I have an authentic 'Windows XP w/SP2' CD that I bought to convert my laptop
from Windows ME. I also have a desktop computer that has an old version of
Windows XP on it. I tried to bring it up to service pack 2 by downloading and
running many separate little .exe files from Microsoft. This didn't work out
very well. The desktop unit still has quirks especially the way it doesn't
let Windows Media Player work. My question is this: Can I reuse my XP / SP2
CD on my desktop computer? All versions of everything are legal and paid for.
If the answer is yes, are there any precautions I should take regarding
backing up any files?
Thanks in advance for you help,
Keith

If it was a full retail version of WinXP SP2 (not an Upgrade or OEM version)
*and* you've uninstalled WinXP from the laptop, yes.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Keith wrote:
> I have an authentic 'Windows XP w/SP2' CD that I bought to convert my
> laptop
> from Windows ME. I also have a desktop computer that has an old version of
> Windows XP on it. I tried to bring it up to service pack 2 by downloading
> and running many separate little .exe files from Microsoft. This didn't
> work out very well. The desktop unit still has quirks especially the way
> it
> doesn't let Windows Media Player work. My question is this: Can I reuse my
> XP / SP2 CD on my desktop computer? All versions of everything are legal
> and paid for. If the answer is yes, are there any precautions I should
> take
> regarding backing up any files?
> Thanks in advance for you help,
> Keith

"Keith" <Keith@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>I have an authentic 'Windows XP w/SP2' CD that I bought to convert my
>laptop
> from Windows ME. I also have a desktop computer that has an old version of
> Windows XP on it. I tried to bring it up to service pack 2 by downloading
> and
> running many separate little .exe files from Microsoft. This didn't work
> out
> very well. The desktop unit still has quirks especially the way it doesn't
> let Windows Media Player work. My question is this: Can I reuse my XP /
> SP2
> CD on my desktop computer? All versions of everything are legal and paid
> for.
> If the answer is yes, are there any precautions I should take regarding
> backing up any files?
> Thanks in advance for you help,

A retail version of XP, either full or upgrade (all upgrade versions are
retail), can be moved to a different computer if first uninstalled from the
computer which its on. One copy cannot be installed on two different
computers at the same time. An OEM copy, per the license, is tied to the
first computer on which it's installed and can't be moved to a different
computer.

The XP CD you used on the laptop computer might be usable on the desktop,
using the product key that came with the version on the desktop if it is of
the same type, i.e. Home vs. Pro, full retail vs. upgrade, vs. generic OEM,
vs. branded OEM, vs. Volume License version, and the same language.

Also what is the version of XP on the desktop computer? Is it OEM or
retail, Home or Pro?

You don't install XP2 by "running many separate little .exe files from
Microsoft". You can download the full version of SP2 here or order it on
CD.

Download Windows Service Pack 2 Standalone Version
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...efault810.mspx

Here are some links with info on installing SP2 and service packs in
general.

Installing Service Packs
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Pre-Install, Install, Cleaning Up Afterwards
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx

Get the Latest Updates and Information from Your PC Manufacturer Before
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837783

If you think the OS needs to be reinstalled, why not reinstall with the copy
you originally used on that computer? Is there some info you're not
providing?

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]