ANY XP Xpo disc?

[ran]

Can I install any XP Pro disc, but use MY activation code when needed? My disc is scratched up and will not load windows. I read about this on a search. thanks much

 

[RedDragonATL]

Yes, the install is not tied to your activation code.

 

[ran]

Thanks but the same problem is happening. SetUp, format then it should reboot to loading Windows. It is looping back to SetUp. I did it 10 times on the original disc and 4 times now on this 'licence disc'. Only a 3 year old 320 GB Seagate. Must be my hard drive?

 

[borgzman]

maybe bad sectors on hard disk. How about partition the disk first, set the 2nd partion active and there install xp? It might be that the bad sectors are only in the beginning of the writing area of the disk.

 

[ran]

Without an OS, how can I run any program?? Actually it was partitioned 320 GB to 2 parts. Only seems to see C drive in Setup/format. Last try was with StartUp disc. If this is looking at a bad HD, would a full format (in another PC) clean it up enough? I might have a 80 GB HD WD ready to try.

 

[borgzman]

Yes, you can run programs from a boot disk. A bootable disk will create a temporary ram drive so that programs such as disk tools can run. There free bootable/troubleshooting disks, heres one: Ultimate Boot CD - Overview

You can format and partition your disk, when done, run XP setup if partion one is bad, reformat it and next time install to partition two.

Some times a low level format is needed to solve disk and setup problems

 

[ran]

I kept the 80 GB WD HD that was the first HD in it. I can load that back in, and format the 320GB. I'l grab a quick bite and tackle that next. fun times. almost 60 yrs, may take a few minutes longer. thanks

 

[ran]

Just an update, the 80 GB WD is screaming for updates. and blue screened on me once. I also have access to a P3 w/500wt PS. Probably enough to do same format. Will probably tackle it in the morning. thanks much

 

[ran]

OK, I switched out the DVD for a basic CD-Rom, switched out ribbon cable to HD. Tried XP load, but it is looping back to SetUp. I have not done full format in another machine yet. The 80 GB failed (wonder why I upgraded that). I'll try Setup again and pull it for a format, failed. will pull it and install in another for format. later. thanks all

 

[ran]

OK, I pulled 320 GB to format in another PC. Reinstalled and it is doing same thing. switched ribbon cable and D drive to basic CD Rom. (the Format took out my partitions, no problem) ideas? The CD Copy I made comes up as non valid image. fun times.

 

[ran]

The original disc did load but Windows will not launch on the 80 GB HD that I formatted and ran thru Seagate Utility to take out the partition . must be a new Hard Drive in my future. fun. thanks all