Need(?) previous OS disk to reinstall XP?

[starboard]

Bought used computer with WinMe installed.However,no Me disk included.Installed Xp Home(upgrade version) 1 year ago, absolutely no problems with install. Recently had startup problems with XP-decided to do a clean install.Have 20 gb hd (OS,games,etc) & 80 gb hd (video capture only). Guides I have read say XP needs to verify you have a previous version of windows (Win 98,Me,etc. disk) to be able to do the XP reinstall.Since I have no Me disk decided to try anyway & install XP on the 80 gb hd. Booted from the XP cd, Xp verified my previous windows installation and installed successfully on the 80 gb hd. How is XP verifying my previous OS? Is it verifying from the first installation of XP from the 20gb hd (which is still installed)? My goal is to get a clean XP back on the 20 gb and capture video on 80 gb hd as before. I am wondering if I am going to be able to continue to clean install indefinitely without a Me disk?

[curtybob]

No. But, if you call microsoft, and wait long enough to speak with a help tech, they will tell you to borrow a disk (anything after 95) from a friend. XP doesn't care if was actually ever installed or not, it just needs to read 1 measley little file (which in your case it is getting from the install on the 20 gig HDD), and then it will let you move on.
The problem with what you are doing, is you have multiple installs of the same OS. This will get you by, but it is a little untidy, and severely frustrating. As well as very confusing. I would just find someone with an old 98 or 98se disk that will either let you borrow or have it.

[starboard]

Thanks for your help. Installing on the 80gb hd was just a temporary measure so I could check E-mails. I agree, it is way too messy having XP installed twice.