question about installing xp pro

[mastrduke]

if i reformat my moms hp pavilion which has an upgraded xp pro it will go back to windows me but can i install that xp pro on to that computer again?

do i have to call microsoft and tell them or sumthing?

 

[mastrduke]

plz help...i really need to know

 

[spyordie007]

Yes you can reinstall XP pro. You'll have to activate it again but the activation process shouldnt give you any hassle since it's still running on the same piece of hardware. In the unlikely event that it doesnt let you activate you can give microsoft a call (it will list the number on the activation screen) and they will give you the info you need to activate it.

In fact you *should* be able to do a clean install of XP (without Win Me). It'll ask for qualifying upgrade media (win me) and you can point it at the hard drive that has win me prior to having the installer format. It's been a while since I've done any upgrade installs but I think the install process will let you get away with it.

Cheers,

-Erik

 

[mastrduke]

so i should be able to?

 

[Navid]

It sounds like you have an hp computer that has a recovery CD that restores it to the way it was when you bought it with Windows ME o\as the operating system. It also sounds like tou have bought a WinXP upgrade and used it to upgrade that hp PC to XP.

If these are correct assumptions, you can restore your PC to ME and then upgrade it again to XP. After the upgrade, you will be able to activate it online.
You will have to activate XP after every fresh install or upgrade.
You should not have any problem activating if this upgrde is used on only one machine (as it should).

If you are using the upgrade on more than one machine, you are not supposed to that and you may run in to problems when you attempt to activate.

If you are only using the XP on one machine, you will have no problem.
It is your right to use it that way. You have paid for it.

I don't know if you can just install XP (from an upgrade CD) if you only have recovery CDs for an ME and not a WinME cd.
But, you can try. Put the XP CD in and start the install. When it asks you to put the CD of the previous version to prove that you are entitled to upgrade, put the recovery CD in and see if it accepts it.