as master and old drive is completely disconnected insert the XP upgrade CD and boot from the CD drive. The Upgrade CD is capable of performing a full install but you need to show you have an old Win 98/ME CD. When it asks you to insert your Win98/ME/2000 CD put it in and press Enter or whatever it is it tells you to press. Wait for it to check the CD then when it is all OK you will need to take it out and put the XP Upgrade CD back in. Continue the new installation.

Once the installation is complete, turn off your PC before it boots XP, power it off at the mains then install the old Hard Drive as a slave. Now boot up the system again but make sure it boots from the new drive with the new installation - if not check the BIOS settings (usually Delete or F2/F1 at startup) When it boots to the new drive you will be asked to configure XP - do this then you should see the old drive and you can then transfer your files straight from the old drive to your new "My Documents" folder.

Once you are sure you have everything you want from the old drive and you have put it onto the new drive turn off the PC and disconnect the old drive. Now turn on and setup XP as you wish.

If the old drive is being used in another of your PCs just format it in that PC when you install it. An fdisk in DOS will usually do the trick.

:beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:

llol_slim

.. my mistake, apologies for confusing the situation
Laurie