Why won't my Xp CD recognize itself.

sepulchresepulchre
edited February 2008 in Science & Tech
I've had Windows XP for a few years, upgrading to SP2 along the way. When I had a virus problem a few months ago I had to reinstall - no problem. So I know the CD is ok.
Then My hard drive bit the dust.
So now I have a new hard drive, freshly formatted. When I try to install Windows and get to the point where it gives choices of a new install or to repair. Repair doesn't work; there's nothing to repair. When I choose new install it tells me to put a valid Windows CD in the drive. It IS a valid Windows CD. I keep it in the original packaging.
Is there something I'm missing?
I'd really appreciate any help on this.
Thanks,
Ken

Comments

  • ThelemechThelemech Victoria Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    Was this copy of XP an OEM(came with the computer) or bought off the shelf?
    If it is an OEM copy your Xp disk may be usable only with the original hd, where a hidden partition is located to make the install easier for the user and to inhibit the ability to install that copy of windows(OEM) to another machine.
    Someone else may have some other ideas.
  • sepulchresepulchre
    edited February 2008
    I believe it's off the shelf. I'm not absolutely sure because the computer was given to me (as payment for some work I did). When I asked later, the guy gave me the disk saying he meant to give it to me before.
    I think it's off the shelf because:
    1) It's in a nice windows folder, not just a CD sleeve, and
    2) I strongly suspect that he may have used it on one of his machines before giving it to me. It has worked for me reinstalling on my machine twice. If it were an OEM I don't think that would work.
    However, I have no way to no because he has since passed away. I don't mean to speak ill of the dead but , though he was a good hearted man, he didn't mind bending the rules a bit. After all, he paid $350 for the PC and gave it to me for a $500 job. (I found out later from his girlfriend)
    Anyway, thanks for the info! I hope that's not the case (OEM) as that hard drive is history.

    Ken
  • drasnordrasnor Starship Operator Hawthorne, CA Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    It's probably an upgrade CD. You need a valid Windows CD from a previous version (2000, ME, 98) so it can verify that you're actually upgrading.

    -drasnor :fold:
  • sepulchresepulchre
    edited February 2008
    You're exactly right, as I found out last night. Fortunately, I have an old Win 98 CD stuck back in my 'archives'. XP installed just fine and works great.
    Thanks for your input!
    Ken
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