JohnJSal

I have reformatted and reinstalled Windows XP Home on my current notebook several times without a problem. Am I correct in assuming that installing XP to a self-built PC will be the exact same process? Or will it be different since I won't have *anything* at all on the hard drives. (I'm not sure if what I've done in the past didn't, in some way, use the existing version of Windows to help reinstall itself, if that makes sense).

I ask this just so I don't run into any problems with an OEM version, which doesn't provide support or returns. I'm assuming I was using an OEM version before (the disc that came with my Dell notebook), but again I don't know if the process will be any different for a computer that is completely empty, i.e. I won't be reinstalling, I'll simply be installing for the first time.

Thanks.

P.S. I'm also asking now because I heard that Microsoft will stop selling XP next year, so I'm considering just buying a copy now and having it ready for when I build.

oregon

Probably depends on the version (system builders, oem, upgrade, etc.). Read newegg reviews for the versions of XP your curious about. I did this before buying vista last night and it was very helpful.

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Once your computer is assembled, all you will have to do is insert the disc and go through the installation like normal. It's basically step-by-step.

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JohnJSal

Oh, I didn't realize system builders and OEM were different!

meanman

the oem version of xp will install on a new build without any problems, but after you have installed it if at any point you replace the mobo it wont register forcing you to ring microsoft to activte windows again, this is because the oem version attaches itself to the mobo and on some ocasions it will not register if you change other items i.e. dvd drives cpu etc again forcing you to ring microsoft.

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JohnJSal

What exactly will happen in those cases? It won't boot? When you say "activate" Windows again, does that mean reinstalling a new version, or just something simple? Does it cost anything extra to have to do this? (From the sound of it, MS provides no support for an OEM version, so I would think they might not even help you reactivate Windows).

Cromewell

You only need to reactivate for a major hardware change (ie motherboard). CPU, DVD drive, RAM, etc shouldn't be a problem.

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