a question for you computer geeks

stratovani · #1 06-26-2011, 03:50 PM

I'm getting ready to reinstall Windows XP on my computer (for the umpteenth time!). All my files are backed up, and this is going to be a clean install - wipe the hard drive and restore to factory condition. This isn't the first time I've done this, and the thing I hate the most about doing this is the constant updating and rebooting. What I'm wondering is, is there a way to get a CD from Microsoft with all the XP updates on it, including Service Pack 3?

BTW I did use the Search function. I don't think I'll live long enough to go through everything it came up with!

Selta · #2 06-26-2011, 03:53 PM

Pretty much, no. It's a different SKU and license, technically. Your "CD key" wouldn't work with an XP w/ SP3 CD if it wasn't that originally.

mmbongo · #3 06-26-2011, 03:55 PM

Is it a Dell by any chance?

stratovani · #4 06-26-2011, 04:05 PM

No, it's an HP. And to reply to Ray's post, I'm not looking for XP per se, just the Service Packs and Updates up til now, if such a thing even exists.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 06-26-2011, 04:15 PM

There is a way to download the service packs as .exe files.

Can't remember how or where (google), but I have my "install CD" which has all the drivers I need and SP3. Granted, need to do the other updates, post SP3 independantly, but that doesnt take too long.

Demon_Hunter · #6 06-26-2011, 04:44 PM

By the time you've gone and looked for and posted questions/answers on where to find it you probably will have had it updated and installed automatically by the time you've done all that.

Absentia · #7 06-26-2011, 05:20 PM

Yes there is, as long as you have your own license key you can download what's called a volume licence install usually you can find torrents for them try pirate bay.
Pretty much a general install package that will work with any key you throw at it.
XP service pack 3 like you said then just put the key for your computer in when prompted at the install.

Another option would be to complete the install liek you normally would, wait for the updates then sysprep the computer and back up the image of the disk using a program like ghost. That way you always have a fresh install ready to go.

mmbongo · #8 06-26-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

No, it's an HP. And to reply to Ray's post, I'm not looking for XP per se, just the Service Packs and Updates up til now, if such a thing even exists.

Darn. I have one that works only on a Dell without needing a key.

Selta · #9 06-26-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absentia

Yes there is, as long as you have your own license key you can download what's called a volume licence install usually you can find torrents for them try pirate bay.

NOT something I would advise doing...

Sonic_Death · #10 06-26-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demon_Hunter

By the time you've gone and looked for and posted questions/answers on where to find it you probably will have had it updated and installed automatically by the time you've done all that.

Best advice in here.

May as well just stick it out and do it the original way. Even if it's more annoying, you know how to do it and that it works, which is paramount.

Doc Shock · #11 06-26-2011, 05:52 PM

Make a slip-streamed installation disk.

Maximum PC | How To: Slipstream Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1

Absentia · #12 06-26-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

NOT something I would advise doing...

Based on what?
It's completely inline with Microsoft's licensing policies.

Ziltoid · #13 06-26-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absentia

Based on what?
It's completely inline with Microsoft's licensing policies.

Zombie infections risks.

stratovani · #14 06-26-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

There is a way to download the service packs as .exe files.

Can't remember how or where (google), but I have my "install CD" which has all the drivers I need and SP3. Granted, need to do the other updates, post SP3 independantly, but that doesnt take too long.

I took your advice and Googled it and found a Win XP SP3 file, downloaded it and copied it onto my external HD. That should be a big timesaver right there since SP3 is 342 MB. If I remember right from the last time I did a clean install most of the updates were in the KB size, so that shouldn't take too long. It's the incessant rebooting that I hate!

Thanks to everyone here for their advice. Much appreciated.

hover · #15 06-26-2011, 07:09 PM

once you have everything re-downloaded, make yourself a backup of all your configuration on a DVD.

Ziltoid · #16 06-26-2011, 07:10 PM

Expect 2-3 runs of downloads/installs totaling somewhere between 125-175mb from SP3, no less for sure.

Absentia · #17 06-27-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

Zombie infections risks.

Damn Zombie data packets.

Ziltoid · #18 06-27-2011, 06:44 AM

Darn stealthy zombies eh?

i_got_a_mohawk · #19 06-27-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

I took your advice and Googled it and found a Win XP SP3 file, downloaded it and copied it onto my external HD. That should be a big timesaver right there since SP3 is 342 MB. If I remember right from the last time I did a clean install most of the updates were in the KB size, so that shouldn't take too long. It's the incessant rebooting that I hate!

Thanks to everyone here for their advice. Much appreciated.

Glad you found it, sorry I couldn't have been of more help!

I downloaded it an age back