I have a licenced Windows XP Professional for my Laptop - "C" has 20 GB +"D" with 50 GB

( actually, I should have 80 GB - where the "Rest" has been gone ? )

and I want to install this safe and proper!

OK - first safe/transfer all Datas, Files and Programms on the "C" to another HD.....

But than - without loosing any Datas on the "D" ?

Any professional Advice?

Thanks in Advance!

If your laptop is already running XP (hookey copy) and you have a genuine copy you wish to install PM me for the official Microsoft tool to change the CD key of your running system

No need to muck about with anything.

It seems to be that you have one hard disk with two partitions. C:\ is probably your SYSTEM and D:\ your DATA.

Just install your XP on the C: partition. It will not affect the data on the D: partition. Before you do that copy "My documents" of your current system to D: as these folders may contain data you need.

The missing 10 GB can be system files of your laptop manufacturer. Go to control panel > administrative tools > computer management > disk management to find that out. There you can find out that your disk actually has 3 partitions instead of 2 seen by "my computer"..

If this is the case (Lenovo has this) you propably lose system features provided by the manufacturer but that is not a big problem. Just manually install all your drivers etc.

Petch01

Edited April 28, 200719 yr by Petch01

The first reply of just changing the serial number seems the best route, but if you must reinstall you can use the Microsoft built in New computer transfer tool. It will backup everything you want, settings, programmes etc. Then install a new version of XP and use the tool to reinstall all you goodies.

Chris

Check the manual or website of the manufacturer. I do believe that the missing 10 GB is a "hidden" Partition with all Software, incl. OS, which was coming with your Laptop. Normally there is a "HotKey" while booting to access the hidden Partition for Re-Installation.\

Again: Check the manufacturers recommomndation at first before you do anything else.

If your laptop is already running XP (hookey copy) and you have a genuine copy you wish to install PM me for the official Microsoft tool to change the CD key of your running system

No need to muck about with anything.

Indeed - it worked out! Microsoft has a Tool to change CD Key - Thanks a lot, this Advice helped me a lot and saved me a lot of Time and Huzzle .