How do I insrtall XP from scratch?

I've installed Win98 and Win2000, but never XP. I have a laptop that
came with XP installed, but someone gave me a desktop computer, which
works, but has no hard drive. The woman told me she used it several
years ago, and her former boyfriend replaced the main board. (I assume
the motherboard). It has a newer ASUS M2A-VM board, with a AMD Anthlon
64 processor 3200+. The case has a label for XP Home Edition, with reg
number. But I have a feeling this was on the case, and has no relation
to the current MB.

Anyhow, it boots to Bios, but needs a hard drive before I can do
anything with it. I have one ordered. I am aware this processor is a
dual core, so I need XP Pro to use this double processor, because XP
Home Ed. cant handle the dual core. Otherwise, Home Ed. would be fine
for my needs.

Anyhow, I have a generic XP pro CD. But no registration # for THIS
computer, since the one on the case is for Home Ed. However, I have
several dead computers that have labels with reg. #s on the case for XP
pro. Can I use them?

I'm not trying to get off free, but XP is np longer sold, so I dont
think I have much choice, unless I can find a complete used copy on ebay
or something, with the reg #.

Is what I'm doing possible? Othereise I could probably get a copy of
Home ED and usethe number on the case.

One other thing, I understand that MS is going to abandon XP real soon.
When that happens, how will someone validate new installs of XP? Or
will XP beconme unusable entirely, if it needs to be reinstalled?

Lastly, when I install from a CD, do I just boot from the CD, or do I
need a DOS boot floppy? (There is no floppy drive, but I can snag one
from one of my dead computers).

Thanks

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 00:11:15 -0600, wrote:
I've installed Win98 and Win2000, but never XP. I have a laptop that
came with XP installed, but someone gave me a desktop computer, which
works, but has no hard drive. The woman told me she used it several
years ago, and her former boyfriend replaced the main board. (I assume
the motherboard). It has a newer ASUS M2A-VM board, with a AMD Anthlon
64 processor 3200+. The case has a label for XP Home Edition, with reg
number. But I have a feeling this was on the case, and has no relation
to the current MB.

Anyhow, it boots to Bios, but needs a hard drive before I can do
anything with it. I have one ordered.

If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.

Some motherboard BIOSes have a setting to set a SATA harddisk to an IDE
mode. If that setting doesn't exist, you'll need to make a slipstreamed
Windows XP CD that include the SATA driver for at least that motherboard.

An IDE mode SATA harddisk is slower than native SATA. Once you've installed
Windows XP (slipstreamed with SATA driver or not) into the IDE mode SATA
harddisk, you shouldn't change it back to native SATA. Otherwise, the
installed Windows XP may not boot. Same goes if the Windows XP was installed
into SATA harddisk in native SATA mode. Changing it to IDE mode may cause
the installed Windows XP unbootable.

Anyhow, I have a generic XP pro CD. But no registration # for THIS
computer, since the one on the case is for Home Ed. However, I have
several dead computers that have labels with reg. #s on the case for XP
pro. Can I use them?

I'm not trying to get off free, but XP is np longer sold, so I dont
think I have much choice, unless I can find a complete used copy on ebay
or something, with the reg #.

Is what I'm doing possible? Othereise I could probably get a copy of
Home ED and usethe number on the case.

As long as they're for the same Windows XP edition. i.e.: Windows XP Home
serial number for Windows XP Home CD *only*. Same goes to the Pro version.

One other thing, I understand that MS is going to abandon XP real soon.
When that happens, how will someone validate new installs of XP? Or
will XP beconme unusable entirely, if it needs to be reinstalled?

Windows activation will still work since Microsoft still make the Windows XP
activation server available. Windows Update is also still available. Heck,
Windows Update for Windows 2000 is still available too.

Lastly, when I install from a CD, do I just boot from the CD, or do I
need a DOS boot floppy? (There is no floppy drive, but I can snag one
from one of my dead computers).

Boot from the Windows XP CD. DOS and floppy drive are not needed.

On 02/16/2014 02:21 AM, JJ wrote:
If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.



That's only true for the original XP or sp1

as long as the CD is at least sp2, most SATA drivers are included

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 15:21:36 +0700, JJ wrote:

If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.

