Re-installing XP from scratch. Which sequence to follow?

[LucLin]

I'll have to install a new copy of XP and seek help with the right sequence to follow.

The matter is that for a reason I'm unaware of my current XP installation is no longer eligible for patches, updates, etc. It become clear just now that I tried to get SP3 from Microsoft. It seems the shop I bought the PC from had installed the same XP license on several machines. Of course these guys have vanished from Earth's face at the time I returned to the shop to complain.

So, what I did was to buy a brand new copy of XP Pro (in a retail box) and now I'm going to install it in a second & bigger HD. After that I'll try to move every settings / applications / data from the "old" HD into the new one. As it isn't a new PC, both HDs will be running at the same time on the same machine, like a dual boot machine. Once the "new" installation is as close as possible the current one the "old" HD will be re-formated to become data storage.

The sequence I referred to earlier as help needed is regarding with one came first of each other considering the following :

monitor's driver installation - video card's drivers installation - external sound's card installation - wireless router - printer - wireless mouse & keyboard - setting up Internet connection - Norton Internet Security 2008 -

Regarding the current settings currently in use I plan to use XP utility FAST - File and Settings Transfer - wizard to do the transfer.

Would the sequence above be the right one to take? Any suggestion about a strategy to accomplish the task are more than welcome.
Many thanks.

 

[mc866]

You may want to do the fresh install like you described because it's good to do that from time to time.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle you could look into cloning the drive, or just updating the XP key to a valid one.

 

[LucLin]

Originally posted by: mc866
You may want to do the fresh install like you described because it's good to do that from time to time.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle you could look into cloning the drive, or just updating the XP key to a valid one.

Sorry, I can't see the point in cloning the drive. By doing that it will just keep things as it is now, wouldn't it?

Is it an option to just update the current XP key to the new one I just bought? How do I do that?

 

[SolMiester]

Hi Luclin, the sequence I have always used, was, boot from CD, erase any unwanted partition, create new partiton, format, install, install motherboard chipset drivers, video driver, sound, modem, printers, security suite, NIC....no drivers required for router\switch...

PS:, if dual booting, dont forget to go into the boot.ini to rename the new installation.....

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: LucLin
Is it an option to just update the current XP key to the new one I just bought? How do I do that?

How to change the product key at the time of activation

or

Windows Product Key Update Tool Instructions

 

[Net]

Change your windows key with this Free Program

 

[LucLin]

Hi SolMiester,

No, there won't be dual booting. As the current XP is regarded as illegal by Microsoft I don't see the point in keeping it. Thus the decision to migrate to the new installation.

Altough no drivers for routers, etc. I still have to install a lot of stuff like wireless keyboard & mouse, router, scanner, webam, etc. I just would like to know which would be the right sequence to do that.

Just a couple of questions :

how do I install motherboard drivers?

what is NIC?

Thanks.

 

[zacharace]

LucLin,
As for sequencing, do it in a logical, priority order: keyboard/mouse first, since they're pretty much essential; motherboard chipset drivers (should be on a CD somewhere, or download them); NIC (network interface card...where you plug your router into your computer)...and then on down the list. The sequence doesn't really matter, just start with what you need most and work your way down.
And, of course, as others have suggested, you could always just update your current Windows installation with your new key and not bother with a re-installation.