Windows XP and current info?

[MONKEYMOUSE]

Well not much to my question here, but I'm wanting to update to windows xp seeing how i got the disc for free. What I am wondering is if/when I load this what will happen to what is already on my computer? Will it carry the information and programs over or no? Can I select ceratin programs to bring over? Well any input would be appreicated, thanks guys!

 

[Zerotact]

Uhh, if you slap the disk in and run and upgrade, it will warn you of incompatible programs, and devices. It works suprizingly well. But the best way for peak performance, is a clean re-load

 

[whyzee]

keep in mind that Windows XP must have an internet connection to complete installation. The reason for this is the software will run a verification with Microsoft to combat copyright infringement. If the disk is an illegal copy or the electronic ID is already assigned, you may not have a complete install and an OS that does not work. If it's a borrowed CD, give it back, the next time the true owner goes to do a Windows Upgrade, his machine could could loose it's OS. Software piracy IS a crime.
Everyone remain calm, I'm not accusing, I'm just saying.

 

[Jaybird]

So, are you saying that with Windows XP ownership that internet connection is manditory for a full install?
What if I purchase XP and I don't do internet? Are you sure it isn't just for registration? Do they really withold the complete install untill you connect via internet?

Doesn't seem feasible.

 

[whyzee]

Jay, when I went from XP home to Pro on one of my machines last year, internet was a requirement. Microsoft required an electronic verification. With all of the bootleg software out there, I think it is the only way to go.

 

[Okiewan]

That was for sure the plan when XP was being developed and I do know it calls home when you install it... will always watch for a connection. I didn't try installing it without a connection so I can't say from experience what would happen. But yes, it does check to see if it's an illegal copy, either when installing or later on.

When I was in the Beta program for XP, I had it installed and networked on two machines. When it went gold, I tried to install it on both, with only one license, the day before my second copy was to come in. No go. It knew that copy was already installed on another machioe on the network.

 

[MX-727]

There is a way to install without internet. You may also have to use this method if you make major changes to your hardware or you replace your computer and the new computer doesn't come with XP. Typically this only applies to the geeks, like me, that like to custom build a computer from components.

Phone activation requires you to call MS and they verify the serial number and a XP generated setup number. That setup number uniquely identifies your computer hardware. I imagine that it uses the serial number(s) of your CPU's and BIOS to come up with that number. When you call MS, they assign that number to the serial number. They will give you a confirmation ID to type in boxes A thru G.

Here is a link that addresses activation. Check the myths and FAQS link:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

 

[MrLuckey]

I have installed XP home without internet connection and without calling. It will run just fine without activation for 30 or 60 days (something like that). After that you will have to activate it. I also know what with either version you can ghost one machine that has been activated and install that image to many others without any problems at all.

 

[MrLuckey]

If it's a borrowed CD, give it back, the next time the true owner goes to do a Windows Upgrade, his machine could could loose it's OS.

Not too sure about that Big Guy Steve, here in the office we have many machines which started out with the exact same hard drive image including XP Pro install and activation code. We of course have the original CD's and paperwork for the correct number of licenses but it's easier for us to set up new machines by using a Norton Ghost image as a base. Been doing it since XP came out and haven't seen a single issue.

 

[MONKEYMOUSE]

Hmm. . .This seems like it may be a bigger hassle then it is worth. It's not a borrowed CD yet an extra one that my grandmother had, how that happened I couldn't tell you. I think im gunna go the rout of crashing my computer and reloading with the recovery disc's that it came with. As its awfully slow and has more problems then I no where to start with, and really the only thing that I would like to save is the music, which can be burned on to mp3 CD's. Thanks anyways guy! (But man how I would like XP.)

 

[JasonWho]

How did you get a legal version for free? Which line do I need to get in? If it is a borrowed disc or a copy of someone else's disk, then from the rest of your post, you better stick with what you've got now. IF, IF, IF you borrowed or obtained it from someone who has the code activated already, then you are just the person MS is trying to stop. Again, "I'm not saying. I'm JUST saying". Seinfeld reference

You can call. You don't have to connect to them by the Internet.

It WILL install without a code. You have to activate after Windows XP is installed. The code is created during this time. You have a set number of days in which to activate before it acts up.

It doesn't matter if it is an illegal copy or not. If you use someone else's numbers during the install, then try to activate your installation, THEN the problems start.

MX-727: "I imagine that it uses the serial number(s) of your CPU's and BIOS to come up with that number." When installing, it makes a code based on your hardware setup. If you don't have an Intel CPU WITH processor serial number turned on, it can't have a CPU serial number.

MS says: "In the case where a pirate copies data from one PC hard drive to another to illegally run the software on two PCs, Product Activation stops that by forcing the copied software to be reactivated. It does so by comparing the hardware on which it was activated to the hardware on which it is now being booted. If the hardware is substantially different, then reactivation is required. If it is the same or similar, then the software will continue to work. "

Thus, the reason the cloning works, assuming all hardware is similar.

Check out MX-727's link for all the answers.

 

[JasonWho]

Ooops. The famous typing while someone else was posting error.

If you have a legal Windows XP disc, and it is not activated, then unless your hardware is not speedy enough for it, why not go for it?