Some motherboard BIOSes have a setting to set a SATA harddisk to an IDE
mode. If that setting doesn't exist, you'll need to make a slipstreamed
Windows XP CD that include the SATA driver for at least that motherboard.

An IDE mode SATA harddisk is slower than native SATA. Once you've installed
Windows XP (slipstreamed with SATA driver or not) into the IDE mode SATA
harddisk, you shouldn't change it back to native SATA. Otherwise, the
installed Windows XP may not boot. Same goes if the Windows XP was installed
into SATA harddisk in native SATA mode. Changing it to IDE mode may cause
the installed Windows XP unbootable.

I really didn't want to use a SATA drive, but there are no plugs for IDE
data cables on this motherboard. That kind of ****ed me off, because I
have a whole box of spare IDE drives, even though most are smallish,
like 40 gig and less. I dont see all that much advantage to SATA. I
was told they are a little faster, but from what you're saying, I'll
lose the speed anyhow. Not having any choice, I ordered a used drive on
Ebay. I dont want to spend a lot on this project because there is no
guarantee this system really workd, except the woman that gave it do me
said it did except for the harddrive, and it does boot into Bios right
now.

I did download a PDF manual online, and it is strictly setup only for
SATA. Asus is supposed to make an excellent MB, but I was disappointed
to fidn no support for IDE drives. At least they still hae a plug for
floppy drives, although this case dont have the room to put one. But
there's always other cases, or just plug it in and let it sit inside
loose. But it seems I wont need it anyhow. Floppies are pretty much
dead, but I still have lots of them with stuff stored on them. But my
old Win98 / Win2000 computer can read them and transfer the data to CD
or USB stick if needed.

Thanks

On 2/16/2014 2:44 AM, philo wrote: On 02/16/2014 02:21 AM, JJ wrote:
If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation
won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.

That's only true for the original XP or sp1

as long as the CD is at least sp2, most SATA drivers are included

I wish! Some XP SP2 does have the SATA drivers, but not the ones from
Microsoft. I do not have any XP SP3 discs, but I have heard multiple
times that Microsoft XP SP3 discs do have them.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Thunderbird v24.3.0
Centrino Core2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz - 4GB - Windows XP SP2

On 2/16/2014 2:21 AM, JJ wrote:
Some motherboard BIOSes have a setting to set a SATA harddisk to an IDE
mode. If that setting doesn't exist, you'll need to make a slipstreamed
Windows XP CD that include the SATA driver for at least that motherboard.

I am surprised you didn't mention about a second option of just putting
the SATA drivers on a floppy. And early in the install press F6 to use
the SATA drivers on the floppy. Although pulling out an old floppy drive
out of an older machine and installing it in the newer machine might be
more trouble than it is worth. :-|

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Thunderbird v24.3.0
Centrino Core2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz - 4GB - Windows XP SP2

|
| I really didn't want to use a SATA drive,

You can buy IDE adaptors as PCI cards. I don't
know offhand what they cost. I built a new box
recently with an Asus board that has an "IDE
emulation" option, but that's the first I've seen.

Also, I'm not sure anyone clarified this: Pro is
licensed for unlimited installs, as long as it's only
one at a time. So any Pro key for a copy that's
no longer in use should activate and is legal.

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 06:15:08 -0600, BillW50 wrote:

On 2/16/2014 2:44 AM, philo wrote: On 02/16/2014 02:21 AM, JJ wrote:
If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation
won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.

That's only true for the original XP or sp1

as long as the CD is at least sp2, most SATA drivers are included

I wish! Some XP SP2 does have the SATA drivers, but not the ones from
Microsoft. I do not have any XP SP3 discs, but I have heard multiple
times that Microsoft XP SP3 discs do have them.

So, what you're saying is that I'm gonna have a tough time either way.
Maybe I would have been better off just buying a used computer with XP
pre-installed. This is the main reason I've continued to use Win98 and
Win2000 all these years. XP seems like a major hassle to install,
particularly with that validation crap.

