Repair XP Pro SP2

I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and processor?

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You may
have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you can select
cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You may
have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you can select
cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

"Joe T." wrote in message

I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your
system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot
order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

You haven't mentioned what the present sytem you're using now is that you are
going to replace the motherboard and CPU for. You may have problems if you
replace the motherboard or CPU in an OEM system that is proprietory. If it is
the OS product key may be locked to that machine, and if you don't replace parts
with exact manufacturer/style/type parts, your system will/may not boot and you
will have to reinstall the OS.

The BIOS setup will never open without the user pressing a key or combination
of keys during boot. To enter the BIOS you need to check the documentation for
your motherboard for information on hoe to enter the BIOS. Most newer mobos use
F1 or F2 to enter the BIOS, still, check your documentation. If you don't have
the documentation, check the mobos manufacturer support site for information
and/or documentation.

--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

"Joe T." wrote in message

I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your
system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot
order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

You haven't mentioned what the present sytem you're using now is that you are
going to replace the motherboard and CPU for. You may have problems if you
replace the motherboard or CPU in an OEM system that is proprietory. If it is
the OS product key may be locked to that machine, and if you don't replace parts
with exact manufacturer/style/type parts, your system will/may not boot and you
will have to reinstall the OS.

The BIOS setup will never open without the user pressing a key or combination
of keys during boot. To enter the BIOS you need to check the documentation for
your motherboard for information on hoe to enter the BIOS. Most newer mobos use
F1 or F2 to enter the BIOS, still, check your documentation. If you don't have
the documentation, check the mobos manufacturer support site for information
and/or documentation.

--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

I have a retail version XP Pro SP2 not OEM. I built this box.

"Rich Barry" wrote:

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You may
have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you can select
cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?


.

I have a retail version XP Pro SP2 not OEM. I built this box.

"Rich Barry" wrote:

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You may
have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you can select
cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order
in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first
to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?


.

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and processor?

The typical default boot order is floppy, CDROM, hard drive, on the
systems I have here. The user can enter the BIOS and change that
in any way they see fit. But that order is pretty useful, simply
because by removing media from the first two items, you have
perfect control without entering the BIOS at all.

The BIOS may also have a "popup boot menu". Pressing a hot key
when the BIOS starts, such as F8 or F10, may reveal a list of
eligible boot devices. There may be a message at the bottom of
the BIOS screen, stating what keys trigger the various functions.

Most motherboard manufacturers offer the user manual for download,
as well as having a paper copy inside the motherboard box. Due to
the tiny size of the print, it is recommended to download the
PDF version and read it before the product is delivered to your
door. A good motherboard manual includes pictures of each BIOS
screen. But the explanation text next to the picture, won't explain
anything at all. You'll be left to guess as to what it all
means.

If you identify the motherboard make and model number in a future
post, that may help a bit.

You should plan on entering the BIOS anyway. It never hurts to have
a look around, and familiarize yourself with the contents. At
the very least, you'll be setting the date and time in the first
BIOS screen, and you can also use the BIOS screen for a quick check
on the detected disks and CDROM drive etc. When you're done, use
the "Save and Exit" option in the Exit menu, to save the changes
you've made.

One other thing that might be handy, is a hard drive diagnostic program.
For example, Seagate has "Seatools for DOS", available for floppy
or CDROM. You can use that for a quick check the drive is working,
before even booting the WinXP CD. Other companies may have their
version of diagnostic too.

For memory, you can use memtest86+ for a test. A couple complete
passes are recommended (you can stop the test after that). That
might take an hour or so. The best test might be Test 5, and if
you're in a rush, you can advance the test number to the test
you want.

http://www.memtest.org

Other than that, for general purpose maintenance, I like a Linux
LiveCD like Knoppix from knopper.net . That is handy, if you want
to see how another OS feels about your hardware. For example,
on one of my old systems, the graphics were unstable. I thought
it was a Windows driver problem, until one day I booted the Knoppix
CD and the graphics were twitchy on there as well. That is when I
knew it was a hardware problem. A live distro doesn't install anything
on the hard drive (unless you ask it to), which is why it is good
for a quick look at the state of a computer.

Linux distros are a large download, anywhere from 700MB (CD version)
to 4.4GB (DVD version), so playing with that stuff is only for people
with a good broadband connection. I can't imagine downloading something
like that on dialup.

HTH,
Paul

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system
documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my new
motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop up first to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and processor?

