Installing XP over 2K laptop

If you have a retail version of XP with a previously unused Product Key it should work as long as the laptop has drivers for XP available from the manufacturers web site.

Without drivers you will run into all sorts of problems.

If the above applies then an upgrade/repair install of XP should work fine.

jephree
this is a retail disk! it has been install on my disktop. with your help and thank you again for that help. it is a dell laptop do i just goto dell's site and download them after the install ?

What is the Dell model?

The question is does Dell have XP drivers for it?

You can only use one Product Key per install of XP or any Windows OS.

The CD is basically generic but you need a unique Product Key. When you buy a Windows OS that is what you are paying for. One key = One computer.

If you have previously used this key it will be denied. If you wish to move the key you will be prompted to phone up Microsoft and they will transfer it.

It is branded (so to speak) on the motherboard. MS can remove the previous brand and move it to the new but then the previous system will fail to operate under Windows.

You can use Ubuntu if you are looking for a free OS: Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu

jephree
I'm still here, how long can you keep this post open ? I do slow work.
and thanks you for your help.
Glen401

No problem. Post is open.

When replacing an operating system on a computer the first thing you need to do is to make sure that the manufacturer has drivers for that computer. If you post your model number we can help you determine if there are xp drivers for your computer. Without these drivers there isn't much you can do with your computer.

jephree,
I like MR ECHO, Dell latitude d610 model #ppo1L
Is't possible to make installation disk from my laptop in case i need to put it back on.

Seen here are all the drivers and all for XP:

Drivers & Downloads

Manual is here:

Documentation

Reinstalling XP is here:

Documentation

Without the 2K disk there is no going back.

A Repair/Upgrade Install of XP should retain all your data and programs just replacing 2K with XP.

Again you will need a unique XP Product Key to do so.

After the install you will need to go to Windows Update and get all Critical Updates which will include SP3.

After this you can install your drivers from Dell.

If for some reason you cannot get online prior to Windows Update go ahead and install the LAN driver from Dell.

If you still cannot get online see this:

You cannot create a network connection after you restore Windows XP

I've never had my LAN adapters work on XP without installing the drivers so you might want to download those first. That looks like it would be the Broadcom 57XX Gigabit Integrated Controller, Broadcom 570x Gigabit Integrated Controller, & the Dell Wireless (US) WLAN Card.

I hope this helps.

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