OS install guide.

Is there a guide around to install xp pro on a compaq laptop that came with home? I have xp pro that id like to install but if it messes up the media buttons and all that then i wont. Is there a guide so that everything works right?

 

I had a similar problem after I bought a used Presario 900 from a friend at work. My friend failed to provide any of the restore discs that came with the system. I wanted to do a clean install, but I didn't know if I could without the restore discs. Lucky for me, I had a spare Windows XP CD lying around, but I had none of the other drivers I needed. Good thing HP/Compaq allows you to download them from their website. I would recommend that you do the same. You could do an upgrade install, but I've heard too many people report instability problems afterwards. Your best bet is to start from scratch. After you do a fresh install, simply go to HP/Compaq's support site to download the latest drivers for your system. Or install the drivers from the restore discs that (hopefully) came with your system. You should then have both a clean install and a fully functioning computer. Just make sure to back up the partition that houses QuickPlay or you might lose it during the reformat. Afterwards I would recommend you use a good backup utility, such as Acronis True Image, to make a disk image of your system so that you can easily restore it in the future and avoid going through all this again in the event of a major crash/ hard drive failure. Good Luck!