[Ham-Computers] RE: Reinstalling XP PRO

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

I'm getting into the fray a little late, so most of your questions seemed to be answered.  But, here's my 2 cents...

As mentioned earlier, you should be able to do an "in-place" re-installation of Windows and it should keep all your apps in-tact.  However, re-installing Windows undoes any hotfixes or service packs.  I haven't tried it, but using a non service pack level Window CD may or may not work on a system with a service pack.  An earlier post points to it not working.  Also, if prompted, make sure to install Windows to the same directory/folder that the existing Windows installation resides in.  Otherwise, you'll be doing a "parallel" installation.

As Phil mentioned, "upgrades" are problematic, but this is when you're upgrading from an older version of Windows to a newer version.  What were're doing here is technically a "repair" of an existing Windows installation, not an upgrade.  Yes, there is a "repair" option in the Windows setup, but I don't think it would work in this case - we really need to do an in-place re-install/upgrade.

You can find "OEM" versions of WinXP everywhere - it just needs to be purchased with a piece of "Hardware".  The definition of "hardware" seems to be pretty loose - Microsoft means a full computer system, but some places define it otherwise.  Check on-line such as newegg.com (who sells both OEM and "Retail" version).  The OEM generally sells for $150 and the Retail is $280.

Oh, what's the difference?  "OEM" versions are sold to "system builders" - companies that build and sell computers.  These don't include any documentation other than the license key and a quick start guide.  They also don't include any Microsoft Tech Support so you can't call MS if you have a problem - the "OEM" is supposed to supply the support.  "Retail" versions are sold over-the-counter and include "official" tech support (not that it's really needed).  Also, the license is transferrable to another computer as long as it's only on one computer at a time - OEM versions are permanently attached to the first computer it's installed on and "die" with that computer.  I hear that newer OEM CD's are now more aggressive in non-activiation, so be careful if you do a lot of hardware upgrading.

A third type of license exists called "Volume Licensing".  These don't require activation as they're designed for environments that do large scale deployments.  I'm lucky enough to work with Volume Licenses and don't have to deal with the headaches of activation.  Could you imagine if some "glitch" in activation occured and all of a sudden I had to deal with 20,000 PC's refusing to work?  Oh the horror!

BTW, if you haven't done so already, don't install the "Genuine Windows Adavantage Notification Tool" update that's on the Windows Update site.  This gem phones home every day...yes, *EVERY* day.  Microsoft, after being confronted with this issue, states that this particular update is still a "pilot project".  Yet, it's considered a "critical update".  Yeah, right.  What does it do?  It's puts up a "Nag banner" if you have an illegal version of Windows installed.  So why the "phone home" function, MS?  They say an update to this tool will be released that only phones home once every two weeks.  Geez...

For reference, this isn't the "Genuine Windows Advantage Validation Tool", it's the *NOTIFICATION* tool.  Two different updates.  First one's an ActiveX script that prevents you from downloading updates if your Windows install is illegal.  Second one is a permanently installed app.

Anyways...73,

  - Aaron, NN6O
  



-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of WØQFC
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2006 7:27 AM
To: ham-computers at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Reinstalling XP PRO

I need some help!

Some time ago, I installed XP PRO on my machine and have just learned from MS that it is not a legal copy of the software.

I had bought it from a person that I thought could be trusted and the CD looked like a original, but was fake. (LONG story) I know about MS's program that lets you send back the fake CD, etc., etc., but I do not want to send it to them because they want me to tell them  from whom I got the CD.

So, the big question is: How to I install a legal copy of XP PRO on my machine without loosing all the stuff I already have installed?

Would it be possible to do this by doing a complete backup of the system, re-formatting, install the new software and then do a restore?

Would this procedure copy any of the "Illegal" stuff back to the machine?

I would appreciate any help the group might have.

TIA es 73

Gene, WØQFC
Spring Hill, Florida
WEB SITE:
http://www.w0qfc.com