I have an old Dell computer that came with windows 98 on it, but it was upgraded to xp before i even got it. i think it came with service pack 1.
will my service pack 2 install disc work?
Also, how do i format the hard drive without a software?
Now the drivers are a concern. It has external sound, video, and modem cards, but i only have the disc for the modem. Will XP detect my sound and video or am i in trouble?
2007-02-05 00:14:24 · 6 answers · asked by mjmustang5 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
You can install service pack 2. I suggest formatting your drive and doing a clean install.
Your service pack 2 disk must only be registered on 1 computer. You will not be able to register it on a second computer.
Run Windows XP Upgrade Advisor to determine if all your hardware and drivers are compatible.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/advisor.mspx
Find and download XP drivers if you need them.
Run Belarc Adviser and print results.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
If your computer is very old you it may not support booting and installing from the CD drive. If this is the case you will need to either.
1) Install over the Service pack 1
2) Upgrade the BIOS to support booting and installing from the CD. then format drive and install XP
3) Download Windows XP Setup boot disks.
See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994
Then format drive and install XP.
2007-02-07 03:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously you can't format a harddrive without erasing the Operating system and since buying a full version of XP will cost mote than the computer your using is worth I wouldn't even go there. Loading XP service pack 2 would certainly slow that perticular computer down to a crawl if it works at all. Unfortunately most of the hardware on that computer won't even work with XP especuially the Modem. 5% of Windows 98 modems work with xp without needing updates from the manufacturer. Your in trouble, But honestly people in New England sell computers like the one your talking about for $50-$75.00 a piece with XP installed and a free gift basket.
2007-02-05 08:31:11 · answer #2 · answered by postmasterfsx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your service pack two install disc will work fine, you can choose the option when reinstalling XP to format the drive, and windows comes preloaded with basic drivers for most devices.
2007-02-05 08:23:49 · answer #3 · answered by brentonbiggs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you just want to upgrade to SP2 go to microsoft.com and download the updates. Then SP2 will be installed and you will not lose the drivers. If you do format the hard drive go to the manufactures website of the sound card and so on and they should have the drivers there. As far as formatting windows can do that when you reinstall windows.
2007-02-05 08:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by quikeye03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you in a big dilema.
1. the old one....
2. you need the driver, windows wont provide it
When you install a fresh copy of windows, you can choose wheter you format your HD or not, so you dont need another software to format your HD, but remmember, install a fresh copy of windows means you loose all your hardware driver.
I suggest you find all drivers firts, then install the XP, or just buy a new one....
2007-02-05 08:22:48 · answer #5 · answered by maxiangelo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That SP2 is available right on WindowsUpdate site as a free download to existing XP. Use WindowsExplorer browser to download it.
Better get that thing, its unsafe to run XP without it. It has safety features involving your ActiveX on the IntenetExplorer browser.
If you use FirefoxMozilla browser, that doesnt use ActiveX so you arent in quite the unsafe condition as with IE browser.
2007-02-05 09:49:17 · answer #6 · answered by James M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