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    A basic question: How to put XP on my laptop with no previous Windows OS

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by unknowing, Oct 9, 2009.

  1. unknowing

    unknowing Newbie

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    I have a rather old laptop that I've acquired from an old hospital. It's a Toshiba Portege. It came with xubuntu on it, which I quickly deleted, and now I want to put Windows XP on it, but it won't let me. It says that this computer never had a Windows OS on it before, and to verify that I'm qualified to put XP on it I have to put in a disk of a previous Windows OS ('95, '98, ME, ect.). I don't have one of those, so how do I put XP on my laptop that has no OS on it right now???


    -All help is appreciated-
     
    unknowing, Oct 9, 2009
    #1
  2. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Sounds like you have an upgrade copy of XP. Does the CD say "upgrade" on it?
     
    swarmer, Oct 9, 2009
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  3. unknowing

    unknowing Newbie

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    Yes, the CD has UPGRADE written on it. What does that mean?
     
    unknowing, Oct 9, 2009
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  4. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    it means you are not eligible to install Windows XP.

    Upgrade is intended for users with an earlier operating system--the disk was sold at a lower price because under the end user license agreement you are upgrading from a previous OS.

    You would be violating the EULA if you isntalled XP Upgrade without being a rightful owner of a previous OS
     
    gerryf19, Oct 9, 2009
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  5. unknowing

    unknowing Newbie

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    So I would have to install a previous Windows OS? Great. Where do I get an old one for free/cheep?
     
    unknowing, Oct 9, 2009
    #5
  6. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    You don't have to install one, just insert the disk to prove that you have it. I'm sure you can find Windows 98 or 95 disks for dirt cheap on Ebay.
     
    Mastershroom, Oct 9, 2009
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  7. Lanaya

    Lanaya Templar Assassin

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    25$ used on amazon for win98SE
     
    Lanaya, Oct 9, 2009
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  8. deeastman

    deeastman Notebook Deity

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    You did get the Product Key for that Upgrade Disk, right? If you don't have the product key don't waste your time looking for a previous version.

    Surely one of your friends has a previous windows version you could borrow for 5 minutes. A Windows 95 or 98 Companion Disk also works as a previous version for install purposes.
     
    deeastman, Oct 10, 2009
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  9. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    You can buy full install XP on eBay for cheap.
     
    kanehi, Oct 10, 2009
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  10. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    That would be the proper and legal way to go about it.

    Some people are missing the point. It is illegal for him to put the upgrade version on a machine to which he is not entitled to upgrade.
     
    gerryf19, Oct 10, 2009
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  11. unknowing

    unknowing Newbie

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    Actually, I AM entitled to upgrade my laptop. This thing used to run on '98 but the previous users have gotten rid of Windows 98 on there. It won't recognize it, so I need to get some type of old Windows OS disk.

    OR

    Do any of you know a way to revive the old OS so I can install XP?
     
    unknowing, Oct 10, 2009
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  12. mtarm1

    mtarm1 Notebook Evangelist

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    hey mate try installing xp without a product key and then reinstall(as an upgrade) and this time put the product key in. dunno if it works in xp but you could try...
     
    mtarm1, Oct 10, 2009
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  13. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    Yeah, the XP Upgrade disk doesn't allow this. All it asks for is for you to insert the previous version OS disk into the drive during setup.
     
    surfasb, Oct 10, 2009
    #13