TODAY'S FREE A+ CERTIFIED/KDX200 WITH A SEAT BOLT FROM LOWE'S TECH TIP:

If you do format and reinstall, you could make two partitions on that one hard drive. Save all your pictures, documents, music, videos, etc. to the second partition. When Windows starts acting funky or you think it is getting slow, just reformat the first partition and reinstall all your programs on the first partition. You'll still have all your stuff on the second partition. As always, you should have a data backup program in place.

 

[MrLuckey]

If you really want XP there is another route you can go. MS offers Student and Teacher versions of XP which come bundled with 2002 versions of Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook for around $120. I 'believe' that I have heard that the drawback is that the apps are not eligible for upgrades should you decide you want to but that version of XP does not need to be activated like normal versions.

 

[JasonWho]

Hmm. I have not heard that one. I have seen Office 2003 Student and Teacher Editon for $150 at Best Buy. The same four apps non-student/teacher was $400. What a rip-off!

If anyone wants to legally buy Windows XP, buy an OEM version from an online retailer. It is around $145 for a full installation instead of $299 at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompMexico, etc.

 

[MONKEYMOUSE]

Hmm. . .Yeah Im not going to risk it then, it is a legal copy but the only thing I have is the CD its self nothing else that would come with when you would buy it. When I get a chance im just going to reformat it all, although im not 100% sure how to do that lol, anything I really need to know? Just format then pop the disc it? . . .Thanks again for the help!

 

[JasonWho]

If it is a restore disk, then it will have a format, then install option usually. You can deal with all the junk programs it adds since it is not a white box computer.

 

[MONKEYMOUSE]

So once I back up what I want to keep I should be able to just pop in the disc and pretty much fallow the instructions? Awesome. :cool: ((Btw its a sony vio (was top of the line X amount of years ago lol) if that makes any difference.))

 

[JasonWho]

You can save data to a writeable CD, but you won't be able to reinstall any programs by just copying it's installation folder. If you have downloaded a program, it is usually in a .zip file or an executable file if it is small. If you save that original file, then that is OK. If it is a program that didn't come with the computer when it was "stock" to use a mojocycle term, then you will have to add it after you do the reinstall.

After it gets through installing everything, then you can load in stuff you saved from the CD's.

 

[MONKEYMOUSE]

Sweet deal, If I don't have the CD to reload the program then I had to of downloaded it online which I can easly re-do so I don;t really care. I just want to save my music which can be put on a CD as well as my pictures and maby a few essays that are on there. All can be burned onto a CD with out any problems. Now once I get home (im at the land untill wends) I'll give it a shot. If you don't hear back from me, I screwed up lol. So just to be 100% everything that came on the computer will load back with the discs it came with for example all the burning software n what not?

 

[JasonWho]

Here is an example of someone not having the disc with the program.

I go to format someone's hard drive and reinstall their Windows OS and programs. I see the computer has MS Office on it, too. They hand me the Windows OS disc. I say, "Where's the Office disc"? "What disc? My buddy came over and put that on there for me" etc. That or "it was on there when we bought it used." Keyword: hard disk loading

Anyway, the restore disc will restore it to stock condition. HEY! I wish I had one of those for dirt bikes! Wouldn't that be great?!

Bash your pipe in? Run the restore disc!
Tip-over wreck brakes your brake or clutch lever? Run the restore disc!

 

[MONKEYMOUSE]

So if it was on the computer when we bought it it will be on there after running the recovery dics, thats great. All the other programs I have the disc for some where or was downloaded online which I can do again. And don't we all wish we had a bike like that!

 

[JasonWho]

Yuuuuup. It wil just go back to bone stock. You will have what I call junk programs. Sony Info Center, Sony this, Sony that, etc. all down in the lower right corner. They eat up memory (CHOMP!). I am just pi$$ie about those little programs. :-) Some are fine, but major manufacturer computers usually have too much running when you first boot up.

How does your thingie have a shiny Yamaha and mine is just Plain Jane??

Nifty bikes!

 

[JasonJ]

Anyway, the restore disc will restore it to stock condition. HEY! I wish I had one of those for dirt bikes! Wouldn't that be great?!

Bash your pipe in? Run the restore disc!
Tip-over wreck brakes your brake or clutch lever? Run the restore disc!

Yeah but all your custom grafix stickers and your aftermarket seat would be gone..... LOL.

Hey if you need a legal XP Pro OEM give me a holler (in the thread) , Ill hook you up. How? all our new PCs come with XP but we format and install Win 2k cause thats what we run. So I have like 10 PC's floating around with XP OEM stickers that were never activated. Ive got more HP D 220 system restore disk in my trash can then AOL free trial disk :yikes: .

 

[JasonWho]

Sorry, but I don't have all those fancy graphics and seat cover. I was out of dirt biking for almost ten years. As far as new products available, those threw me for the biggest loop. I wish I had a dollar for everyone that had a worn back tire and shiny new seat/graphics. :-(

If I had enough play money, I'd take you up on the Windows XP offer!

 

[JasonJ]

Um,,,, I was offering it for free. Hey , leave my whooped knobbies out of this, the stickers were a gift :p :aj: .