How to replace old Win XP with a new operating system on my laptop?

[barryk]

Hello PressF1 folks,

Been a while since I was last on this forum.

Is it possible to throw out the old Win XP operating system on my laptop and replace it with a different operating system such as Linux or WIN7?

I tried to set up a new version of Win XP from my system CD-ROM but the screen message said it wasn't recommended to put multiple operating systems in the same partition (i.e. the partition is on the C: hard drive).

I'd like to get right the job of replacing the old Win XP system with a new Linux or other system. How do I do this? Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Barry.

[Speedy Gonzales]

You put the cd in / reboot / change the bootdisk to the cd in the BIOS / save settings. Then boot from it. When it says to press a key, press a key.

Then format whatever in the setup screen / reinstall whatever

[pcuser42]

What are the specs of the laptop?

[wainuitech]

This is the basic's:

1st back up any data you have, this includes, but not limited to ( make a list) to an external drive.

Documents, pictures,Favorites/bookmarks, Videos emails, address book, + anything else you dont want to lose. If you have programs such as MS office or any other software that has licence keys, make sure you have the keys for when you reinstall, if you dont then use software that will locate them for you ( theres several).

Look for the model of the laptop on the manufactures site, make sure there are drivers for it and the OS you are wanting to use, you may need to download them first. This also pays to have access to another computer to download them from the internet/manufactures, as not all OS's will install the Ethernet drivers.

Once you have collected everything, put in the CD/DVD of the OS you want to install, boot from it. They all have the option to wipe partitions ( or use a third party partitioning software to remove the current partitions first) - then follow any instructions the OS asks for.

Before you do anything -- check the system spec's of the laptop against what you want to install, it may need some upgrading first ( generally more memory).

Once the OS is installed, you add in any drivers not already installed, put all the data and your programs you want back.

[barryk]

You put the cd in / reboot / change the bootdisk to the cd in the BIOS / save settings. Then boot from it. When it says to press a key, press a key.

Then format whatever in the setup screen / reinstall whatever

I did instruct the bios to boot from the cd. Then the screen gave two or three options. Option 1 was to set up a new operating system. Option 2 was to replace a damaged XP system. I have tried both options. With Option 1 I got as far as the screen message which did not recommend putting multiple operating systems into the same partition. With option 2 (the Replace option), the computer ended up the same as before - XP with three user accounts. What I was after was a new XP system that allowed me to set up new administrator and guest accounts.

Do I install WIN XP again in the same partition as the existing XP system or get hold of a different operating system like Linux? Wondering if I should format the entire HDD and then boot from the cd and then install XP again from that point?

[barryk]

What are the specs of the laptop?

Sorry, what exact specs do you mean?

I've checked System Properties and it shows Windows XP Home Edition version 2002 SP 2, processor 1.60Ghz, 589 Mhz 496MB of RAM. Intel Pentium M (I think M stands for Mobile).

[pcuser42]

Sorry, what exact specs do you mean?

I've checked System Properties and it shows Windows XP Home Edition version 2002 SP 2, processor 1.60Ghz, 589 Mhz 496MB of RAM. Intel Pentium M (I think M stands for Mobile).

Those specs

496MB isn't enough RAM for Windows 7, but the CPU is fast enough. RAM is cheap, if you can get some more then do so

[barryk]

Those specs

496MB isn't enough RAM for Windows 7, but the CPU is fast enough. RAM is cheap, if you can get some more then do so

Thanks pcuser42.

So far, two or three possible options are emerging:
1) Try formatting the HDD to create a new partition then set up Win XP again or Linux or another system in it.
2) Get hold of and install more RAM then set up WIN7 and hopefully get rid of the existing XP system.

[wainuitech]

Thanks pcuser42.

So far, two or three possible options are emerging:
1) Try formatting the HDD to create a new partition then set up Win XP again or Linux or another system in it.
2) Get hold of and install more RAM then set up WIN7 and hopefully get rid of the existing XP system.

The other thing you have to look at if wanting to use W7 is the minimum spec according to MS is 1GB Memory. If you have ever run W7 on 1GB you soon get annoyed, it only just works and thats without anything extra running like Antivirus or other programs.

Some older laptops wont take anymore than 2GB memory. I have one here like that, runs XP OK, but even with 2GB W7 is slow as a wet week and is always playing catchup when doing anything.

[Speedy Gonzales]

Setup should have a format option just select the partition WinXP is on now now select format, it'll format the hdd, then reinstall whatever.

And you cant do this, if you mean format the hdd while youre in XP / Windows.

Wondering if I should format the entire HDD and then boot from the cd and then install XP again from that point