WinXP is built on NT technology, which requires, technically NTFS. If the operating system was ORIGINALLY Win98/ME (which is a different architecture), there is probably an original Fat32 partition on the harddrive. The problem with Fat32's - if I remember correctly - is that they don't like large partitiions (basically, 20Gb I believe is the biggest you can go).
Reformating to NTFS as a single partition or a set of partitions should be fine.
So, first question, are you running as a single partition or two?
Secondly, how are you doing this: running off the CD to install? if it's a reinstall of the SAME operating system, it probably won't ask for a CD key, though it might.
Or did you try to repair the original installation?
Are you working in SAFE mode? You should be, if you can. This allows for more CPU 'time' to be devoted to the installation, rather than running background aps.
Get the operating up and running. Then worry about drivers. Once XP is running, you have access to USB ports and CD drives, so you can always bring in the drivers and software you need to run WHILE IN SAFE MODE to load onto the system.
Also, log in as Administrator, not as yourself with administrator rights. it can sometimes be a picky thing with operating systems; the OS doesn't like posers.
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sarken
(no subject)
Date: 2006-02-20 11:56 am (UTC)Reformating to NTFS as a single partition or a set of partitions should be fine.
So, first question, are you running as a single partition or two?
Secondly, how are you doing this: running off the CD to install? if it's a reinstall of the SAME operating system, it probably won't ask for a CD key, though it might.
Or did you try to repair the original installation?
Are you working in SAFE mode? You should be, if you can. This allows for more CPU 'time' to be devoted to the installation, rather than running background aps.
Get the operating up and running. Then worry about drivers. Once XP is running, you have access to USB ports and CD drives, so you can always bring in the drivers and software you need to run WHILE IN SAFE MODE to load onto the system.
Also, log in as Administrator, not as yourself with administrator rights. it can sometimes be a picky thing with operating systems; the OS doesn't like posers.