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Author Topic: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.  (Read 2964 times)

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natsirt152

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Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
« on: August 31, 2009, 12:22:01 AM »
Ok my question is, I just received my moms old computer. It's roughly 4-5 years old, I have a brand new hard drive and a new windows XP. Can I just remove the old hard drive, put the new one in, put the new windows xp on it? I ask this cause she doesn't have the recovery disks and it won't let me make new ones, but I don't have any driver disks, if i do this new install of windows on this new hard drive is it gonna work? Im not sure where or how to get drivers her comp. Ive redone installs of windows before but had drivers disks. but this is new for me. its a former HP beyond warranty.

hot dog

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Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2009, 01:30:05 AM »
Can I just remove the old hard drive, put the new one in, put the new windows xp on it?

As long as the Installation disk you are using is a "retail" copy of Windows XP and the license key is not currently in use by another computer, you're good to go..

As far as drivers are concerned, since you are putting in a new hard and have access to other computers for downloading stuff, I would just do the install, and add additional drivers as needed...  You can get drivers from virtually anywhere if you know what hardware is in your system...

What's the make/model of the computer?

edit: before doing the install, I would open up the computer and blow it out with a can of compressed air.... make sure you hit the heat sink of the processor well.. That's the metallic thing on the motherboard with the fan sitting on top of it..  ;)

soybean



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Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2009, 12:33:27 PM »
If possible, a visit to the manufacturer's website to download drivers and burning them to a CD or putting on a flash drive before starting this new installation of Windows could be helpful and make the process go smoother.

squall_01



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    Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
    « Reply #3 on: August 31, 2009, 03:35:50 PM »
    make sure to get the xp updates an stay away from IE 8 :D
    Windows 7 RC Tester.  Working on it.  Your monitor says etchasketch on the side!

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    Allan

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    Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
    « Reply #4 on: August 31, 2009, 03:44:46 PM »
    make sure to get the xp updates an stay away from IE 8 :D
    In your opinion, you mean. I happen to like IE8

    squall_01



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      Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
      « Reply #5 on: August 31, 2009, 03:45:58 PM »
      there are still potential issues with it.
      Windows 7 RC Tester.  Working on it.  Your monitor says etchasketch on the side!

      If I fall who is there to pick me up now.  I stand alone but I stand as the gaurdian for whom I wish to protect.  The sound of my blade utters my name as you fall.  For I shall not move.  For those that forsake the very people are wosres

      Allan

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      Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
      « Reply #6 on: August 31, 2009, 03:48:44 PM »
      Such as?

      smeezekitty

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      Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
      « Reply #7 on: August 31, 2009, 03:53:22 PM »
      the main consern after installing XP is get an antivirus
      updates arent that important and i am staying away from ie8

      lectrocrew



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      Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
      « Reply #8 on: August 31, 2009, 04:00:38 PM »

      Quote
      stay away from IE 8 :D

      Quote
      and i am staying away from ie8

      Does this have something to do with the topic?

      patio

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      Re: Questions/Help with fixing my computer.
      « Reply #9 on: August 31, 2009, 05:43:37 PM »
      And after promising you wouldn't 3 days ago you are advocating this

      Quote
      updates arent that important
      " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "