New comp XP ??

[NeverDye]

I am building my very first computer. At the moment I am working on a compaq running XP. I did not load XP unto the machine (originally had ME...:( ) SO here's the quesiton...is there a way to transfer XP unto my comp build? thanx for the help.

[moonlight burner]

There's really not a way that I can think of, unless your 2 computers have exactly identical hardware, then you might be able to use norton symantec 'ghosting' software to to make an image, burn it to a CD, then boot the new built computer with in dos mode, and reload the image into the new system.

Your option is simply to reinstall XP on your new built, and retire your old PC.

This is my 5 cents of advise :)

[ja83]

I'm assuming you don't have Xp because you said you didn't load it on yourself. You're going to have to load it on with a install CD.

[Confused]

You say you didn't load XP on your PC which originally had ME. If you didn't receive the XP upgrade CD then your best bet is to get your own full copy of XP. Newegg has XP Home OEM for $91.00. http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=37-102-141&depa=6

If they gave you the upgrade CD when they upgraded your PC for you then it can be loaded on a new PC if you meet two criteria;

1) It must be removed from your present system (XP can only be activated on one system)

and

2) You have a qualifying OS on a CD (Such as WIN98) to meet the upgrade requirements.

Either way I would get a OEM copy of XP.
Chas

[NeverDye]

would it be possible to copy the harddrive onto my new harddrive...and therefore make it have xp?

[glc]

Yes, if the following is all true:

XP was installed from a generic XP OEM, retail, or upgrade CD - NOT a Compaq proprietary load.

You have the same generic XP CD to do a repair reinstall. The different hardware may cause a boot failure which requires a repair reinstall to correct.

Prior to reactivating XP, you legally must remove XP from the old hard drive.