I'm gonna re-format and re-install my computer

[DanTheManPR]

I screwed it up while fixing that CD drive problem, and its getting alittle full of crap, and I never did get rid of that Dell stuff.

Anyways, anything I should know about re-installing XP that could hang me up in the middle of the procedure? *I'm doing a re-format, BTW. I want it squeaky clean. Should I also get rid of that extra partition that Dell slapped on? (the one that has some disk utilities?) I don't think I'll need that ever.

[Drewby]

If I were you, I would delete all of the partitions on the drive so that it is all free space and then partition it out how you want it. I make two partitions on mine, one for files and applications, the other for games. I always find it is best to wipe it all down to raw and restart from scratch.

The reinstall and reformat procedure is relatively simple to do. You shouldn't run into any problems with that. :thumbup:

[DanTheManPR]

Thats cool. I think I'll just dump everything onto one partition.

[Drewby]

You shouldn't have to much trouble, the most tch-savvy thing you have to do is set up the partitions. If you can get past that, it will be a cakewalk from there. :thumbup:

Good luck!

[Tavo]

I would recomend that you download a copy of Windows XP from a P2P program. Hold on, don't delete this. You already paid for your copy of Windows, and if you use the Dell disk then it will probably come full of crap. Use your original Windows key and you'll have your legal squeaky clean windows xp running.

[Drewby]

I would recomend that you download a copy of Windows XP from a P2P program. Hold on, don't delete this. You already paid for your copy of Windows, and if you use the Dell disk then it will probably come full of crap. Use your original Windows key and you'll have your legal squeaky clean windows xp running.

I believe that the Windows XP keycode doesn't follow an algorithm like most codes. I think it is specific to that disc. I believe this beacuase I tried to use my bro's disc once with my keycode as I was having problems getting mine to work and it told me that it was not the correct code. They were both XP Pro from the same store and this occured.

[DanTheManPR]

I don't think so, I remember them saying on the screensavers that you can use any activation code, so long as it isn't being used on another computer.

I think I'll do what Tavo suggested

Time to grovel to the mods..... grumble, grumble....




O PLEASE GREAT MODS, DON'T DELETE MY PITIFUL POST!

(spews a bunch of rhetoric about how its isn't technicaly piracy)

[DanTheManPR]

and if you use the Dell disk then it will probably come full of crap.
Naw, the dell stuff comes on a separate "support disk"

[Ojnod]

I personally have always used 2 partitions. 1 for the OS which is about 6-10 gigs then the rest for everything else. Though this is just what I do for when I have a single big drive. If I have multiple drives I do it all different.

[0x64657200 0x6A61636B616C00]

Good lord, you guys make my head hurt....


I don't think so, I remember them saying on the screensavers that you can use any activation code, so long as it isn't being used on another computer.

And isn't an OEM owned key. OEM keys will not work on retail CDs.


I believe that the Windows XP keycode doesn't follow an algorithm like most codes. I think it is specific to that disc. I believe this beacuase I tried to use my bro's disc once with my keycode as I was having problems getting mine to work and it told me that it was not the correct code. They were both XP Pro from the same store and this occured.

No, it's not specific to each disc.


I would recomend that you download a copy of Windows XP from a P2P program. Hold on, don't delete this. You already paid for your copy of Windows, and if you use the Dell disk then it will probably come full of crap. Use your original Windows key and you'll have your legal squeaky clean windows xp running.


And I'm not going to touch that one with a 12 meter pole. Legalities aside, do you think it wise to download your operating system from a Peer To Peer network? And as far as the CD key thing, see above.

[DanTheManPR]

Thanks for clearing that up, herr Jackle.

as for p2p... if for some very strange reason my WinXP CD doesn't work, I'll get a copy of win2000 from a friend

[0x64657200 0x6A61636B616C00]

Thanks for clearing that up, herr Jackle.

as for p2p... if for some very strange reason my WinXP CD doesn't work, I'll get a copy of win2000 from a friend

You can get another one. If your comptuer is a Dell, call them up and request another one. If you bought Windows XP privately, you can request one from Microsoft.