I tried reloading windows XP Pro on my COMPUTER. I got the following error messages. The version I have in the package is SP-1. The computer has SP-2 on it. I don't remember upgrading. Maybe it happend through auto upgrades over the 4 years SINCE I got the Computer. It's Dell XPS, With XP-Pro. Do I format the *censored* before reinstalling windows? Will the disk from dell do that automatically? Any suggestions will be appreciated. I already installed another hard disk and copied the files over so I can re copy them after completion. Is there somewhere I can get step by step instructions. I talked to the tech at dell online two different techs said they would call me back at a certain time and take me through the process. Both times I waited a whole night. No response. Any help would be appreciated. Yes, the XP version on your hdd has been upgraded by hotfixes etc so is now a later version than the ONE on your XP cd, this will prevent you doing an over-the-top re-install..

One cure is to slipstream your cd version with SP.2 and all updates/hotfixes since SP.2 was issued. Otherwise you can format/delete the existing installation and then revert to the install from your cd but then SP.2 and all subsequent updates will be downloaded to update again, a lot to download especially if you are on dial-up..

Ideally your XP cd should be the full install version but an upgrade version will be Ok if you still have the previous OS cd (e.g. Win.ME). Take care if you only have the Dell recovery disk.

Suggestion: As you have already installed a second (slave?) hard drive clone the original disk to it. This will give you an identical copy of your original disk so that if things go haywire when formatting/reinstalling the original you can simply boot from the new drive. Cloning software is probably free from your hdd manufacturer's site, otherwise cloning software is free from other websites.

There's a how-to for a clean install &GT;>here<<

Good luckThanks, I do only have the dell recovery disk. Should I wait and buy a Windows XP PRO, disk?
I LOOKED at the help site, Thank You.ha ha the site censored this

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Do I format the *censored* before reinstalling windows?