Reinstall XP Home and change Drive Letter?

Topic

New Reply

I replaced the HD in my HP desktop about two years ago. I bought a fresh copy of XP Home for the purpose. As I was installing, I noticed that I had left an External USB HD plugged in. It happened to be the largest drive available so Windows named it C. Windows asked me if I wanted to install the OS on that drive. No, of course not. I chose the Local Disk, named H, and finished the install.

Everything has worked fine for all this time, yet I feel it is time to reinstall XP. While installing, I will remember to unplug the USB Drive so the Local Disk will be named C. Is this going to cause any trouble during Validation? I want to be ready for any possible trouble.

Reply | Quote

Replies

Is this going to cause any trouble during Validation?

Are you thinking about the activation?

The short answer is: no.

You are allowed to reinstall it and to change some hardware. After installation it will monitor some hardware for changes, but it is possible to change quite a lot. And in this case you are changing one device (between two installs).

As I think you know, you have 30 days from the first start before activation is required, so take your time and check that everything is as you want, update drivers and test them etc, before you activate the OS copy.

However, if there are less than some 120 days since the last activation you may have to call MS Customer service, to be able to activate, instead of doing it via Internet.

For some more, general, information see:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/products/WindowsXP.aspx?displaylang=en

Reply | Quote

Yes, activation is what I meant. I was concerned that I was changing something that might make things difficult.

I hoped somebody would say, “No Problem!”. I Usually find more trouble than I am looking for.

Thanks for your help.

Reply | Quote