XP installation Q

FBPro · 07-28-2005, 07:58 PM

I've just upgraded my system and when I try to boot with my old HD's (which were fine before this) I get an error message and the system will not boot all the way to windows(not even safe mode) and repairing via the recovery console doesn't help.

If I just install XP over itself will I screw a bunch of stuff up?

Thanks in advance

gstelmack · 07-28-2005, 08:49 PM

If you do an "upgrade" installation, you won't screw much up. You may need to re-install some software to update registry keys, etc.

If you do a "new" installation, you'll lose anything under the "Windows" directory, including anything on your desktop.

Safest bet is to install new to a new hard drive, then plug the old ones in, re-install software, and copy data, etc. But an "upgrade" install will work fine.

Airhog · 07-28-2005, 08:55 PM

Two reasons:

Either your new hardware screwed the installation up, or you installed so much that you need to reactivate windows.

I believe that any time you install a new motherboard and processor, you should do a total reinstall. Much cleaner that way...

Draft Dodger · 07-28-2005, 09:28 PM

I don't think activation will prevent him from booting his system

thetrilogy · 07-29-2005, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBPro

I've just upgraded my system and when I try to boot with my old HD's (which were fine before this) I get an error message and the system will not boot all the way to windows(not even safe mode) and repairing via the recovery console doesn't help.

If I just install XP over itself will I screw a bunch of stuff up?

Thanks in advance

The question is:

What were the 'upgrades' you talk about? What is now different in
the machine?

ZXTT · 07-29-2005, 04:16 PM

What you want to do is possible. If I recall, I performed what is called an "in-place upgrade", which is I moved my HDs to the new machine, booted from the XP install CD and then installed XP over itself.

I did NOT boot my old XP installation that was on the HD, because that was full of misconceptions about the hardware, having been installed on a different motherboard, with different chipset and would have probably failed just like yours did.

I practiced first, by imaging my old C: (boot) partition to an old spare HD, putting it in the new machine and going through the process. At least, you should try to back up anything stored under "My Documents" before doing this.

Here's the info from MS:

hxxp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341&Product=winxp

07-28-2005, 08:49 PM	#2
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	If you do an "upgrade" installation, you won't screw much up. You may need to re-install some software to update registry keys, etc. If you do a "new" installation, you'll lose anything under the "Windows" directory, including anything on your desktop. Safest bet is to install new to a new hard drive, then plug the old ones in, re-install software, and copy data, etc. But an "upgrade" install will work fine. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

07-28-2005, 08:55 PM	#3
Airhog Captain Obvious Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Norman, Oklahoma	Two reasons: Either your new hardware screwed the installation up, or you installed so much that you need to reactivate windows. I believe that any time you install a new motherboard and processor, you should do a total reinstall. Much cleaner that way... __________________ Thread Killer extraordinaire Yay! its football season once again!

07-28-2005, 09:28 PM	#4
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	I don't think activation will prevent him from booting his system __________________ Mile High Hockey

07-29-2005, 04:16 PM	#6
ZXTT n00b Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Beaverton, OR, USA	What you want to do is possible. If I recall, I performed what is called an "in-place upgrade", which is I moved my HDs to the new machine, booted from the XP install CD and then installed XP over itself. I did NOT boot my old XP installation that was on the HD, because that was full of misconceptions about the hardware, having been installed on a different motherboard, with different chipset and would have probably failed just like yours did. I practiced first, by imaging my old C: (boot) partition to an old spare HD, putting it in the new machine and going through the process. At least, you should try to back up anything stored under "My Documents" before doing this. Here's the info from MS: hxxp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341&Product=winxp

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