New Build, Old HD - problems

[Rhifox]

I've just done a complete rebuild of my system, using all new components except for the harddrive, floppy drive, and modem.

I've managed to get it to boot up, have gotten to the BIOS, it will stay on for as long as the power is on, etc etc.


The problem is when I try and actually boot up to Windows itself. It does seem to recognize that my hard-drive has the Windows OS on it, as it gives me the 'safe mode' prompt because it can't load on normal. It doesn't matter if I hit safe mode or attempt normal mode, I still get the same error:

It's a big blue screen, with the following error message being the only signature trait of it:

STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF7986528, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)




I have no idea what this means and it comes up everytime. I am using an old HD and do not want to lose all of the data I already have on it. I don't have a Windows XP startup disc if I'm supposed to use the Repair Reinstallation from that that I've heard on some other posts here. Is it necessary for me to do a repair reinstallation and will that leave my files on the HD completely intact? If so, how would I go about getting a Windows XP disc? My harddrive was not originally bought by me but rather was originally a gift, of which it came fully assembled and, as far as I am aware, without a Windows XP disc. So if that's what I need to do, I need some other method of getting the necessary materials.


Thanks for any help with this.

[whubbard]

Windows XP Disc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116175

[Rhifox]

Originally Posted by whubbard Windows XP Disc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116175

I'm not going to pay $130 for something that I already own and will only need to use for a one-time occurance. Because Dell only issued a stupid reinstallation disc instead of a full startup disc, I'm supposed to pay an extra 6th of the total cost of my computer just to do a single repair operation?

There's no way to prove to Microsoft or something that I already own the OS and just need a startup thing for a one-time repair operation? Or borrow someone else's?

[glc]

Legally, you have to buy a new copy. You no longer have a Dell computer and the preload is only licensed for that Dell it shipped with - specifically the motherboard. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but that's the way it is.

You do NOT *own* the operating system. Microsoft owns it and you are *licensed* to use it - on the Dell computer it shipped with.

You can buy a XP Home OEM or upgrade for about $90, same with XP Pro for about $140.