Can I install Windows XP Pro (retail version) on a Compaq PC?

Discussion in 'Software' started by dart321, Feb 2, 2005.

  1. dart321

    dart321 Private E-2

    I know this is going to sound a little crazy but I need to be certain of something.

    I have a Compaq X07 gaming PC. It's been giving me trouble and I cannot use the Compaq System recover DVD provided by compaq. All I need to know is can I just wipe the drive and install Windows XP Pro from a normal retail CD? I also don't want the stupid "Compaqish" version of windows xp that comes on the recovery DVD with all these extra things I don't need/want. I also heard this can help save alot of system space and keep you're hard drive more clean.

    So can I do this? Or is there something in the computer that will prevent me from doing so and forces me to use the version compaq provided? I'm 99% sure about the answer to this question but I wan't to make sure. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Ryuduo

    Ryuduo Private First Class

    yes. my friend u can do exactly that. first here are the materials you need.

    A valid windows cd key
    Windows CD

    If you have any imprtant files you should burn them on a cd and back them up.

    *imprtant*
    make sure u get drivers for your comptuer that windows xp might have a hard to time installing before you reformatt.

    Also i recommnd you download windows xp service pack 2 before u reformatt. once you download service pack 2 put it on a cd to use after windows is done installing. (that should fix most of your driver problems too)

    1. Put in your Windows Cd.

    2. Restart you machine, when it restarts during boot it should ask you do you want to boot from cd.... just push a button to do so. (if it doens't ask u for boot from cd, go to your BIOS, which can be accessed by push the Del key whn you turn ur computer on, and change your boot order so that the CD-Rom drive is frist.

    3. Now its going to come up and ask you if you want to install XP.

    4. Select the partition that you have your old Windows on. eg. "C:/" It will ask you if u want to erase evrything. Say yes and just make a new partition.

    5. Format that pratition in NTFS from( i perfer).

    6. Now wait as windows Xp finishes installing.

    Hope this helps.
     
  3. dart321

    dart321 Private E-2

    Thanks man. This helps alot. I have another question though: What if I already wiped my hard drive? I mean there is NOTHING on this puppy, the system will boot from the windows CD and it will still install right?

    What I'm trying to say is that you said that it will ask if I want to erase everything and so on. Well, if everything is already erased, it will still install right?

    I have another computer thats hooked up to the net so getting drivers are not a problem. Service Pack 2 either.

    Also, will all this help my system performance a little bit? I mean there will be less stuff on the hard drive and all so it has to help some, right?
     
  4. i_wanna_corndog

    i_wanna_corndog Specialist

    Yeah, no worries. The XP Pro CD will boot just fine even if your drive has been wiped. You will probably notice a speed increase in your system, especially if you had a lot of files before...

    Cheers.
     
  5. Ryuduo

    Ryuduo Private First Class

    yah no problem buddy, ur computer will be blazing fast . also windows will just start up if the Harddrive is empty
     
  6. dart321

    dart321 Private E-2

    Nice. Thanks guys.
     
  7. Just Playin

    Just Playin MajorGeek

    The product code has to be for XP Pro.
     
  8. skipper

    skipper Private E-2

    yes you can wipe the hard drive and use a normal xp cd..you will probably need to download some compaq drivers or some system drivers..after your done installing windows and its done setting up or rebooting,check the device manager and see if anything needs drivers...your going to need a windows product key..it will ask you to go online and enter the code...when all is done your computer should be faster..good luck
     
  9. dart321

    dart321 Private E-2

    Another question: Is the product key directly related to the CD it comes with? Or can any Windows XP Pro key be used with any Windows XP Pro CD?


    Would it be possible for me to use the Windows XP Pro product key that came with the computer along with any Windows XP Pro CD?

    Thanks again.
     
  10. dart321

    dart321 Private E-2

  11. Ryuduo

    Ryuduo Private First Class

    yah it would be possible. if u have a key and it is VALID u can use it with any windows XP cd
     

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