How can I reinstall windows?

Question

I got my computer from someone who entered a fake product code. I want to reinstall Windows XP with the CD I bought. However, when I run the software, it tells me that the version of Windows on the computer is a newer version than what is on the CD. So, can I boot the computer from the CD? Would that definately work? Thanks in advance.

If I have to boot windows from the CD, how do I do that?

Answer 1

Assuming that you want to install YOUR version of Windows on your new computer, you should assume that the computer has at least one virus on it. Actually, you should asume that it has many viruses, key loggers, Torjan horses, etc. on it.

In that case, you will want to blow eveything away by reformatting your hard disk using a program called 'Format'. This can be done with your current version of windows on your computer, by selecting 'my computer'. Then right click on the 'C' drive and select 'tools'. Under that, you will see a selection to format your drive. This WILL erase everything on your disk.

Once that's finished, open the CD drive and insert your new Windows Cd in it and turn off the power.

When you turn your computer back on, it 'should' boot off the CD, depending on how old the comptuer is. If it doesn't, then you will need to set the boot process in the Bios.

This is accomplished by pressing one, or a combination of keys that are particular to your brand of computer, just as the computer starts to come alive after turning it on. Usually, just after the first beep, you press the 'del' key or the 'F1' key and wait for a screen to come up showing all your BIOS settings. Can't help with the key combination as every brand is different.

Once in the BIOS, select boot options (may have to look around as each is different). It should show 'boot order' or something like that. Make sure that you set the CDrom drive to boot first.

Exit by selecting 'save and exit' from the right side of the menu.

This will then reboot your computer and simply follow the directions on the new Windows install Cd.

Answer 2

The version on your PC is newer because the person before you probably already installed some updates for it. I would recommend you to run the installation from your cd. Format the hard drive and do a clean installation, you can upgrade your window version later through Window Updates. You don't want to use the Pirated code when you have the real thing.

Answer 3

You can boot from the CD. Hold down the control key or the delete key and turn the power on. When the CMOS screen comes up scroll down to Advanced and then select the cd drive as the boot drive with the hard drive as the second boot drive. exit and save settings. Computer will then boot from the cd drive. It will ask if you want to overwrite or repair - don't repair if you want to load your Windows XP.

Answer 4

You must first delete the software already on the computer. You can wipe the hard drive or talk to computer consultant. Either way you can either try entering your product code from that CD that you bought, or if the Windows already installed is working I would not worry about it since its the same thing.

Answer 5

Get the Windows Back Up CD that came with your computer, and reinstall it.

Answer 6

If your cd is a full version then format your c.\ drive 1st.

Answer 7

I don't know the level of pc use you know
but the best in my opinion is to:

1. create a backup of your files
2. do a format
3. install windows using your CD

p.s. : if you havent done those before...ask a friend
or call a technician

Answer 8

Reformat your computer. That will allow you install the legal CD that you have bought.

Answer 9

put the cd in, then turn off comptuer, then restart and following the steps

Answer 10

yes, install the cd again.