Logic Flaws in XP Upgrade?

Question

I'm thinking Xmas present here.  I am attempting to decide on the 'best way' to upgrade my brother's 3 yr+ old Dell Dimension 4100 from Windows ME to Windows XP and would like your feedback on my 'best way' logic.  My brother lives some 2000+ miles away and is not an experienced computer user.  We do a lot of HELP over long distance telephone which has always worked fine; however, nothing as extensive as an OS swap out.  Here's what I've mentally honed in on and would sincerely receive your feedback on cracks in my logic.  I have a fully loaded+ Dell Dimension 8200 with XP on it.  My brother's Internet connection is 56k dialup whereas mine is 2 gigabit cable.  My logic is also based on the age of the Dell Dim 4100 which is pretty much a Dell standard configuration.  I want to give him a Formatted/Clean Install of Windows XP.  I am a fairly experienced computer user; however, I have never done a remote upgrade of the OS as described below.  Please understand I'm trying to make it as easy as practical and reduces many hours of long distance telephone time.  1.  My brother's system was just upgraded to the latest Dimension 4100 A11 BIOS as downloaded from Dell. 2.  My brother 'borrows' from a nearby friend a Dell-supplied XP reinstall disk and runs the compatibility test to define what third party software needs upgrading.  3.  My brother saves off on CDs all documents and other items that he wants to retain and restore. 4.  My brother sends me his Windows ME disk and any other third party software CDs he wants to keep on his system.  5.  I purchase a new Western Digital SE hard drive for his system...one that fits his system and mine. 6.  I 'temporarily' remove my 8200 hard drive and install the new WD hard drive on my system, format it for use and set up to boot off my CD drive. 7.  I install the new Windows XP upgrade using his Windows ME as the upgrade reference.  I recognize it will set up all my hardware drivers based on my system configuration during this setup.  I activate the XP upgrade via telephone. 8.  I then download/install, via high speed internet, all XP hotfixes, etc. 9.  I set up the OS to what I know/feel best suits my brother's usage and needs.  10.  I load all third party software, apply any updates via the internet, and set these programs up based on my brother's requirements.  This would include NIS 2004, MS Office XP, Roxio, etc.  11. Once everything is setup and I deem the upgrade and setups are complete, I remove the new hard drive and mail it and his software CDs back to my brother.   12. Telephone time… My brother installs the new hard drive in his 4100 and boots up.  I am 'assuming' that XP will see the hardware differences, kick out my 8200 hardware configuration, and set up his configuration as it starts booting up for the first time.  This is what I am most concerned about and that the hardware automatic conversion will happen.  My thinking says it will.  I know drivers will have to be examined; however, I don't think his hardware configuration will require any updates over the standard XP drivers.  13.  My brother deletes my cable modem Internet connection and sets up his Internet dialup connection and OE mail system.  He then downloads any new Windows Updates and NIS 2004 updates.  14.  At this point, he will have written procedures from me on how to use various system features of XP to change the normal 'personal preference' features he might want to...such as display resolution, etc.  15.  Once stabilized and somewhat familiar with XP, my brother would then restore all his personal documents, etc….more telephone time. Would appreciate receiving feedback on logic flaws and any tips you might have.  Thanks much in advance.

siliconman · Answer

Sorry for the long post... Well, my logic is/was totally flawed.  Thanks for the 'straightening out'.

fireberd · Answer

After trying to go through your long post, I'll answer with a relatively short answer. When you install ANY operating system, it configures itself for the hardware system it is installing on. If the system is not EXACTLY the same it will not run or run correctly on a different system. Second, with Windows XP (retail) it has a built in activation for the system it is installed on and it takes certain information from the installed systems hardware. Even if you don't activate it after installing it is still keyed on the hardware in your system not your brothers.

Bottom line, you will just have to talk your brother through the installation or have him send you his PC and you do the install.

kippy50 · Answer

Ya know your a good bro for doing this, but I would include with the XP upgrade a $100 check to take it to a local PC shop for the install.  One, it will save you from aging about 10 years trying to help and two it will insure its done properly if brother doesnt feel comfortable doing it.  Kip

jmwills · Answer

Point your brother to the following site for the most comprehensive setup instructions anywhere: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

jmwills · Answer

One thing to consider is if you install XP Pro on your brothers machine, you could enable Remote Desktop Connection and provide support to him that way in the future.  XP Home does not have this feature. Message Edited by jmwills on 12-01-2003 02:41 PM

gryjhnhpe · Answer

You say you used Upgrade CD & your PC so even if he sends you his PC or you send him the Upgrade CD , he probably won't be able to Activate Windows XP as you have already activated on your PC by phone.
(not sure if Activation by phone gets recorded on Microsoft database so he might be able to Activate by Internet.?)
Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

or use this link & 1st Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean install
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

or this link & select XP Home or PRO with large pictures also has Upgrade pictures but Clean install it better.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

Clean install Formats HD during instal from XP CD.
Set BIOS to use CD-ROM as 1st boot device by pressing F2 during boot (startup).

siliconman · Answer

Hey thanks for the further feedback! The webpage on the XP upgrade is particularly interesting and just might be the route.  I'm considering both suggestions, for sure.

Windows General

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