Cant install Windows XP

Alright, im trying to reinstall windows XP on my harddrive. I have done it several times before without a problem. But now im trying to install it and it wont let me.

When I boot from the Windows XP cd everything loads, setup and all that good stuff loads, then I press enter to install a fresh copy. I hit F8 to agree with the liscense, then it tells me that it cannot detect a previous version of Windows and tells me to insert the installation cd, which is already in the drive. I took it out and reinserted it and pressed enter and then it tells me it cannot read the cd, and I have to turn off computer. I reformatted the harddrive so there is nothing on it.

I tried to run it on my mom's computer and it ran fine. I when through the prompts like I was going to set it up, and it did not give me that screen about "not detecting a previous version of windows". Can anybody tell what is going on, and how I can get it working? Thanks.

moderate_rock48

Posting Pro

571 posts since Nov 2004

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6 Years Ago

0

If it's a legal copy of XP, contact Microsoft. I believe that there is an inbuilt limit on the number of times you can install XP to minimise piracy. Sorry I can't help explain why it works on another computer, other than to guess that your registry has recorded previous installations.

Try this help page on microsoft - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

numerouno

Newbie Poster

24 posts since Apr 2005

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6 Years Ago

0

It sounds to me like the particular Windows CD you have is an upgrade version. That is why it is asking for a Windows installation CD. If you have an older version of Windows laying around, pop that in and follow the prompts and see what happens.

Soupy

Newbie Poster

15 posts since Jul 2005

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6 Years Ago

0

It is an upgrade version, but I dont have another version of windows on cd. Any suggestions on how else I might install it?

moderate_rock48

Posting Pro

571 posts since Nov 2004

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6 Years Ago

0

If he formatted the hard drive there shouldn't be a registry. Is the disk scratched or anything? Maybe the cdrom is having problems reading the disk.

Sauce

Junior Poster in Training

55 posts since Jul 2005

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6 Years Ago

0

Its a little scratched, but like I said, the other computer that I have has no problems reading the disc.

moderate_rock48

Posting Pro

571 posts since Nov 2004

Reputation Points: 29

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6 Years Ago

0

Well the only thing I can say i that you have a 1. upgrade version(which you cannot install if there is nothing to upgrade in the first place) and 2. you have a scratched installation disk(which may cause some errors while the Drive is reading it). My only recommendation is to buy a new installation disk and try running it on your PC that should work fine. Correct me guys if I am wrong. :)

Psyrick

Newbie Poster

14 posts since Aug 2005

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6 Years Ago

0

I guess people don't like to hear the truth... If you do not have an older version of Windows (EX: Win95, Win98, win 2000 etc) then you can do nothing with the upgrade cd. Look on Ebay & just buy an old 95 disk, they are a dime a dozen these days.

kccomputerdr

Junior Poster

128 posts since Jul 2005

Reputation Points: 10

Solved Threads: 3

6 Years Ago

0

when installing xp or 2000, people often forget press F3 to quit repair option. i cannot believe it happened with you.

lloyd

Junior Poster in Training

60 posts since Jun 2005

Reputation Points: 10