From the looks of things, (I have been reading many webpages since my
original post), I may not even be able to use my XP Cd. It's an OEM for
a Dell computer. This computer I want to install it in, is a NO NAME
brand. The case dont even say what it is, but I know the case dont
matter anyhow. It's just based on the motherboard, processor, memory,
etc. Either way, it's NOT a Dell (thank God, I hate Dell). So, it
appears to be likely I cant use this OEM install CD.

I looked on Ebay and the prices for retail versions of XP pro are high.
Actually, I stumbled across a complete computer, (except monitor) WITH
XP PRO installed, and repair disks, for less than the price of most of
these retail versions for XP pro. It almost seems like these sellers
are price gouging for a product that is nearly obsolete. I could
probably buy Win7 or Win8 for about the same amount (except I dont want
them).

I'll try to find the drivers for this MB, and see if that OEM can be
validated. I know one site suggested doing it by phone, not internet.
If that dont work, I'll probably just install Windows 2000 on it.
(Hoping there are drivers for this MB, and it will accept the SATA
drive). At least Win2000 dont need all that verification crap. I do
really have a valid Reg#, for XP pro, from a retired computer which I
own, but is not worth fixing, but that is yet another brand (not a
Dell). I forget what it is, it's out in the garage, I'm guessing
Gateway, but not sure????
So, I'm doubtful I can use that reg# on a NO NAME computer with a Dell
OEM install CD.... ?????

Of course there's always Linux, but that's a whole other story, and I'm
too used to Windows to want to change, and relearn, not to mention Linux
seems suited to the Geek types, which I;m not one of.....

I just wanted a newer and faster computer than the 14 year old one I now
use, which seems to be screwing up more and more lately because the RAM
loses contact on the MB, and I have to keep removing and cleaning it
about every 2 or 3 weeks. Yet, Win2000 would suffice for my needs,
which is mostly just to go on the internet. I have my XP laptop, but I
prefer a desktop computer with bigger screen, full size keyboard, and a
much larger drive.

Final comment, if MS makes it this complicated to move a legal copy of
XP (by Reg#), to another computer, I sure hate to think how much worse
it must be to do the same with Win7 or 8. It's surely not like Win98,
which I have actually moved the hard drive, (with the same
installation), to at least 5 computers. I only needed to add soem
drivers, and was ready to go.

On 2/16/2014 6:52 AM, Mayayana wrote:
Also, I'm not sure anyone clarified this: Pro is
licensed for unlimited installs, as long as it's only
one at a time. So any Pro key for a copy that's
no longer in use should activate and is legal.

Boy that is very different from from my memory. As I recall if it is a
full retail version, this is true (Home or Pro does not matter).
Although upgrade or OEM versions cannot be moved. In addition, both
upgrade/OEM, one is allowed to upgrade the hardware.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Thunderbird v24.3.0
Centrino Core2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz - 4GB - Windows XP SP2

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 06:30:46 -0600, BillW50 wrote:

On 2/16/2014 2:21 AM, JJ wrote:
Some motherboard BIOSes have a setting to set a SATA harddisk to an IDE
mode. If that setting doesn't exist, you'll need to make a slipstreamed
Windows XP CD that include the SATA driver for at least that motherboard.

I am surprised you didn't mention about a second option of just putting
the SATA drivers on a floppy. And early in the install press F6 to use
the SATA drivers on the floppy. Although pulling out an old floppy drive
out of an older machine and installing it in the newer machine might be
more trouble than it is worth. :-|

If I can do that, it seems to really simplify matters. I'd rather
install a floppy, than even begin to know how to make a "slipstreamed"
CD. I wouldn't know where on the CD to place the drivers.

Of course that's assuming I can even use my Dell OEM Cds for XP.

On 02/16/2014 06:58 AM, wrote:


snip

I'll try to find the drivers for this MB, and see if that OEM can be
validated. I know one site suggested doing it by phone, not internet.
If that dont work, I'll probably just install Windows 2000 on it.
(Hoping there are drivers for this MB, and it will accept the SATA
drive). At least Win2000 dont need all that verification crap. I do
really have a valid Reg#, for XP pro, from a retired computer which I
own, but is not worth fixing, but that is yet another brand (not a
Dell). I forget what it is, it's out in the garage, I'm guessing
Gateway, but not sure????
So, I'm doubtful I can use that reg# on a NO NAME computer with a Dell
OEM install CD.... ?????

