Re: Re-Load of Windows XP pro and office 2003

Dadeo wrote:
I bought a used desktop with Windows XP Pro and Windows Office Pro 2003
loaded. I recently found out my programs are not originals, so I get
"not a licensed copy" messages from Microsoft. I've now purchased a
legal OEM copy of Win XP Pro with service pack 2 and Win Office Pro
2003.

Can I simply install both programs over the existing? In other words,
if I install the legal copies, will it overwrite the bad copies?


You could do it that way, with a bit more effort, but it isn't a good idea.

With second-hand computers, especially if acquired from strangers but perhaps even if acquired from a family member or friend, your wisest course of action would definitely be to format the hard drives and start fresh. You don't want to get in trouble because the original owner may have filled the hard drive with kiddie porn, or have problems because the original owner downloaded/installed viruses or other malware.

After backing up any important data, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm


I
have this fear that I'll lose files, favorites, data files, etc.


Back up any important data before starting. You should do this regardless of which repair method you choose, because something can always go wrong.


How
simple or hard is this process.


You could purchase and use a _legitimate_ retail or OEM full license of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, using the new CD and Product Keys.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm


What should I do to protect myself? (I
know, don't buy a use PC) Be gentle, I'm a newbee. Thanks everyone.




Back up any important data before starting. You should do this regardless of which repair method you choose, because something can always go wrong.




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Bruce Chambers

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