New laptop: Can I install XP fresh>

I am thinking about buying a Compaq 2103US laptop, and I was wondering... Can I get a new copy of XP and install it, thus wiping out all of the bundled, unwanted software that comes with the laptop, or are there measures taken by Compaq to prevent a clean, "Unadulterated" install of XP?

For example, will the motherboard and hardware work if I install a non-Compaq copy of XP? This would be my first laptop, so I do not know if installing XP on a laptop is any different from installing it on a desktop...

Thank you!



The Dork Lord

 

Didn't yours come with 2 cds? 1 drivers and apps, and one Windows XP, if so just use your XP cd to install XP, than only reinstall the drivers and not all the apps.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

For the most part, you should be OK doing a clean install of Windows. If your system came with rescue disks, I would see if there is an option to install Windows without the extra/free software. Reason being...sometimes there is hardware for which the drivers aren't publicly available. Such is the case for Sonys Jog-Dial applications. In those cases, you may be unable to use certain functions if there aren't any compatiable drivers on the standard Windows disk...for most proprietary devices, drivers usually aren't included on the Windows setup disk.

If you do have to go for a fresh install using an original Windows CD, I would also suggest you check your HD and look for a directory with drivers. Before I redid my Vaio NV190, I found all of the drivers for the Memory Stcik, and Jog Dial in a hidden directory. I copied the directory and proceeded with a fresh install of Windows. Once installed, I used the drivers I copied to get back the functionality of my jog-dial, memory stick port, and a few other small items.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Quikster