Re-installing Windows XP using Win XP Disc

How?

from WinCustomize Forums
Ok, I am trying to reinstall my Windows XP using the Windows XP disc, but it wont work. When I click "Install Windows XP", it says I have a newer version of Windows than the one on the CD. I was wondering if there is a way to delete the other version without going into Add/Remove Programs because my computer is completely messed up.
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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You need to boot from the install CD (insert the CD in the CD drive, close it, reboot. When you get the prompt to "click any key to boot from cd" do so) and follow the prompts. If you want to try and save your data you can do a repair install. Just read the prompts closely.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
By rebooting do u meen restarting the computer then pressing F8? then pressing reboot? I did that and it didnt work, umm do I need to put the disc in the drive at a certain time?
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds like you have Service Pack 2 installed, and the disc version is previous to Service Pack 2 release.

I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish.

Have you already tried System Restore?

You can do a clean install of Windows XP, which is a nice way to clean up the system, but be aware that you will need the following drivers available to you (preferably on a disc before doing a clean install):

1 - Chipset Drivers for the mother-board
2 - Video drivers for the video adapter
3 - Audio drivers for audio hardware
4 - USB drivers (these are not as important to start with, because SP2 should install the drivers into a folder which will be available to you through "Device Manager > Right-click device > Update driver > search computer for driver".

You will also want to make sure you have all your software - including Firewall and Anti-Virus programs.

If you go with the clean install, just start your computer and hit the appropriate key to enter set-up (usually F1, F2, or ESC) > go to Boot Sequence screen or category and set the CD Drive to the first device in the sequence > place the XP disc in the CD Drive > save changes and exit set-up screen.

Keep your eyes peeled as the computer boots for a "Hit any key to boot from disc" prompt, and hit a key.

This will place you in the familiar DOS screen, follow the prompts to select the current OS and partition it is on, delete the partition, tell set-up to install XP on the empty partition, format the partition (RAW recommended), set-up will handle the rest.

Sorry for the long text if this is all familiar territory to you, or if this is not what you wanted at all.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
if this is all familiar territory to you


....you're kiddin', right Cork????

In addition to Corky's fresh install instructions here's if you just want to repair:

The following procedure shows you how to do a repair. Note, that you will need the CD key that came with your Windows disk to complete this procedure.

1. Make sure boot order in BIOS is set to floppy (if you have one), cd/dvd, and then the HDD your original Windows was installed on (read the manual).

2. After you change the boot seguence and save, insert your original Windows CD into your cd/dvd drive.

3. After the POST, you will see a prompt, "Press any key to boot from cd..."
Press any key

4. Let Windows setup start.

5. After a short while you will see an option to repair your Windows using the Recovery Console. Do NOT select this option.

6. Soon after this you will see a message "Searching for a previous Windows Installation".

7. When Setup finds your previous Windows installation you will be given an option to Repair that installation. Follow the prompt on the screen, i.e, press R to repair.

8. Let setup continue until it is complete and you see your desktop.

9. Then, go to Windows Update and let it search for and install any available service packs, and/or other updates.

10. If you have any drivers that you wish to use other than the ones in Windows, install them in the normal fashion.

11. On the next reboot, set your boot sequence back to HDD.


Your Windows is repaired and fully updated.

Print both #3 and #4 and proceed to study hall.....
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

It sounds like you haven't got your BIOS set to 'boot from CD' first before booting from 'C'.

Set that in your bios....let the comp boot to the XP CD and follow the prompts...

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Or just follow yrag's details in #4...
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh, one minor hint, halfway through the installation proces, setup will reboot your machine. Be sure to not let it boot from the cd again this time, otherwise it will start the installation all over again.

I always fall for that one.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Be sure to not let it boot from the cd again this time, otherwise it will start the installation all over again.

I always fall for that one.


LoL..! Crae..when the box is booting during installation dont hit the "any" key!..LoL
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
By rebooting do u meen restarting the computer then pressing F8? then pressing reboot? I did that and it didnt work, umm do I need to put the disc in the drive at a certain time?


No disrespect at all but if you had to ask those questions you really shouldn't be trying to reformat your pc. System restore or getting someone else to help you might be a better course of action.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
VERY well stated Craig.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
yeah i agree with night train... you're gonna need some major help getting this done. even if you manage to reinstall windows, it's going to be just as difficult to restore your computer to the way you need it. i'd start calling up your techie friends to do it for you. you can do some major damage with that little XP CD you've got if you don't know what you're doing (which all of us who've replied have noticed)
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Id just like to say that you have to start somewhere, you all once were the newbie playing with you computer trying to format. Nice work on the tut Corky!
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i agree... but we all know the damage we've done as newbies before we knew what we were doing! if you do decide to format you computer goowah, realize that you will have NONE of your data afterwards... none of your programs, documents, music, your browser favorites, etc. nobody has warned you about this, so hopefully you read it somewhere else, or you've backed up your stuff.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah . . . it really sucks when you lose everything!
Hopefully you backed up your stuff and/or don't care.
And if you're having trouble with the BIOS, you might want to refer to some sort of manual that came with your computer or motherboard.
Or you could just experiment with it, like I did.