Of course there's always Linux, but that's a whole other story, and I'm
too used to Windows to want to change, and relearn, not to mention Linux
seems suited to the Geek types, which I;m not one of.....

I just wanted a newer and faster computer than the 14 year old one I now
use, which seems to be screwing up more and more lately because the RAM
loses contact on the MB, and I have to keep removing and cleaning it
about every 2 or 3 weeks. Yet, Win2000 would suffice for my needs,
which is mostly just to go on the internet. I have my XP laptop, but I
prefer a desktop computer with bigger screen, full size keyboard, and a
much larger drive.

Final comment, if MS makes it this complicated to move a legal copy of
XP (by Reg#), to another computer, I sure hate to think how much worse
it must be to do the same with Win7 or 8. It's surely not like Win98,
which I have actually moved the hard drive, (with the same
installation), to at least 5 computers. I only needed to add soem
drivers, and was ready to go.




First off, do not worry about the SATA drivers, you machine is probably
ATA anyway and that's a moot point. The real problem is the OEM cd you
have which is for a Dell...so the product stickers you have would not
have a working s/n anyway.


Win2k is not a good choice if you want to use the machine on-line.


I have been using Linux full time for about 5 or six years
and if you want to use the machine mainly for Internet it should be a
good choice. Linux is very easy to install and use.

Ubuntu or Mint Linux should work ok

On 02/16/2014 03:23 AM, wrote:


snip
I really didn't want to use a SATA drive, but there are no plugs for IDE
data cables on this motherboard. T



Oops didn't see that when I made my other post

wrote in message
...

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 06:30:46 -0600, BillW50 wrote:

I am surprised you didn't mention about a second option of just putting
the SATA drivers on a floppy. And early in the install press F6 to use
the SATA drivers on the floppy. Although pulling out an old floppy drive
out of an older machine and installing it in the newer machine might be
more trouble than it is worth. :-|

If I can do that, it seems to really simplify matters. I'd rather
install a floppy . . .

This is feasible for any non-tech who knows one end of a screwdriver
from the other. Your public library will still have manuals from the
1990s telling you, step by step, how to assemble PCs from parts.

Remember to ensure the BIOS seeks system code from all
disk drives that will hold system code, i.e. include both drive A
(floppy) and drive C (CD.)

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

On 2/16/2014 6:58 AM, wrote: On Sun, 16 Feb 2014
06:15:08 -0600, BillW50 wrote:

On 2/16/2014 2:44 AM, philo wrote: On 02/16/2014 02:21 AM, JJ wrote:
If you're going to use SATA harddisk, the Windows XP installation
won't be
able to recognize it since the official Windows XP CD doesn't include any
SATA driver.

That's only true for the original XP or sp1

as long as the CD is at least sp2, most SATA drivers are included

I wish! Some XP SP2 does have the SATA drivers, but not the ones from
Microsoft. I do not have any XP SP3 discs, but I have heard multiple
times that Microsoft XP SP3 discs do have them.

So, what you're saying is that I'm gonna have a tough time either way.
Maybe I would have been better off just buying a used computer with XP
pre-installed. This is the main reason I've continued to use Win98 and
Win2000 all these years. XP seems like a major hassle to install,
particularly with that validation crap.

Well XP can be a major hassle sometimes. Although it also can be just as
easy as installing 98 or 2000. It just depends on a number of factors.

From the looks of things, (I have been reading many webpages since my
original post), I may not even be able to use my XP Cd. It's an OEM for
a Dell computer. This computer I want to install it in, is a NO NAME
brand. The case dont even say what it is, but I know the case dont
matter anyhow. It's just based on the motherboard, processor, memory,
etc. Either way, it's NOT a Dell (thank God, I hate Dell). So, it
appears to be likely I cant use this OEM install CD.

