The pc I got seems to have a dodgy copy of windows on it......

question is...... am gonna get myself a proper version of XP, but when I put it onto the machine, will it wipe my existing files and stuff?

 

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Link to software cracks again and you will be banned

 

If you format it and start a fresh it will clean everything off. But if you install over the top you should keep your files.

 

Sarah - yes it will. A fresh installation of XP requires you to format the disk so you can install on the fresh partition. If you don't format it will install it on a new partition but that will leave you with two operating systems on the disk...

You will need to format and re-install if you want a fresh installation, and that will wipe your files. so you are going to need to back up these files to CD-R, DVD-R, USB HDD, or a second IDE HDD (if you have one).

 

I don't trust that install over the top at all, but admitedly, as a result I have never done it....

 

I never do an install over the top as it normally makes the computer run slower, so yeah a clean install is better.

 

What makes you think it's got a dodgy copy of xp on it ? ?

 

Its probably not verifying as genuine on the update site.

 

Apologies if this breaks any rules, but there is an XP Key Changer you can download. If you've bought a valid copy then you can use the key changer on your existing install to make it legal by applying the new key. This way you won't have to reinstall and lose all your settings.

You'll need to search the web for it as I can't remember where its hosted.

Thanks

Matt