after reformating problem

[filip69692000]

ok my friend has just reformatted his harddrive and now when he puts his winXP update cd it installs the files and says "cannot find a valid OS, please insert Windows Nt, 2000, win 98" he doesn't have any of these, what can he do in this situation???

[filip69692000]

i have an xp pro full install, i was wondering if i could give that to him to install, but keep in mind that his hard drive is empty, this is after formatting the drive

[Polykranopalous]

well id hope after reformatting the hd that it would be empty... as to lending ur cd to ur buddy to try, don't wait for answers here, just give it a try it might work and if it doesn't than, what were you thinking?

[filip69692000]

i know thats what i told him, he said "my computer was running like garbage, so thats why i formatted" and i told him, why didn't he have all the necessay tools and software after the formatting

[roy]

It's looking for an OS because it's an update CD. If you reformat, naturally the OS will be gone, and the update won't work unless you can insert a previous version of Windows. The only thing you can do is use the full installation version. Actually, I remember reading an article about turning your Update CD into a Full one. You just need to burn a copy of the CD and add a couple files. I couldn't tell ya where to find that info though, I'm sure you can dig it up.

[Avid6eek]

Roy couldn't have said it better. It's not working because you can't update nothing <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> That is why you spend a few bucks more and always buy the full version of Windows.

[filip69692000]

he has that upgrade cd that came with his computer, ya know which one, whats this coupe file, can u tell me a little more about it so i know what im looking for??<BR><BR><BR>(actually what u guys said i already knew but i wanted to see if u had alternates)

[DeanLowe]

I'd say google.com is a good place to look. Don't expected too much help here though because PCStats frowns on anything that could upset the almighty MS legal team.

[Avid6eek]

but AOL IM doesn't so if you have any questions, you can reach us there for advice <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

[roy]

Yeah dude, drop me a line and I'll give you more info.

[Colin]

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Sorry, I can't say anything cuz we can get in trouble for that.