Reloading Windows XP

[John Gutmann]

I think it is finally time for me to reload XP because of problems I am having. 1 being speed, 1 being uneeded files everywhere, and 1 being not able to right click on any menus contained in the start bar, plus others.

I have no XP discs but only windows reinstall discs for other computers. I have the product key for my laptop still but no disc to use. Will the reinstall for another computer work? Any ideas?

-John

[whytheheckme]

OK, so here's the deal.

The product key that you legally own for you laptop is still valid and good, and what you are trying to do is completely legal, because you own Windows XP.

Here's where it gets sticky.

To limit piracy, computer manufacturers have made their XP install discs accept only product keys that that company distributed. For instance, an HP XP install disc will only accept a certain set of HP XP install keys. Not only this, but the versions have to match (i.e. only a SP1 key will work with a SP1 reinstall). In my opinion, this just isn't right, because you should be able to install whatever copy of XP you want on any machine as long as you have the valid key to back it up.

Whatever.

Now here's the upside to all this.

Let's say you own a dell laptop. A dell XP reinstall (from any dell machine) will not even ask for a key if you install it on a dell. So if you have a dell reinstall disc and a dell laptop, you are all set.

This may work some other manufacturers. (Honestly don't know off the top of my head (I'm currently in the car...))

OK, so what happens when you have the wrong disc, and your key doesnt work with that?

You really have two options.

1. Find a copy of XP in which your key will work with. Same manufacturer, same version (SP0, SP1, SP2; Home, Pro).

2. Find *another means* of getting XP onto your computer. I am not promoting piracy, because what you are doing is COMPLETELY legal. You own Windows XP. You just don't have the disc. All the value is in that little shiny holographic magic authentic genuine pooh-bah bow-to-the-gods sticker. That is what you are actually purchasing when you buy Windows XP.

So what are *other means*? If you can find a friend with XP (same edition please (not talking SPs, but Home, Pro.....) then you should be able to install that with their key. If the activation gives you a problem, call up M$ and tell them that you are reinstalling on the machine because your machine was getting junked up, and that this is the only machine that you are installing it on. This is (sort of) true, because you have a legit key that you aren't using anywhere else.

You could also find a friend with a Volume License (VL) copy of XP with a Volume License Key (VLK). This magic copy of windows doesn't require activation. This is the easiest solution, because it avoids that heck-hole of the activation computer and people that can't speak english (no offense, but M$ really screwed up on that. I mean all pirates have to do is find a VL copy of XP and they avoid activation anyway......)

Other than that, you can call your computer manufacturer and tell them you need another copy of your XP CD because you lost yours. They should only charge you like 10 or 15 bux for burning and shipping. IT SHOULD NOT BE >$100 BECAUSE YOU ALREADY OWN THE KEY. So if they send you the CD, then your legit key should work with it.

Well, thats my 2 cents.

Jacob

[John Gutmann]

Wow! Thanks! And yes I have a reinstall CD for a Dell. I has to be like 3 years old by now so I will need to let it sit overnight to update it. The only problem I have now is finding a anti virus to put on it. The one I have on now I have because my college gave it out for free. And I don't think I can get it unless I am on the intranet of their campus.

Any ideas od this?

-John

[Schnabel]

One problem with that is that the Toshiba Corp made their discs so that they only work with the computer they are made for. I have the XP disc for my old Toshiba laptop that has the exact same hardware except for the processor and the optical drive, yet the disc still won't install XP onto my new computer. I am actually trying to get XP onto my computer, but I am having terrible problems with getting the drivers for it for XP. I called Tosiba about it and they told me that they are not responsible for getting XP onto a windows Vista computer. Basically they said that they won't help, which is just great. Any suggestions?

[EHaskins]

Originally Posted by Schnabel

One problem with that is that the Toshiba Corp made their discs so that they only work with the computer they are made for. I have the XP disc for my old Toshiba laptop that has the exact same hardware except for the processor and the optical drive, yet the disc still won't install XP onto my new computer. I am actually trying to get XP onto my computer, but I am having terrible problems with getting the drivers for it for XP. I called Tosiba about it and they told me that they are not responsible for getting XP onto a windows Vista computer. Basically they said that they won't help, which is just great. Any suggestions?

Yeah, go buy a $140 OEM version of WinXP Pro.

[DonRotolo]

Cough up the $20 and buy a copy of some anti-virus software. You can even get it for free with rebates, and there's also freeware on the Internet, but I can't vouch for performance. I remember a thread here on CD from a few weeks ago with some recommendations for AV software, maybe try that.

Don