The typical default boot order is floppy, CDROM, hard drive, on the
systems I have here. The user can enter the BIOS and change that
in any way they see fit. But that order is pretty useful, simply
because by removing media from the first two items, you have
perfect control without entering the BIOS at all.

The BIOS may also have a "popup boot menu". Pressing a hot key
when the BIOS starts, such as F8 or F10, may reveal a list of
eligible boot devices. There may be a message at the bottom of
the BIOS screen, stating what keys trigger the various functions.

Most motherboard manufacturers offer the user manual for download,
as well as having a paper copy inside the motherboard box. Due to
the tiny size of the print, it is recommended to download the
PDF version and read it before the product is delivered to your
door. A good motherboard manual includes pictures of each BIOS
screen. But the explanation text next to the picture, won't explain
anything at all. You'll be left to guess as to what it all
means.

If you identify the motherboard make and model number in a future
post, that may help a bit.

You should plan on entering the BIOS anyway. It never hurts to have
a look around, and familiarize yourself with the contents. At
the very least, you'll be setting the date and time in the first
BIOS screen, and you can also use the BIOS screen for a quick check
on the detected disks and CDROM drive etc. When you're done, use
the "Save and Exit" option in the Exit menu, to save the changes
you've made.

One other thing that might be handy, is a hard drive diagnostic program.
For example, Seagate has "Seatools for DOS", available for floppy
or CDROM. You can use that for a quick check the drive is working,
before even booting the WinXP CD. Other companies may have their
version of diagnostic too.

For memory, you can use memtest86+ for a test. A couple complete
passes are recommended (you can stop the test after that). That
might take an hour or so. The best test might be Test 5, and if
you're in a rush, you can advance the test number to the test
you want.

http://www.memtest.org

Other than that, for general purpose maintenance, I like a Linux
LiveCD like Knoppix from knopper.net . That is handy, if you want
to see how another OS feels about your hardware. For example,
on one of my old systems, the graphics were unstable. I thought
it was a Windows driver problem, until one day I booted the Knoppix
CD and the graphics were twitchy on there as well. That is when I
knew it was a hardware problem. A live distro doesn't install anything
on the hard drive (unless you ask it to), which is why it is good
for a quick look at the state of a computer.

Linux distros are a large download, anywhere from 700MB (CD version)
to 4.4GB (DVD version), so playing with that stuff is only for people
with a good broadband connection. I can't imagine downloading something
like that on dialup.

HTH,
Paul

You shouldn't need to change the boot order in the BIOS. Boot with the XP CD
in the drive and watch for "Press any key to boot from CD", when you see it
press any key to start the installation process.

If you do not have an OS installed on the drive you will perform a clean
install.
If you already have an OS installed on drive, you can select to do a Repair
Install.
How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;315341

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Replacing the motherboard, CPU and any additional hardware will more than
likely result in you having to go through the activation process.
See:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm


--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


"Joe T." wrote in message

I have a retail version XP Pro SP2 not OEM. I built this box.

"Rich Barry" wrote:

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You
may have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you
can select cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your
system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot
order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?


.

You shouldn't need to change the boot order in the BIOS. Boot with the XP CD
in the drive and watch for "Press any key to boot from CD", when you see it
press any key to start the installation process.

If you do not have an OS installed on the drive you will perform a clean
install.
If you already have an OS installed on drive, you can select to do a Repair
Install.
How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;315341

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Replacing the motherboard, CPU and any additional hardware will more than
likely result in you having to go through the activation process.
See:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm


--

Brian A. Sesko
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://members.shaw.ca/dts-l/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


"Joe T." wrote in message

I have a retail version XP Pro SP2 not OEM. I built this box.

"Rich Barry" wrote:

Joe, yes to the first question. New Motherboard, New Bios. You
may have to press the delete key to get into the Bios. From there you
can select cd drive as first device.
Second question is a little tougher. If you have a retail WinXP CD
then it will work but activation might be required. If the XP CD is OEM (
Original Equipment Manufacturer )
then it's tied to the old computer ie motherboard.
"Joe T." wrote in message
...
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and it
starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in
the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your
system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot
order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to
select my boot order? If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?


.

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and
it starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check
your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the
boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to select my boot order?

Not without your input. Then again, depending on your present boot
order, you might not even need the screen to "pop up."

That is, if the hard drive appears lower in the list than CD-ROM drive,
you will automatically be booting off the CD anyway. (Then again, you
will still need to follow the directions on the screen and "Press any
key to boot from CD.")

If your hard drive appear higher in the list, then if you don't do
anything, you will boot off the hard drive (as you are used to doing, of
course).

