I upgraded my computer (notebook Satellite 2800-500 of Toshiba) from
Windows 98 to Windows XP Home. Now, 5 months later, I want to start
again from zero. Thus, formatting the hard disk and installing Windows
XP again.
Is this possible with the upgrade version of Windows XP? How to do the
formatting? Will I have to reactivate again? What is the best way to
proceed?

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Request for Question Clarification by seizer-ga on 25 Nov 2002 10:00 PST

Hi there celik!

Do you still have the original Windows 98 CD-ROM? 

Thanks,

--seizer-ga

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Clarification of Question by celik-ga on 25 Nov 2002 11:24 PST

No, I have not the original Windows CD-ROM. Actually, it was Windows
ME, not Windows 98; my mistake.
But the productcode (25 characters) is indicated on the backside of my
notebook. Also the registernumber of my Windows XP Home version is
indicated (Control Panel ---> System ---> General).

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Request for Question Clarification by seizer-ga on 25 Nov 2002 11:35 PST

Hi there.

Do you have a copy of Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME? It may be
difficult to use the upgrade copy without one of these.

Thanks,

--seizer-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by seizer-ga on 25 Nov 2002 11:38 PST

I'm sorry - I made a mistake: Windows 95 can't be upgraded. If you
have 98 or ME, though, this would be good. I'll try to examine other
solutions for you as well.

Thanks,

--seizer-ga

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Clarification of Question by celik-ga on 25 Nov 2002 13:18 PST

No. The only Windows CD-ROM I have is the upgrade version of Windows XP Home.

Hi celik,

I will take your questions in order:

1) Is [a clean re-install] possible with the upgrade version of
Windows XP?

YES! provided that you have your original Product ID number that came
with your purchased copy of Windows XP, and some method of proving
that you are entitled to "upgrade" to Windows XP Home.

Methods of proving you are entitled to the upgrade are: original
windows 98, 98SE or ME CD. You can *sometimes* also call Microsoft to
obtain a 'bypass' code if they believe that you are legally entitled
to run Windows XP Home Upgrade.

If you have lost your previous Windows CD, and you are a legal owner
of a licence to the same version of Windows, you may borrow the media
from a friend to go through the upgrade verification screen: or, Do
not 'format' the drive, but simply rename the 'windows' directory in
DOS to be 'windows.old'. Install a clean copy of XP Home, then remove
the windows.old directory when you have finished the reinstall.


2) How to do the formatting?

Windows XP Home installation CD includes a method to format your drive
AS your are installing the software. Simply read and follow the
prompts -- it is VERY obvious where to do it from! It will ask you
which partition you'd like to install the software to, and it will
give you the option of DELETING the partition. It will then ask how
you wish to REFORMAT it? I would HIGHLY recommend you select NTFS
filesystem.


3) Will I have to reactivate again?

Yes. But, since the hardware hasn't changed, it should only take a few
seconds.


4) What is the best way to proceed?

Ideally, the first step is to obtain a Windows 98 CD. The rest of the
installation at that point will be a breeze. On the other hand, should
you not have the CD, you could always call up Microsoft and request a
replacement CD (they will need your original Product ID number (on the
bottom of the computer) and possibly a few other details). It should
be around $23 + $5 S&H + tax for a replacement CD. The number to call
to order the replacement CD should be: 800-360-7561 M-F 8-10pm EST.

IF the copy of Windows that was on the computer was "bundled" with the
computer, you will have to contact the manufacturer of the system for
a replacement CD.

If you can not get ahold of the manufacturer, you can also try
Microsoft's OEM line at 800-325-1233 M-F 5:30am-6pm PST. They may be
able to help you out.

I hope this answers your questions. Please ask for clarification prior
to rating this answer if any part of it is unclear.

Thanks!

Legolas-ga

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Clarification of Answer by legolas-ga on 07 Dec 2002 14:02 PST

Thanks so much for the praise and the 5-stars!

Thanks for the clear and complete answer.