want to start my computer new

[Jomo]

I have a Toshiba Satellite which is 3 years old. It came with either 95 or 98 installed on it. I quickly upgraded it to xp home edition. Now ( 3 years later) the computer is real slow even after I added some more ram it to and I just want to start fresh. The problem is when I put in my start up disk it says that the disk is not for my computer. Is this because I installed xp over 98 or is it some other reason? In either case I'd appreciate it if someone can help me install a clean version of xp.
Thanks,
Jomo

[Leonardo]

I quickly upgraded it to xp home edition. If you used an "upgrade" version of WinXP, you cannot use it to make a new (clean) installation. An upgrade Windows copy will only install over the top of a previous Windows version.

[profdlp]

Ummm... :buck:

You can use an upgrade version for a clean install. At some point Windows Setup will determine that you have an upgrade disc and ask you to insert the original full version CD (for instance Win98 or WinME, etc). After it decides that you're OK it will prompt you to reinsert the upgrade CD and will keep on truckin' from there.

The problem you may run into is if the laptop didn't come with a full version CD. If all you have is one of those lousy recovery disc sets then I'd recommend that you find a full version of Win98 for sale on eBay, or buy one from a friend. :)

[Leonardo]

Thanks for correcting me, Prof. Now I know.

[profdlp]

Leo, I can tell you that I learned it the hard way. I used to install Win95, then the Win98 upgrade. Often it took three or four tries to get all the way through both. By the time Win98se came along I was ready to buy the full version, just to avoid having to go through a three-level process. :eek:

The ironic thing is that back in those days I would routinely format my drive every three-four months. With the advent of WinXP and its Repair Install feature it's been years since I had to do that. So, now that I know the time-saving way to do things I hardly ever have to do it. :crazy: