Convert an OEM

Hi
I was wondering if it is possible to take a HP machine and wipe it and then install a windows XP or Vista OS.

Would the windows XP CD have the needed drivers?

Would you have to go through the system and get all the specs for video, graphics. MOBO etc. and download drivers separately for them to work?

or is this even possible at all, or even legal?

I don't really think I plan on doing this, may be more trouble then it's worth, but I was wondering?
I hate the fact that a OEM only has recovery disks now-a-days and not a actual windows disk.

Thanks
Geri

 

Hi Pete
Thanks, Any idea where I could get detailed info on how to go about it?

I would like to know what I would be in for " if " I decided to do this.

I tried a Google search for "Convert an OEM ", but that didn't look like to much help.

Thanks
Geri

 

Hi Geri,

I have done what you want to do but I have an emachine computer.
If you have a restore disk from HP, you probably have all the drivers on it.
In my case they where in a separate folder call <guess what> drivers.
If you can find them, you don’t have to download anything.

If you can boot from a CD drive, just put the XP cd in and boot. It will ask you if you want to wipe the disk or want a separate installation and maybe other questions.
Then start the install. That is all that is needed. If you don’t have sound, install the drivers that you have on the CD or the ones that you downloaded.

Sven

 

Hi
OK thats guys.

I will copy and print this out so I have it on hand.
Still not sure If I'm going to do this, Need to buy a windows CD, and I have a lot on my system that would need to be reloaded, games for my grandson and other things I've downloaded from the net.

But I have thought about doing this more then once.

Thanks
Geri

 

Geri,

I believe that being able to install from scratch is a very useful skill to have. Also it isn't that difficult, especially if you have a standard PC from a manufacturer who maintains a decent website from which you can get all the drivers.

Look at it this way - better to learn how to do a reinstall now, rather than after a disaster. You really don't want to be doing this the first time when something like a hard disk fails. Much better to be able to take your time to gather the information you need and prepare for it.

And on a bright note - be prepared for a pleasant surprise as to how much your PC runs. Nothing like a fresh install, to clear out the dross.

Another thing to consider is to get some software that will create an image of your current hard disk. That way if you cannot get the fresh install to work (or forget to back something up), you can reinstate the saved image. Suitable products are things like Acronis True Image, Paragon Drive backup, or do a google search for 'backup image' and take your pick.

 

Hi Geri,

I have just done that very thing on an Acer laptop, and it went surprisingly easily. I installed a Vista Home Premium (OEM) over the Acer installed OS.

The only download that I had to make was the nVidia driver from the Acer website, because of the 17" screen configuration, and none of the installed data on a second partition was touched. All the previous Windows files will probably still be on the HD in a folder called "Old Windows ", which can be removed when you are happy with the installation.

One thing that surprised me was that the original Acer recovery data is still there on the HD. The Vista installation ignored Acer's hidden partition, and I presume that the same will happen on an HP machine.

Good luck,

Roger

 

When I partitioned Kids HP, Acronis Director could see hidden partition and I chose to leave it on the drive. I did change the drive letter assignment and HP could still find it when loading rescue/restore software. For safe keeping AND to return system to original configuration (in event I sold computer) I imaged hidden partition and stored image file on external drive.