Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
Hi, John.
Yes, as the others said. The WinXP CD-ROM is bootable, so it can be used to
install Windows on a computer that has no operating system at all. One of
the first questions WinXP will ask is whether you want it to partition
and/or format the HD. Say Yes. Unless you plan to install Win9x/ME on this
computer, tell it to use NTFS all the way.
If the CD you have is for the upgrade version of WinXP, it will look for a
qualifying version of Windows (Win9x/ME or Win2K) on your computer. Since
it won't find one in your case, it will ask you to insert a CD for such
version to prove that you qualify for upgrade pricing. Then it will
continue to do a "clean install" of WinXP.
You didn't actually say that you have the upgrade version of the WinXP
CD-ROM, and there are other versions. The "full retail" version will simply
install from the CD without looking for a qualifying prior version (but it
also can be used to upgrade). The OEM version is only for installation on a
new computer, so it will not upgrade an existing Windows; it will be locked
to this particular computer and cannot be installed on another machine
later, even if this one is damaged or stolen from you.
RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
rc@corridor.net
Microsoft Windows MVP
"John Gregory" <jaygreg90@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uge0Rb6TFHA.3056@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> I'm considering buying a used machine that has no operating system. I have
> WINDOWS XP Professional that I bought to upgrade for another machine but
> never did. If I simply insert the CD in a machine with no op sys, will it
> load?