My computer has a virus or something because after I log in it just freezes. I can still move the mouse, but there's no taskbar or start menu. To save money I want to use a Windows XP upgrade disc...will that work? I want to erase all the data on my computer and start fresh with just the operating system.
So I just pop it in, and the menus will do the rest?
2006-09-20 10:18:17 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Well... Since you mentioned that you want to start over by erasing everything (formatting). Then this means that your previous installation will be deleted, which means that an upgrade version of XP will not have these files available to upgrade. Yes, it is true that you can boot from the Upgrade CD, but it will require you to insert a full version OS CD, because the upgrade CD will need files from a full version CD. Usually a previous version of Windows CD will work as your full version CD.
That's why it is beneficial to buy a full version of Windows if you can. Because you can perform an upgrade or a clean install whenever you want.
2006-09-20 10:23:11 · answer #1 · answered by HotRod 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An UPGRADE CD will NOT work on a system that does not have an earlier operating system installed. That is why it costs less than a FULL version.
If you bought the computer with XP, contact the vendor for a replacement installation CD. They may want to charge you $15 or $20 for the disk and shipping, but you should not have to pay full price.
If you bought the computer with an earlier version (like windows 2000) and still have the CD, you can install that and then use the XP upgrade.
(Hint- To protect yourself from Virus' and worms, do not install 2000 or XP Service pack 1 while connected to the internet, wait until XP is installed and you have turned on the XP Firewall to connect to the internet for updates. It's OK to install XP w/Service Pack 2 while connected)
If you built the system yourself, or bought it with no operating system, then you should buy the full version of XP.
Some ways to save money and still have legal windows:
-If you are a student, most Universities offer academic versions for a discounted price. It's the same software, but packaged different and sold cheaper.
-Get the "home" version if available. It's cheaper than the PRO and most home users will never know the difference.
-Many vendors sell "OEM" versions with a small purchase like a mouse. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means that Microsoft meant for this version to be sold with a computer. By packaging the OEM software with a qualifying purchase like a mouse or memory stick, some vendors feel that they abide by the letter (if not the intent) of their agreement with microsoft. OEM software will install on a clean formatted harddrive, and can be registered with Microsoft. Here is a link to a vendor that sells OEM Windows for less than $90:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116056
Good luck and go legal.
PS: I am not affiliated with the recommended vendor, but I have used them many times and I have fould them reliable and generally inexpensive.
2006-09-20 10:54:37 · answer #2 · answered by John L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it extremely is in all probability would not have something to do with a pandemic or trojan. in maximum situations, hardware crashes and unusual application behaviour are no longer led to by an contaminated computer. some human beings in this internet site push unsolicited mail for anti-virus courses and different products on objective too. considering you will get to the computer once you start up up generally, the difficulty is with a application it is desperate to run whilst abode windows starts up. in the journey that your computer crashes earlier you get to the computer after rebooting, then the difficulty is generally a hardware or application driving force. earlier you bypass re-installation XP, attempt utilising equipment fix first. you will could desire to start up XP in secure mode first inspite of the incontrovertible fact that, considering you are able to not start up XP generally. Reboot, and press and carry the F8 key, until the XP boot menu seems. (in the journey that your computer retains beeping once you carry down the F8 key, shop tapping the foremost extremely.) go with secure Mode from the text cloth menu and wait until the computer seems. at that factor, abode windows will ask you in case you prefer to proceed on with secure Mode. go with 'specific.' The equipment fix application could be accessed by clicking the initiating button, and going into the courses|upload-ons|equipment procedures menu. you are able to desire to study the abode windows help document approximately equipment fix earlier utilising it. (purely click the initiating button, go with help & help, and seek for equipment fix.) Any ameliorations you're making with equipment fix could be reversed extremely.
2016-10-17 08:40:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it will work
2006-09-20 10:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