XP re-install question

I have WXP -SP2 installed on a dell computer that is about 3 or 4 years old.
A few months ago I was having problems and decided to re-install the OS. I got a message that the OS that was running is a newer version than the installation
disc that came with the computer. I didn't reinstall and managed to sort the problems out but I am wondering why there is a diference in the disc and the dell pre-installed system.
Would the fact that I downloaded SP2 myself make a difference or has dell done something funny?
Not a problem, just curious.

 

It depends on how you were going to reinstall.
Did you launch the setup from your current windows installation?

Of course you have SP2 installed while your CD (apparently) is before SP1.

Anyway, you can perform a clean installation but try to get the SP2 CD.

 

If you do not have an SP-2 upgrade disc you can do it on-line
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/how.mspx
If you do a clean install, you shouldn't have a problem with those messages, but you will lose your data and apps, if you don't back them up first.

 

Thanks for your replies musksnipe, anjad.
I launched the install from the CD. I don't have the sp2 cd so if I need to I will do the all important back-up and a clean install and use the link you gave me.
Cheers.

 

Good luck!
and tell us if it all went OK!

 

Don't start this install unless you also have the second Dell CD, labelled Drivers and Utilities.

You actually may well have several more Dell cds that came with the pc, for installing other non essential stuff.

If you lack the drivers cd, that part of the recovery can be downloaded from Dell.

As far as the windows updates are concerned, you are better off using Autopatcher, from Major Geeks. This will bring your newly installed Windows bang up to date, without the agonies of failed large downloads from Microsoft that many experience.

Studio T

 

I was wondering about that, I guess the updates would be huge for a disc as old as mine. I think I have sorted the problems, malware and viruses, so do not have to reinstall.
I keep seeing references in the MG forums about reinstalling, is it an option that is overused?

 

You can imagine a repair and maintenance heirarchy with re installation as the nuclear option. roughly it runs

1 use good housekeeping and practises to preserve normal running.

2 fix a problem from normal mode by reinstalling that program / driver

3 fix a problem by downloading/running a special purpose tool e.g.stinger

4 recover from a failed installation / driver with system restore

5 go to one of the safe modes and repair the problem

6 use last known good configuration to repair problem

7 use repair installation to fix problem

8 use clean (re)installation to fix problem


The thing is that many of the early steps have to be repeated several times, stretching the repair process out to perhaps several days. Reinstallation takes at most 2 hours. So this may be a more attractive option to some.

I do have one client whose average pc life is about 5 months. He refuses to do even the most basic of good housekeeping and when his pc falls over from an accumulation of problems he just buys a new one and starts again!


Hope this helps

 

YES IT DOES!
And by the way, your words are full of insight and wisdom.

 

If you decide to reinstall XP this is a good read:
http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/installxp/installXP1.htm
It is a few years old but should hold up as long as Microsoft supports XP

Bug