Need help with Windows XP installation...PLEASE!!!?

Question

My work computer crashed, and I unfortunately don't have the original disks to reboot Windows XP, so I downloaded a copy. Trouble is, I don't know what to do with the downloaded copy now!! All of my computers proir to this have been preinstalled with XP, and not to mention i've got to try the install on a pc that has crashed, it all just scares me a little I guess! Is installing XP any different than any other program installation? If so,how? Also will the install even be possible on a crashed pc, and if so what steps should I take to ensure success? I know i'm asking alot, but I really need my computer for work, and can't seem to get anyone to physically help me, so i'm going to give it a shot and hope for the best! Step by step directions for dummies would be perfect, but I will take what I can get. Thanks in advance to anyone nice enough to lend there expertise!! Will award points promptly!!!

Answer 1

It will lead you through it step by step. I can reload an OP
in about 30 min. You may have a problem since it's not
a legit copy of XP. I assume you burned it off on a cd? The key codes may not work.

Answer 2

I don't understand how you downloaded a copy if your computer has crashed! I presume that you downloaded it on another computer.? Even so, I'm not sure it would be a legit copy given that normally you can only get Win XP from a CD-ROM!

However, if you've got a downloaded copy on another computer, you would have to burn it to CD-ROM. Having done that you would then insert that CD-ROM into your crashed computer. The only other snag is that you may need a product registration code for which you have to pay! Once you have the registration code it is quite straightforward to do the reinstall - just follow the prompts.

You said that it is a work computer. If you work in an organisation with an IT department, it might be better to get them to do the reinstall!

The only other thing to bear in mind is that a reinstall reformats the hard drive and thus you lose any important data or emails that may be stored on it. If this is the case, you'd better get it done by a professional!

Answer 3

How did your Computer Crash? Can you still turn it on and see all the checkups done on your screen? (there would be memory testing somewhere and a listing of some of your hardware and such things.). If your Computer still works it should also beep once when you turn it on (mos computers do).
If it beeps more than once or you don't get anything displayed on your monitor, you hardware is probably defect. In that case you have no way of installing WinXP.

Downloading windows is illegal in most countries, and you have no guarantee that your serial number will work with the downloaded copy.
But if you are sure you want to do this just follow the steps on the following website. There is much to read , but it is very thorough. To ensure success a clean install is in order. If you have backups form your work it will be the best bet. Otherwise read carefully, there are hints on how you can keep some data from your previous installation in some circumstances- otherwise all data on your computer will be erased with this installation method-

Answer 4

To my understanding as a computer technician, your computer is biting the dust.

What you should do is remove the old Windows XP cartridge and throw it away. When you open up the back of your computer you should see it. If not, you'll have to bring your computer into a Geek Squad(R) technician to have them help you. If you do find it, remove it and KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE. Go out and buy a new cartridge that run around $400. Or, you can upgrade to the new Windows(R) Vista(TM) and have your computer up to date. Following that, you will lost any saved memory because I'm sure you will have to buy a new memory card to go along with it.

If you're still having problems, or don't want to go through all of this hastle, I suggest you just buy a new computer because Windows(R) on a disk won't do you diddly crap.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Hi. By downloaded I assume you mean from Microsoft. Otherwise your efforts will be in vain. If you have an .iso file and a cd burner, make a disk. Change your BIOS to allow 'boot from cd'. Put in the CD and reboot. This should walk you through the entire process.

Answer 6

burn to disk.

go to crashed pc and make it bot from disk
and folow instructions

make sure to when you get to it delet the original partition then create a new one then format it with ntf files. youl know what to do when you get it
just follow instructions

Answer 7

hey u gatta get xp cd, i prefer 9/1 and choolse corpprate cuz u dont need to register it, but u gatta BOOT from cd, them reformate hard drive, first delete the section them instal windows over it, its simple.......

Answer 8

Contact [e-mail] He will be able explain what to do a lot better than I can! have A nice day!

Answer 9

u will need a hard copy of the disk in order to reload windows...

Answer 10

if you go to http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx you should be able to get what you need there. otherwise, try http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx. If you still need help, email [e-mail]....