Hi, I'm replacing an ordinary 110v outlet that had poor contacts. I failed to check the wiring positions on the old outlet before removing. There was no ground wire present on the old outlet or in the box, so I powered up the circuit with the wires bare to check if the box was grounded with my tester. My tester lights up when connected to both wires, and when connected to the white wire and the box. Doesn't this mean my white wire is the hot wire? Should I connect the outlet with the white wire on the hot side of the outlet? If it matters, the second wire is gray, not black. Thanks.

I'm replacing the switches and receptacles in our 60 year old home (we recently purchased) and find that none of these have ground wires. How do I ground the switches and receptacles? or is this unnecessary? Thanks.