> _DD wrote:
>> I've got a couple XP partitions that seem flakey, perhaps just due
>> to hit-or-miss Windows updates (some didn't go well--I noticed
>> problems immediately after). I do have newer install CDs with SP3
>> merged, but I don't want to reinstall all apps if that can be
>> avoided.
>>
>> Is there an easy way to do a "repair" installation from the XP SP3
>> CDs, over top of the existing XP installs? Goal being to keep all
>> the existing apps.
>>
>> Secondary to this, I'd probably need to wipe the older keys, as the
>> newer CDs have different keys. A regular repair seems to want the
>> original install CD, which, in this case, would defeat the purpose.
"Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news
VuJo9ElKHA.6096@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
>
> How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341
>
> A "repair" installation of Windows XP (in-place upgrade) normally does not
> require one to re-install any software, etc. It can be used to change the
> product key of a Windows XP installation as well (although Microsoft does
> provide a tool that can do that too.) In any case - a specific product
> key is not assigned to a specific Windows XP CD - the CD itself (unless
> modified for an unattended or partially unattended installation) has no
> record of the specific key - just the *type* of key one can use (for what
> edition - home, professional, media center, tablet pc, etc... AND the type
> of license - OEM, retail, upgrade, volume, etc...)
>
> Hope that helps.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
DD:
Undertaking a Repair install of the OS is a relatively straightforward
process. It would be roughly akin to making a fresh install of the OS, but
in nearly every case your existing programs & user-created data would be
retained. Notice I said "nearly". While it would be a rather rare situation
where data would be lost or corrupted as a result of the Repair install, and
as unlikely as it may be, it *could* happen.
So if there are any programs and/or other data on your present drive that
are absolutely crucial to you and you could not tolerate their loss, then I
would strongly suggest that before undertaking this Repair install operation
that you first either make a "clone" of your existing HDD (using a
disk-cloning or disk-imaging program) or, if that's not practical, prior to
undertaking the Repair install, pull off whatever data you want onto some
removable media, e.g., flash drive, CD, another external HDD, etc.
Again, it's a relatively rare event that a loss or corruption of data will
occur even when the Repair install is unsuccessful, but it *can* happen. So
you should be aware of this.
Here are some more step-by-step instructions re the Repair install that can
be found at Microsoft's site...
The repair and reinstallation process might take more than an hour.
Eventually, Setup prompts you to answer questions just as if you were
installing Windows XP for the first time. For detailed instructions, read
"Install Windows XP" at...
http
/www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx"
<quote>
Before performing a repair installation of Windows XP, you should have both
your Windows XP CD and your product key available.
To perform a repair installation of Windows XP
1. Insert your Windows XP CD into your computer.
2. Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM.
3. When the Welcome to Setup page appears, press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement.
Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then,
press F8.
5. When prompted, press R to have Windows XP attempt to repair Windows by
reinstalling important Windows components.
</quote>
Also, here are some other websites that contain detailed step-by-step
instructions for undertaking a Repair install in case you're interested.
It's a relatively simple & straightforward process and usually not terribly
time-consuming. As I've indicated, it's roughly similar to making a fresh
install of the XP OS.
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=138
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341
As you will note from the various instructions re the Repair install, and as
Shenan pointed out, you can enter the appropriate Product ID key during the
process.
Assuming the Repair install is successful, you should use your A-V program
to immediately check out your PC for any virus infestation. Also, you will
need to download/install *all* the MS critical updates since SP3 and
possibly some updated programs from MS in which you're interested.
Just one thing more...
It's just possible that other factors may be involved here that are causing
the problem(s) you relate when you state "I've got a couple XP partitions
that seem flakey..." and that a Repair install of the OS won't "cure". But
no doubt you're aware of that, yes?
Anna