How do I reinstall winXP from an old original XP installation disc?

Question

I have a problem with windows installer / uninstaller - I was trying to install sophos antivirus and it all hung up because it didn't want me to have a pdf file open at the same time. When I closed the pdf, the program appeared but didn't work. When I tried to reinstall it or uninstall whatever was there using the control panel add/ remove programs, I get an error 1721 message which related to windows installer service. Microsoft's website says to do a msiexec/unregister, msiexec/regserver procedure. When I do this I get an error message 'an event was unable to invoke any of the subscribers'.

It seems I need to repair the windows XP installation. When I put in my installation disc (it's the original, legal CD) it refuses saying that it is an older version. I've had it for a while and have uploaded SP1 and SP2 and all the updates over the years over the network.
Do I boot up on the CD and do a full reinstallation and spend hours updating SP1,2 etc? Is there a better way? Thanks.

Answer 1

Probably because you have upgraded to SP2 it doesn't recognise the old version.

try Start > Run and type sfc /scannow

this should scan windows files to make sure they are intact however it may need the XP disk too.

You may have to spend hours updating windows. You only need to put on SP2 as it contains the SP1 updates too. You can download SP2 before you reinstall from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en

If you want to try something a bit more advanced to make things a bit easier you can make a new instalation CD which is slipstreamed with SP2

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm
http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_slipstream.htm

these will show you how to make a slipstreamed CD. This is legal as long as it is for your own use.

Answer 2

Hey, it's a free country but Sophos? Really? If you must use it fine, but look where it got you. I would use AVG as it is free and very very well spoken of by almost all PC magazines. About re-installing...a repair is most often not a good idea. If you have not completely erased and re-installed in 6mo-1yr then it is time. First make sure you have your current XP activation key. You can download a program called Magic Jelly Bean (seriously) and it will tell you your Windows Key (very important). Then I would get a copy of anyone's Windows XP disc as long as it has SP2 written on it. SP2 is the latest disc they put out and it has the most updates already on it. You can legally copy anybody elses disc and use your key. You need to backup your data (if desired) but completely erasing your system and re-installing everything is best. It has a multitude of benefits over ANY other option. Most computer repair shops charge an average of $80 for this service. Research the shops before you pick one.

Answer 3

You could try this option if you can't use the system restore program..

TO RESET YOUR PC TO FACTORY SETTINGS
Before you try using the system recovery program I would suggest using system restore:
if software on you hard drive accidentally gets erased or damaged, first use Microsoft system restore to return the computer's settings to a selected restore point without affecting user programs or document files. "how ever"
when other methods of repairing your system software fail then you may want to use the system recovery program as a last resort to reinstall software.

WARNING SYSTEM RECOVERY WILL DELETE ANY DATA OR PROGRAM THAT YOU INSTALLED AFTER PURCHASE,
BE SURE TO BACK UP ANY DATA THAT YOU WANT TO KEEP ON A REMOVABLE DISC

1.Disconnect any devices, like printer,scanner, webcam,
Except the monitor, keyboard, mouse
1. click start on the task bar
2. choose all programs
3. choose PC tools
and then click system recovery
4. wait until the system recovery box appears asking do you really want to start PC system recovery,, click yes
follow on screen instructions.
5.complete the computer start-up and finish the registration process, then reconnect all devices.
good luck.

Answer 4

First have you tried system restore?
Other than that if you go into BIOS setup snd change the boot sequence to CD first. Restart with the cd in when you get comment "Boot form CD, press any key..." press any key.
You will be able to repair a previous installation from there

Answer 5

If u had System Restore turned on in XP, then just launch system restore. (Start/ Run> msconfig / Launch System Restore). it'll take u back to where it was when everything was working.

If the registry is corrupt, just get the previous one that u know works. http://support.microsoft.com.

It's more important to have a good Firewall (and common sense) than some virus checkers which r more trouble than they r worth. They slow down your system.

However, make sure you do not have TWO firewalls running at the same time. u will get into all sorts of mysterious problems.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Not really - best to do a re-installation of XP If you know someone who has a more recent version of the XP DIsc (With SP2) then use this and your serial number

Answer 8

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it's completely free and it's very fast to install
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Answer 9

When the disk boots when BIOS is running, press "R" That should get it to install.