Reformat C:\ drive

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ian
  • Start date Start date
I

Ian

Hello,
I have an authentic Windows copy but do not have the disk for it. I am
currently running Windows XP and I want to reformat my hard drive to clean up
this old computer. Is there any way that I can download a genuine copy of
Windows XP to install onto my comp again after the format?
 
Ian said:
Hello,
I have an authentic Windows copy but do not have the disk for it. I am
currently running Windows XP and I want to reformat my hard drive to clean
up this old computer. Is there any way that I can download a genuine copy
of Windows XP to install onto my comp again after the format?
Click to expand...

No. But you can use a free key finder to get your Product Key off the
current Windows installation and write it down. Then you can borrow an XP
install CD from a friend and use it to install the operating system, using
your own Product Key. The only caveat is that the borrowed version of XP
must match the one you have installed; e.g., XP Pro/Home retail, XP
Pro/Home/Media Center OEM, etc.

Then you can make a copy of the borrowed CD so you'll have one.

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml - Key Finder
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html - Nirsoft Key Finder

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows - What
you will need on-hand

If you don't have a friend with the right version of XP to copy, a local
computer professional can do the install for you using your Product Key.
Another alternative is to contact Microsoft if you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

When all else fails, you can still buy Windows XP.

Malke
 
What if CD version of XP is OEM from HP, and the computer needing a clean
install is a Toshiba, both XP Home?

Can I then use the HP supplied XP cd's? Don't have the Toshiba cd's.

Robert
 
Robert said:
What if CD version of XP is OEM from HP, and the computer needing a clean
install is a Toshiba, both XP Home?

Can I then use the HP supplied XP cd's? Don't have the Toshiba cd's.
Click to expand...

Probably not. Most OEM-branded restore disks and installation media are
BIOS-locked to the OEM's motherboard. Besides, each OEM will have
slipstreamed drivers for their particular motherboards into their
installations.

You can use a generic OEM install disk, however. You may need to call in the
activation.

Malke
 
Thank you.

I'll have to look- see to determine if the Toshiba machine has an F12 type
button at startup to allow for a clean install of XP.

It is an older notebook that was given to us and I merely wish to have a
clean install of XP, without any other software at the moment.

Used Key Finder to determine XP Key though.

Robert
 
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