XP & H.P.

  • Thread starter Thread starter johnf
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J

johnf

My son has a fairly new HP/XP Home PC, (Pavilion, I think), & is
contemplating re-formatting.
I seem to remember reading that it can cause problems trying to install
normal XP afterwards, as HP always flashes the BIOS to comply to their
system requirements only.
Is this correct, or am I dreaming again?
 
johnf said:
My son has a fairly new HP/XP Home PC, (Pavilion, I think), & is
contemplating re-formatting.
I seem to remember reading that it can cause problems trying to install
normal XP afterwards, as HP always flashes the BIOS to comply to their
system requirements only.
Is this correct, or am I dreaming again?
Click to expand...

Someone may know here ... but probably best to check www.hp.com for this
particular model of computer, or generic FAQ to find out from source.
Also check with the vendor from whom the computer was purchased, and
any paper or electronic documentation provided with the computer. If
there is such a limitation I would hope/expect there would be some sort
of warning about it.

Re-formatting is a relatively serious thing. Really not something that
should be done that often, if ever--except for specific reasons. Just
curious, what is causing this to be contemplated?
 
Sorry, I should have been clearer.
No, he hasn't done it yet - and no, I'm not sure why he wants to do it.
As I said (or meant to), I seem to recollect that when an HP-dedicated
version of XP is installed (by HP) on a new PC, they 'permanently' alter the
BIOS in some way.
I was wondering if this is true, if so, does it make it impossible to
re-format and install the standard off-the-shelf XP.

OR, can you just go ahead and format a drive containing HP/XP, then install
plain old ordinary XP instead.

(hope that makes more sense)
 
Your son's system has "plain old ordinary XP" installed already.. buying a
retail version would not improve the pc.. HP release patches on their
website to overcome some problems encountered when using XP, but the
pre-installed version can hardly be deemed "dedicated".. it is just tailored
to fit better.. In days of old, HP supplied a recovery cd that could be used
in case of dire emergencies.. do they not supply them anymore?..
 
johnf said:
Sorry, I should have been clearer.
No, he hasn't done it yet - and no, I'm not sure why he wants to do
it.
As I said (or meant to), I seem to recollect that when an HP-dedicated
version of XP is installed (by HP) on a new PC, they 'permanently'
alter the BIOS in some way.
I was wondering if this is true, if so, does it make it impossible to
re-format and install the standard off-the-shelf XP.

OR, can you just go ahead and format a drive containing HP/XP, then
install plain old ordinary XP instead.

(hope that makes more sense)
Click to expand...
It's called BIOS locking. There is a code on the CD and in the BIOS. If the
motherboard is changed or an attempt is made to install the disc on another
system (or a retail disc on that system) then the installation will fail. It
appears to be standard practise amongst most major manufacturers these days.

So, to answer your question, as I alluded to above, an attempt to install a
retail version of XP will fail - the only way round it would be to replace
the motherboard.
 
D.Currie said:
You've got the right sort of idea, but a bit backwards. The version of XP
that comes with an HP computer is "tied" to the computer. Basically, it will
only install on a computer with the proper bios. It won't load on any other
computer.

That doesn't keep you from loading a retail copy of XP, or any other
operating system, for that matter, on the computer.

So, yes, you can load a retail version on the HP. Keep in mind, though, that
the retail version won't work with the key from the original, if that was
the plan.
Click to expand...

Two other considerations.

1. Loading a version of XP other than the one that HP supplied with
the computer may invalidate the warranty. You would want to check and
double-check this before proceeding with this type of install.

2. A retail CD for Windows XP may not contain the proper hardware
driers for the components in the HP computer and these also may not be
available for separate download from the HP website.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."
 
If loading some software invalidates a pc warranty, other than software
issues, then that must be a good reccomdation not to buy frm that supplier.
Likewise if the pc contains non complient drivers.
Mind you I guess thats like MS implimenting its own version of Java
David
 
DL said:
If loading some software invalidates a pc warranty, other than software
issues, then that must be a good reccomdation not to buy frm that supplier.
Likewise if the pc contains non complient drivers.
Mind you I guess thats like MS implimenting its own version of Java
David
Click to expand...

Many notebooks contain proprietary hardware which requires specialized
drivers.

It is commonplace to find that generic versions of Windows, including
the retail versions, will not install on these machines unless and
until the necessary drivers are downloaded from the manufacturer's web
site.

And if a new model is released, one that has only been shipped with
Windows XP preinstalled, then there is little reason for the
manufacturer to make those drivers available for separate download.
All legitimate users of that model have the necessary drivers included
with their preinstalled Windows version.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."
 
D.Currie said:
You've got the right sort of idea, but a bit backwards. The version
of XP that comes with an HP computer is "tied" to the computer.
Basically, it will only install on a computer with the proper bios.
It won't load on any other computer.

That doesn't keep you from loading a retail copy of XP, or any other
operating system, for that matter, on the computer.

So, yes, you can load a retail version on the HP. Keep in mind,
though, that the retail version won't work with the key from the
original, if that was the plan.
Click to expand...

Thanks David...knew I was getting there...I didn't mean to mislead him.
Sometimes my logic doesn't really work...;o)

Blessings,

Perdi
 
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