If you wish to access the BIOS to alter the boot order, you need to
press a key immediately after you power up (that is, before Windows has
a chance to load). That key depends on the model of your PC/motherboard:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Note that some PCs allow you to press a special key to arrive at a
special boot menu (without needing to access the BIOS and alter
anything). One example: Dell allows you to press F12 to reach such a
menu where you can choose to boot off a CD or even access the
diagnostics partition.

If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

Your Product Key will work. However, you will probably have to activate
over the telephone (instead of automatically over the Internet).

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and
it starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check
your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the
boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to select my boot order?

Not without your input. Then again, depending on your present boot
order, you might not even need the screen to "pop up."

That is, if the hard drive appears lower in the list than CD-ROM drive,
you will automatically be booting off the CD anyway. (Then again, you
will still need to follow the directions on the screen and "Press any
key to boot from CD.")

If your hard drive appear higher in the list, then if you don't do
anything, you will boot off the hard drive (as you are used to doing, of
course).

If you wish to access the BIOS to alter the boot order, you need to
press a key immediately after you power up (that is, before Windows has
a chance to load). That key depends on the model of your PC/motherboard:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Note that some PCs allow you to press a special key to arrive at a
special boot menu (without needing to access the BIOS and alter
anything). One example: Dell allows you to press F12 to reach such a
menu where you can choose to boot off a CD or even access the
diagnostics partition.

If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

Your Product Key will work. However, you will probably have to activate
over the telephone (instead of automatically over the Internet).

Thanks all, but now I've found I need a new powersupply because the one I
bought 6 month ago (it was growling badly - annoyingly) was a ATX 1 (20) pin
and the new board is a Biostar MCP6PB M2 with a ATX 24 pin.
I asked about the power supply when I bought the board and the tech guy said
"Sure no problem, your old ATX supply will work". @!%$**. I should have
opened the box and looked at the board!

"Daave" wrote:

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and
it starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check
your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the
boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to select my boot order?

Not without your input. Then again, depending on your present boot
order, you might not even need the screen to "pop up."

That is, if the hard drive appears lower in the list than CD-ROM drive,
you will automatically be booting off the CD anyway. (Then again, you
will still need to follow the directions on the screen and "Press any
key to boot from CD.")

If your hard drive appear higher in the list, then if you don't do
anything, you will boot off the hard drive (as you are used to doing, of
course).

If you wish to access the BIOS to alter the boot order, you need to
press a key immediately after you power up (that is, before Windows has
a chance to load). That key depends on the model of your PC/motherboard:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Note that some PCs allow you to press a special key to arrive at a
special boot menu (without needing to access the BIOS and alter
anything). One example: Dell allows you to press F12 to reach such a
menu where you can choose to boot off a CD or even access the
diagnostics partition.

If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

Your Product Key will work. However, you will probably have to activate
over the telephone (instead of automatically over the Internet).


.

Thanks all, but now I've found I need a new powersupply because the one I
bought 6 month ago (it was growling badly - annoyingly) was a ATX 1 (20) pin
and the new board is a Biostar MCP6PB M2 with a ATX 24 pin.
I asked about the power supply when I bought the board and the tech guy said
"Sure no problem, your old ATX supply will work". @!%$**. I should have
opened the box and looked at the board!

"Daave" wrote:

Joe T. wrote:
I've looked at http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm and
it starts out saying :
"Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot
order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check
your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the
boot order".

I realize this qustion may be premature since I have not installed my
new motherboard, new processor and drivers. Will the bios screen pop
up first to select my boot order?

Not without your input. Then again, depending on your present boot
order, you might not even need the screen to "pop up."

That is, if the hard drive appears lower in the list than CD-ROM drive,
you will automatically be booting off the CD anyway. (Then again, you
will still need to follow the directions on the screen and "Press any
key to boot from CD.")

If your hard drive appear higher in the list, then if you don't do
anything, you will boot off the hard drive (as you are used to doing, of
course).

If you wish to access the BIOS to alter the boot order, you need to
press a key immediately after you power up (that is, before Windows has
a chance to load). That key depends on the model of your PC/motherboard:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Note that some PCs allow you to press a special key to arrive at a
special boot menu (without needing to access the BIOS and alter
anything). One example: Dell allows you to press F12 to reach such a
menu where you can choose to boot off a CD or even access the
diagnostics partition.

If so, this question is moot.
Will my old XP activation code work since I have a new board and
processor?

Your Product Key will work. However, you will probably have to activate
over the telephone (instead of automatically over the Internet).


.