Installing WinXP and Activation

[Hansaman]

Hello, <BR><BR>I recently upgraded to WinXP Pro from Win98SE. I did not have Win98 on my computer at the time so during the installation, I was asked for a CD of a version of Windows. WinXP found what it needed and installed. After the install was completed, there were essentially no icons on the desktop (I have since created shortcuts for IE, My Computer, etc..). I am just not convinced that the install occurred without problems. How do I know it installed fully? (I was given the option of doing an upgrade or a full install during my first attempt at installing - Win 98 was loaded at that time). I also activated the OS.<BR><BR>My question is this, If I reformat my hard drives and re-instal XP (maybe an actual upgrade from Win98 this time) will I have to reactivate? All hardware is the same, nothing has been added or changed. Will I have any problems with this? Mr reason for even wanting to do this is because the system does not seem to be much faster then when I was running Win98. I am thinking of clearing the CMOS and disassembling the system and then doing a complete rebuild. <BR><BR>I am running an AMD AthlonXP 1800 with 512MB PC2700 DDR on an ABit KX7-333R. Which reminds me, will I be able to set-up the raid without problem (I have previous posts about problems with Win98). <BR><BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>H.

[Colin]

Hey Hansaman! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>Did you have any problems when you installed? If it didn't report any, you should be ok...<BR><BR>Officially yes, if you format your hdd you will need to reactivate it <b>BUT</b> you can get around this! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>With an <b>activated</b> WinXP, backup your <b>WPA.DBL</b> file which is in your System32 folder, burn it to CD or something and when you format and reinstall, simply copy that file on top of the freshly installed one! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Hansaman]

Actually Colin, I had several problems installing XP Pro. The first two attempts were aborted by the installer program. There was a corrupted file (in Win98SE) apparently that was all zeros and that would not allow the OS to install. I removed the SE part (which had been an upgrade anyway) and XP Pro installed fine. I then started getting error messages about some file that was missing. I zeroed out my hard drives and installed XP from the disc. Of course, it could not find any Win98 files so I was asked to insert a qualifying CD (98/98SE/WinME/NT/2000). I did and the install proceeded. However, no icons were placed on my desktop. I created them all manually. <BR><BR>I want to re-do my computer (from scratch) and set-up my RAID (Stripping). In my particular case, I have to go into the BIOS and change the 1st, 2nd and 3rd boot devices to ATA133RAID and then set it up with the RAID Set-up BIOS. I have done this before (trying with Win98SE) only to be told "MISSING OPERATING SYSTEM" when the computer is booting. Will the system find the XP disc if I do this? <BR><BR><BR>Thanks much Colin!<BR><BR>H.

[Colin]

Hmm, from what you wrote, I would format and reinstall as well. Hansaman by default the only icon on the desktop will be the recycle bin. You can put the My computer and such icon's back on the desktop by simply right clicking on the icons in the start menu and go to show on desktop. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>Hansaman if your computer cannot find the CD, simply press the any key on the keyboard and the computer will look for bootable media in the other devices of your computer. One thing, you may need to install your RAID driver for WinXP to recognize it. You know, you gotta press the F6 button when you're first loading the OS. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Hansaman]

So you are saying that I may have to install the raid driver before I install the OS? It will install? <BR>Interesting. Thanks! Will be tearing it apart tomorrow (I am working a short day) and will find out what happens. Will keep you posted. <BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>H.

[Colin]

Yes, if WinXP does not natively have the driver for your RAID controller, you will have to install the driver first so Windows knows where the HDD's are. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> When you install fresh, you'll see what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Hansaman]

All systems are go now!! I zeroed out my hard drives (per WD instructions - wrote zeros to the drives), reconnected them to the RAID controller (and changed the jumpers), set-up RAID 0 and installed XP Pro. Worked like a champ!! "Local Disk C (in My computer) shows 149GB (both drives together which are 80GBs each). This is what I was told to expect by WD. The increase is performance is quite noticeable. Boots up much faster, software installs are quicker. Should have upgraded to XP a long time ago! Colin, I did copy that file out of my System 32 folder like you mentioned but I could not get it to load (must have copied it back wrong), so I had to reactivate XP via phone with MS. Not a problem though. So glad to have this puppy up and running in RAID! Thank much!!<BR><BR>H.

[Colin]

Hansaman, that's great news!!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> You sound very happy, that's cool. Welcome to the world of WinXP! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[consilium]

i hate the windows xp activation thingy, i used a corporte cd key. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[TangIna]

The best way to install Windows XP is to format your hard-drive first and then install... So then, there's no Windows 98 s h i t on your hard-drive. I've never had problem intalling XP... I've done it like almost 30 times to computers I have built and sold... heheheheh