Clean install? reformat?

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Guest

My computer is sluggish and crashes often, used spyware to take out stuff
cluttering up my computer and defragmented. no help. I want to take out
everything and load my necessities. I don't know if i am to reformat my hard
drive or do a clean install?? Also my computer was preloaded with windows xp
and I was given a recovery CD which I have lost. I have the windows XP PID on
a sticker on my computer. What can I do? Can i use my friend's OS cd but use
my PID#?
 
How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-us

Q. Can i use my friend's OS cd but use my PID#?

A. No.


Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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:

| My computer is sluggish and crashes often, used spyware to take out stuff
| cluttering up my computer and defragmented. no help. I want to take out
| everything and load my necessities. I don't know if i am to reformat my hard
| drive or do a clean install?? Also my computer was preloaded with windows xp
| and I was given a recovery CD which I have lost. I have the windows XP PID on
| a sticker on my computer. What can I do? Can i use my friend's OS cd but use
| my PID#?
 
Triccie said:
My computer is sluggish and crashes often, used spyware to take out stuff
cluttering up my computer and defragmented. no help. I want to take out
everything and load my necessities. I don't know if i am to reformat my hard
drive or do a clean install??
Click to expand...


Well, you can't do one without the other. ;-} By definition, a
"clean" installation entails first formating the hard drive to erase all
of it's contents, thus starting out with a "clean" hard drive.

Also my computer was preloaded with windows xp
and I was given a recovery CD which I have lost. I have the windows XP PID on
a sticker on my computer. What can I do?
Click to expand...


You've a limited set of options:

1) Contact the computer manufacturer and obtain a replacement Recovery CD.

2) Borrow the Recovery CD from someone who has the exactly the same make
and model computer as you do, but use your Product Key to perform the
installation.

3) Purchase a generic OEM installation CD from a reputable vendor.

Can i use my friend's OS cd but use
my PID#?
Click to expand...


Only if that friend has exactly the same computer as you have.
Otherwise his/her Recovery CD most likely won't even work on your
computer. It certainly won't have the correct device drivers necessary
to the proper functioning of the system.



--

Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
 
Triccie said:
My computer is sluggish and crashes often, used spyware to take out stuff
cluttering up my computer and defragmented. no help. I want to take out
everything and load my necessities. I don't know if i am to reformat my hard
drive or do a clean install?? Also my computer was preloaded with windows xp
and I was given a recovery CD which I have lost. I have the windows XP PID on
a sticker on my computer. What can I do? Can i use my friend's OS cd but use
my PID#?
Click to expand...

Your friends install CD should work (it did for me in a similar situation).
Use it and see if you can install Windows XP andactivate later using the PID
sticker on your computer. If it does, do your clean/ reformat thing.
 
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