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    laptop with wiped hard drive, need help adding operating system

    Discussion in 'HP' started by padparadscha, Jan 24, 2011.

  1. padparadscha

    padparadscha Newbie

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    I purchased a used compaq evo n610c laptop from ebay. They said the hard drive has been wiped. How do I go about putting an operating system on it? It says it was designed for microsoft windows 2000 professional, if that matters. Do I need to get a new hard drive put in or can I just get software and put in the operating system myself?
     
    padparadscha, Jan 24, 2011
    #1
  2. Star Forge

    Star Forge Quaggan's Creed Redux!

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    No you just need to a copy of an OS that has a valid CD-Key and install it on the clean drive. Boot from the CD first and follow the directions. Also, you don't need Windows 2000 Pro as it says (that OS is ancient and outdated, even though some companies STILL use it). You can prolly pick up a cheap copy of XP somewhere and install XP (which to this day is still good).
     
    Star Forge, Jan 24, 2011
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  3. padparadscha

    padparadscha Newbie

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    Thank-you so much!!! I was wondering if I could do that but wasn't sure. I've never done it before and wanted to find out before I bought one. Thanks again!!
     
    padparadscha, Jan 25, 2011
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  4. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    You're also going to need drivers. You'll have to google most of those.

    When the OS is set up and you get (!) next to things that need a driver in device manager, simply right click that device, select properties, and the details tab. In the dropdown box, select hardware ids. Copy the hardware ID and Google that on the web to find what it is,who makes the subsystem, and then find what driver you need with that info.
     
    2.0, Jan 25, 2011
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  5. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    KLF, Jan 26, 2011
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