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ZeroleTheUntame

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19 years ago

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December 31st, 2007 07:00

Windows XP + Hard Drive Installation

Hey guys, I'm in the process of installing a new "Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM" into my Dimension 8400 because my old hard drive is failing. What I'm wondering is will I be able to use the Windows XP discs that came with my original desktop in order to reinstall Windows XP and etc. onto my new hard drive?

At the moment here are the exact names of the discs I have:

1) Operating System (Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Including Service Pack 2)
2) Drivers and Utilities (For Reinstallation V.9X (Capable)/56K Data/Fax Modem Software for Microsoft Windows)
3) Dell E773 Color Monitor User Documentation
4) Application (For Reinstallating CyberLink PowerDVD 5.3.1012 Software)
5) WordPerfect (Productivity Pack)
6) Application (For Reinstalling Sonic MyDVD 5.3 LE and RecordNow 7.3 LE Software)

I'll be honest and admit that I don't know much about computers but just from the titles and subtitles of the discs, is it safe to assume that the only discs I'll really need for installing Windows XP onto a new hard drive are #1 and 2?

Since I've gotten my Dimension 8400 I've bought a new monitor, and downloaded Microsoft Word through the University I'm attending which seems to void the value of discs #3 and 5. As for #4 and 6, are these optional programs that I can choose to use or are they necessary for the operating system?

I'm really not familiar with installing operating systems or reformatting computers but all I really need to do for my new hard drive is partition it as well as install Windows XP. I know this is a bit redundant but do you guys think the process is straight forward enough that I'll be able to manage? I'm guessing the first time I turn my computer on with the new hard drive installed I'll be prompted to install an OS or something so is it pretty straight forward from there after I insert disc #1? Thanks in advance for the help guys.

Message Edited by ZeroleTheUntamed on 12-31-2007 04:01 AM
  • dunedin

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 10:00



    ZeroleTheUntamed wrote:
    Hey guys, I'm in the process of installing a new "Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM" into my Dimension 8400 because my old hard drive is failing. What I'm wondering is will I be able to use the Windows XP discs that came with my original desktop in order to reinstall Windows XP and etc. onto my new hard drive?
    As long as this is the same machine/motherboard, then yes, but you might have to phone MS to reactivate XP

    At the moment here are the exact names of the discs I have:

    1) Operating System (Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Including Service Pack 2)
    2) Drivers and Utilities (For Reinstallation V.9X (Capable)/56K Data/Fax Modem Software for Microsoft Windows)
    3) Dell E773 Color Monitor User Documentation
    4) Application (For Reinstallating CyberLink PowerDVD 5.3.1012 Software)
    5) WordPerfect (Productivity Pack)
    6) Application (For Reinstalling Sonic MyDVD 5.3 LE and RecordNow 7.3 LE Software)

    I'll be honest and admit that I don't know much about computers but just from the titles and subtitles of the discs, is it safe to assume that the only discs I'll really need for installing Windows XP onto a new hard drive are #1 and 2?
    Yes

    Since I've gotten my Dimension 8400 I've bought a new monitor, and downloaded Microsoft Word through the University I'm attending which seems to void the value of discs #3 and 5.
    Yes
    As for #4 and 6, are these optional programs that I can choose to use or are they necessary for the operating system?
    Optional

    I'm really not familiar with installing operating systems or reformatting computers but all I really need to do for my new hard drive is partition it as well as install Windows XP. I know this is a bit redundant but do you guys think the process is straight forward enough that I'll be able to manage? I'm guessing the first time I turn my computer on with the new hard drive installed I'll be prompted to install an OS or something so is it pretty straight forward from there after I insert disc #1? Thanks in advance for the help guys.

    When you first boot up check in the BIOS that the new drive is recognised.
    Then insert disc #1 and reboot.  Installation is easy to do.  You will manage fine. Format and make partition
    Here are good tutorials for you
     
     
     
    Then use disc #2


  • mombodog

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 14:00

    Special considerations when reinstalling on the 8400
     
  • 361

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 18:00

    Thanks a ton for the help guys. Everything you said was pretty clear but what did you mean when you said I might have to phone MS to reactivate XP, dunedin? Do you mean Microsoft, and how would I know if I'd have to phone them in or not? Thanks.
  • 361

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 19:00

    Thanks again for all the help, I really appreciate it.
  • dunedin

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 19:00

    Yes I meant Microsoft, sorry :smileyhappy:
     
    IF you get asked to reactivate XP and IF it will not accept your product key when you type it in you will have to phone Microsoft and explain that your copy of XP is being reinstalled on the same system, but with a new hard drive.  In this event there will be a phone number onscreen for you. They will sort it out for you OK
     
    It might not happen though.  You just never know.
  • dunedin

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 20:00

    You are very welcome :smileyhappy:
  • GioAguilar

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 20:00

    I changed HDD on an Optiplex 170L and used the Same XP disc came with the computer and had no need to reactive by a phone call. I think is not really necesary unless you receive a message that says Windows will expire or something like that...
  • dunedin

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    Posted December 31st, 2007 21:00

    Yes, that is what I meant by
    " IF you get asked to reactivate XP " :smileyhappy:
  • 362

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    Posted January 1st, 2008 23:00

    Hey guys, I managed to install the new hard drive in without any problems but I ran into an issue while trying to install Windows.  First off, the screen that appears states...
    "No boot device available, Press F1 to Reboot or F2 for Setup"
     
    In any case I tried inserting the Windows XP CD anyway but after about 10 minutes some file it was trying to open up was stated as Corrupted.  I'm going to try again to get the name of the file but for now, do any of you have any ideas on what's wrong?
     
    I checked the BIOS and it seems to recognize my hard drive so I don't know what the problem is...
  • simpswr

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    Posted January 2nd, 2008 00:00

    See mombogs' post from yesterday . .