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upgrading to windows XP


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hey i have a windows 98 sony vaio system that's about 5 years old (not my primary system). I want to upgrade the OS to windows xp. i borrowed a windows xp CD from my friend and it was installing fine about 80% done when an error message came up and it wouldn't let me continue. the error occured on the disc so does that mean i need to install with a different disc? any help/suggestions/advice is always appreciated.

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Someone asked me to put XP on a Sony Vaio once - total failure.

I was told that Sony have specially modified versions of Windows to load on to their machine so that a "normal" copy won't install. I don't know how true this is but, it fits with what I found then and what you are finding now.

Disregarding that aspect, a "borrowed" version of XP must not be installed on another (second) computer. This is against the terms and conditions of Windows and, even though it may work initially, after thirty days it requires to be "activated" by Microsoft. If their records show it is registered on another machine, your installation will fail so, a waste of computer space and all of your effort in trying to install it.

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Oh crikey!!!

Do you have the original Vaio disks? I think that the operating system is on a hidden partition on the hard drive and the disk(s) supplied with the computer allow you to access this and reload. If you don't have the disk(s), do you know anyone with a similar machine who has disks you could borrow? (note borrowing is acceptable here :) )

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A google search brought up a few people with the same problem as yourself, however I must stress that installing XP with a 'borrowed' copy of windows will leave you wide open to all the security threats that are targeted at XP users because you will not be able to install the security updates.

In my opinion, even if you do manage to sort your current problem out, you won't have a working machine for long. :(

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yes i have them. when i insert them in the computer will it boot them as soon as it notices them inserted?

From what you have told us, you have nothing to lose by trying the original disks.

Was having a word with a friend earlier and he confirms, more or less, what I said in the previous replies.

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I have a friend who works for the SONY Network unit (http://www.so-net.ne.jp/). He once told me that they have one rule when it comes to acquire computers: no SONY VAIO under any circumstances; they are completely unreliable!

I'm not sure about the modified Windows XP version; it may be that it contains additional drivers.

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