On 2010/10/15 12:39 (GMT-0400) Mark Misulich composed:
I had an xp install disk from the original computer that I rebuilt. However, when I tried to install it after replacing all the parts inside, I found that xp wouldn't install. My best guess is that dell keyed it to the old system.
What exactly does "wouldn't install" in your case mean? Dell XP CDs are special: 1-Using one to install on a Dell means no need to input an activation key or any personal data. The only way it can know that it is a Dell is something in its BIOS that a generic BIOS lacks. If you use one on a non-Dell, or an "upgraded" Dell (which is no longer a Dell, if it lacks a Dell BIOS on its new motherboard), usually it behaves just like an OEM XP disk, demanding a serial key/activation information withing 30 days in order to continue working normally. 2-Whether this ever occurs on a non-Dell XP CD I've never encountered, but there can exist data on a HD with previously installed OS(s) that will cause the XP installer to initialize improperly. The result is that when the screen should turn from white on black to white on blue, it goes all black instead, making it impossible to continue installation. I've never been able to pin down why, only work around by first doing FDISK /mbr with a DOS floppy, then zero filling partitions starting at the first, until I determined which one contained the failure trigger. -- "The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation) Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 Felix Miata *** http://fm.no-ip.com/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org