I am not a big fan of Dell either, but they do make some good stuff at
times. They also made some real lemons too. Anyway Dell Windows discs
generally work like this. If you use it on a Dell machine that
qualifies, no key (aka Reg#), no activation, or anything else required.
On a non-Dell machine, it acts like a generic OEM Windows install disc.
So you need an OEM key for it. But it should work fine otherwise, except
you might need SATA drivers to install.

I looked on Ebay and the prices for retail versions of XP pro are high.
Actually, I stumbled across a complete computer, (except monitor) WITH
XP PRO installed, and repair disks, for less than the price of most of
these retail versions for XP pro. It almost seems like these sellers
are price gouging for a product that is nearly obsolete. I could
probably buy Win7 or Win8 for about the same amount (except I dont want
them).

Oh yes! Don't overlook this option. My favorite used machines come from
the 2006/7 era. As most of them with Core2 and an Intel 945GM, are fully
compatible with XP, Vista, 7, and 8. They generally came with either XP
or Vista. I actually find them once in awhile brand new still sealed in
the original box.

I'll try to find the drivers for this MB, and see if that OEM can be
validated. I know one site suggested doing it by phone, not internet.
If that dont work, I'll probably just install Windows 2000 on it.
(Hoping there are drivers for this MB, and it will accept the SATA
drive). At least Win2000 dont need all that verification crap.

I never put Windows 2000 on any machine with a SATA drive(s). Although I
would guess it would be just like doing the same with XP (minus the
activation).

I do
really have a valid Reg#, for XP pro, from a retired computer which I
own, but is not worth fixing, but that is yet another brand (not a
Dell). I forget what it is, it's out in the garage, I'm guessing
Gateway, but not sure????
So, I'm doubtful I can use that reg# on a NO NAME computer with a Dell
OEM install CD.... ?????

It may work, but there are a few variables that could change things.

Of course there's always Linux, but that's a whole other story, and I'm
too used to Windows to want to change, and relearn, not to mention Linux
seems suited to the Geek types, which I;m not one of.....

I got very heavy into Linux back in 2008. I still have two machines with
Linux and I am not yet very impressed. Very poor choice of useful
applications and drivers is the big thing for me.

I just wanted a newer and faster computer than the 14 year old one I now
use, which seems to be screwing up more and more lately because the RAM
loses contact on the MB, and I have to keep removing and cleaning it
about every 2 or 3 weeks. Yet, Win2000 would suffice for my needs,
which is mostly just to go on the internet. I have my XP laptop, but I
prefer a desktop computer with bigger screen, full size keyboard, and a
much larger drive.

You know I quit buying desktop computers and went to laptops and
tablets. And many of them allows for a dock option. And that is what I
mostly do with them. Pop one into a dock that is already connected to an
external monitor, keyboard, mouse, drives, etc. Heck that is what I am
using right now. It is no hassle at all.

Final comment, if MS makes it this complicated to move a legal copy of
XP (by Reg#), to another computer, I sure hate to think how much worse
it must be to do the same with Win7 or 8. It's surely not like Win98,
which I have actually moved the hard drive, (with the same
installation), to at least 5 computers. I only needed to add soem
drivers, and was ready to go.

Both Paragon (aka Adaptive Restore) and Acronis (aka Restore to
Dissimilar Hardware) has software to make this very easy. The trick they
use is to replace all of the drivers with generic drivers that work with
anything.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Thunderbird v24.3.0
Centrino Core2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz - 4GB - Windows XP SP2

"BillW50" wrote in message
...
| On 2/16/2014 6:52 AM, Mayayana wrote:
| Also, I'm not sure anyone clarified this: Pro is
| licensed for unlimited installs, as long as it's only
| one at a time. So any Pro key for a copy that's
| no longer in use should activate and is legal.
|
| Boy that is very different from from my memory. As I recall if it is a
| full retail version, this is true (Home or Pro does not matter).
| Although upgrade or OEM versions cannot be moved. In addition, both
| upgrade/OEM, one is allowed to upgrade the hardware.
|

Yes, I think you're right. The full version
can be moved, regardless of Home or Pro.
And while the hardware can be upgraded,
there are limits. Since there's really no such
thing as a PC, Microsoft ties the OS to the
motherboard. I wouldn't expect a changed
motherboard to activate with an OEM version.