re-installing XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paul Kirkland
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Paul Kirkland

my computers getting really bogged down, and i need it to
be running at it's best again. ideally reformat the hd
and start again would be a good start, but i've never
done it before. Can anyone guide me?

Also I've misplaced my authentification certificate. Can
I get the info I need from MS? And if so, where! I'm
finding it hard navigating the site.

Finally, I have one program on my computer that I use a
lot, but I know I've not got the installation CD for it.
Can I do anything to save it?

Thanks,

Paul Kirkland
 
If Windows XP is still installed on the computer:

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.41
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"
This will enable you to view the Product Key of the Windows installation
which is currently on your computer.

If you purchased WinXP retail, the Product Key is on an orange label on the
back of the package. If you don't have the package, contact Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q295539

If you have an OEM version of WinXP, the Product Key sticker should have
been placed on the computer tower by the retailer. Note, Microsoft will be
unable to assist you with an OEM version.
 
"Finally, I have one program on my computer that I use a lot, but I know
I've not got the installation CD for it. Can I do anything to save it?"

No - you must have the installation CD. If you email the software's author
and provide your registraion number, they might be willing to sell you a
replacement CD at low cost. To find your registraion number, open the
program and go to Help > About.

Tom Swift
 
Hi, Paul.

It sounds like you need to do what Microsoft calls an "in-place upgrade".
Instructions are here:
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q315341

As the article says, this is not intended as a timesaver for installing
WinXP itself, but it should preserve your installed applications and data -
and most of your tweaks. Better plan on half a day for the project, because
you'll need to revisit Windows Update as soon as you get your firewall and
antivirus back in place and get back online. Even with ADSL, it took me a
couple of hours to download and install SP1 and all the fixes after that; if
your WinXP CD-ROM has SP1 included, your time may be shorter.

Note that this does NOT reformat your HD. Reformatting wipes out
everything, of course, including your application files, and your Registry,
which holds many settings created when you installed those applications. If
you really want to reformat, then be sure all your data is backed up. Don't
bother with backing up application files, since you'll need to reinstall
those from the original media afterward. And don't bother with backing up
WinXP itself, since it also will have to be reinstalled from scratch. And
the Windows Update caveat applies fully, too.

What "authentification certificate"? Actually, I'm half joking because I've
never had one of those. I always have a CD-ROM case with a bright orange
sticker that says, "Don't Lose This Product Key!" You'll need that for
either a clean install or an in-place upgrade. If you must reinstall your
applications, you'll probably need their original authentication, too, which
will vary depending on the application. If this is a computer that came
with WinXP and a lot of stuff preinstalled, you'd better check with the
computer vendor before you begin.

RC
 
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