I am running Win XP on an IBM NetVista and I want to re-install the Win XP onto a new hard drive that I installed. I have the Win XP key that is on a label on the computer case. Can I use an "upgrade" version of Win XP to do this and also, can I use the same "upgrade" disc on other computers after I have re-formatted their hard drives. I assume that this is not illegal, since all computers have a valid purchased Win XP license.nothing illegal if they all have licenses, but the "upgrade" CD will require WINDOWS 95 or 98 to be installed.Not neccessarily installed....
At the prompt you can simply insert a qualified CD of an earlier version...ahh, yes that's true.


Not sure if it would work with windows 3.1 to XP.Yep.
Just insert floppy #4....then at the 2nd prompt it asks for floppy #2...
               Thank you both for the response. I am just TRYING to re-install the Win XP that I am currently running but I do not have the original system discs. The system is running poorly and I want to re-format and re-install the Win XP. I was HOPING to do this with an "upgrade" disc since the machine is already licensed. If the "upgrade" disc won't work, is there some other way short of buying the full-on version?All you need to do the upgrade install is a previous version of Windows.....
Do you not have one ? ?I do not have it on a disc, just the Win XP that came installed on the computer when I bought it.What happened to the old hard drive?
Is it in working CONDITION with XP on it?
If so, you can CLONE old drive to the new one.
Win XP is still running on the old drive but after 4 years its corrupted (runs slow, crashes, etc.) If I clone it will the new drive pick up all the problems? If not, how would I clone it?Did the new drive come with any CD?
If not, you should be able to download cloning program from the manufacturer site.