Win XP Install/Reinstall Problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Herman Naron
  • Start date Start date
H

Herman Naron

It looks like I have finally found the right newsgroup. I have been
struggling for about two weeks, to get XP reinstalled. I have two versions,
1. An upgrade that upgrades from ME, from computer manufacturer, and
2. An OEM version that I bought separately.

I want to run XP on two primary partitions on the first hard drive, with one
hidden. I want to use "BootMagic". I understand about "changing the
Boot.ini".

First Question: Why would I not be able to boot from OEM version? I get the
"to boot from CD, hit any key". I hit a key and the current operating
system loads. I have two CD-Rom drives, would that confuse the system? I
am sure that I have tried both. I recently checked some vendors, and it
seems that most only offer the OEM or Upgrade, but what good is the OEM if
it won't boot?

Second Question: Would an install over ME cause problems such as 1. Empty
Control Panel (no files), 2. Software installation problems (I installed MS
Office 2000, and when I open Word or Excel, I get a message that it is
installing, and sometimes it wants me to insert the installation disk).
Windows Installer opens almost constantly trying to "install something". I
now have the directions for doing a clean install from the "system
restore/upgrade CD", which I haven't tried yet, but I will.

Third and last (for now) Question: Is it safe (advisable) to use "settings
and files" transfer. What files are transferred? Would it be better to just
choose "settings"?

I would appreciate any help.
 
Herman Naron said:
First Question: Why would I not be able to boot from OEM version?
Click to expand...

OEM versions are for to install Windows on specific hardware. Because
they are usually sold with new PCs, they are not designed for to
create multi-boot systems with more than one Windows XP installation.
Also the CD may simply not run because it had not been designe for
this PC.
Second Question: Would an install over ME cause problems
Click to expand...

Could be. Create a new parallel installation of Windows XP instead. If
this works, reinstall your applications here and then delete the
Windows ME installation.
Third and last (for now) Question: Is it safe (advisable) to use "settings
and files" transfer. What files are transferred? Would it be better to just
choose "settings"?
Click to expand...

See "List of Programs Whose Settings Are Migrated When You Use the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard"
(http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304903) and "How to Use Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard" (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=293118).
 
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