Question I'm trying to install XP but I don't have an original disk ?

[jacobmacheca411]

So I've been trying to get a machine up and running with windows xp. I got a new hard drive for it, but I failed to realize my copy of XP is meant to be an upgrade, and the hard drive for this one is completely brand new. Thing is, I don't have any copies of the actual windows xp os. Is it possible to get it onto my machine via usb flash drive? If so, how should I go about doing it?

 

[stonecarver]

So are you trying to make the PC run and or fix an install of XP.

Or are you trying to Install XP on a brand new drive ?

Or are you just trying to get into an existing but non-functional install of XP to save your data ?

 

[dwd999]

So I've been trying to get a machine up and running with windows xp. I got a new hard drive for it, but I failed to realize my copy of XP is meant to be an upgrade, and the hard drive for this one is completely brand new. Thing is, I don't have any copies of the actual windows xp os. Is it possible to get it onto my machine via usb flash drive? If so, how should I go about doing it?

If your old xp drive is intact it would probably be easier to use a program like Macrium to clone your old drive on to your new drive.

 

[USAFRet]

So I've been trying to get a machine up and running with windows xp. I got a new hard drive for it, but I failed to realize my copy of XP is meant to be an upgrade, and the hard drive for this one is completely brand new. Thing is, I don't have any copies of the actual windows xp os. Is it possible to get it onto my machine via usb flash drive? If so, how should I go about doing it?

Why XP?

 

[Grobe]

Listing up a minimum of hardware (CPU name, computer model name or motherboard model, disk space) would be helpful. Did your computer come with a restore cd/dvd when brand new? Can that be used?
Does your computer have an on-disk restore function already ?

 

[TerryLaze]

As another option.
Apparently you can use a CD from an older version (win98 / me) during install without the need of it being installed.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...ade-disc/5aca0bbb-1eca-413b-9e7b-6474a100d4aa

 

[stonecarver]

If you have the Upgrade CD if I remember right you still can use that on an empty hard drive . It's in the wording when your at the install screens that's tricky to navigate because CD tries to make to think you have to treat it as only an upgrade or nope.

If your using on an older machine that is not using an IDE hard drive but a SATA hard drive when installing XP back in the day you would get a prompt if you need to install any drivers using a floppy and that's when you would pre install the SATA driver to let XP move forward.

That SATA pre install driver also depended if your copy of XP had service pack 1 or was a vanilla XP no service pack.

 

[USAFRet]

If you have the Upgrade CD if I remember right you still can use that on an empty hard drive . It's in the wording when your at the install screens that's tricky to navigate because CD tries to make to think you have to treat it as only an upgrade or nope.

If your using on an older machine that is not using an IDE hard drive but a SATA hard drive when installing XP back in the day you would get a prompt if you need to install any drivers using a floppy and that's when you would pre install the SATA driver to let XP move forward.

That SATA pre install driver also depended if your copy of XP had service pack 1 or was a vanilla XP no service pack.

It would still need a valid XP license key.

 

[stonecarver]

It would still need a valid XP license key.

I agree 100% if OP has the original rectangle cardboard book that Upgrade CD came in his code should be on it.

 

[USAFRet]

I agree 100% if OP has the original rectangle cardboard book that Upgrade CD came in his code should be on it.

I believe an XP Upgrade would rely on the original license.

 

[stonecarver]

The copy we bought from Newegg back in 2003 -2004 I used the Upgrade CD with it's code off it's packaging and used it for years on new hard drives as the years went on . Still have that copy with code. I never did upgrades just fresh installs.

 

[USAFRet]

The copy we bought from Newegg back in 2003 -2004 I used the Upgrade CD with it's code off it's packaging and used it for years on new hard drives as the years went on . Still have that copy with code. I never did upgrades just fresh installs.

Interesting.

Been sooooo long since I messed with XP.

Still curious as to what the OP is wanting to do here.

 

[stonecarver]

Been sooooo long since I messed with XP.

I agree , your don't realize how long ago it was until a thread post comes up asking about XP and realize how much time has gone by.

 

[TerryLaze]

I believe an XP Upgrade would rely on the original license.

Which is not accepted anymore since MS closed down the validation servers for XP.
I think sp2 and before are still licence key only but with SP3 you need to do the online thing which you can't anymore.

 

[COLGeek]

IIRC, couldn't you perform a full install from the upgrade media and not activate it? Then boot the unactivated installation and start an in-place upgrade where the key would be accepted?