I have already installed XP on this comp.and have used it
for 2 yrs, but I want to dis-install to make sure all my
personal files are removed before I sell it. Then I want
to re-install it and have it ready for the buyer.My
question is; How do I know that Microsoft will recognize
my Product Key and won't deactivate the program at the
end of 30 days for the second time and subsequent times.
This key, (and XP) is attached to this comp. and should
remain with it wherever it goes. I know of no other way
to clean this comp. before I sell it! Please help. Steve

Just boot from the Windows XP CD. When confronted by setup, follow the
instructions, but when you come to the part where you have to specify a
partition to set up Windows XP in, delete the partition (or partitions)
that's already there (by selecting it and pressing the D key), then setting
Windows XP to install in it's place. This process will delete, then
reformat the drive before installing.

Because you are using the Windows XP CD that you initially used with that
PC, it should activate with the minimal of trouble when you use the same
product key.

"nojunk" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:328d01c3fd52$65419bd0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I have already installed XP on this comp.and have used it
> for 2 yrs, but I want to dis-install to make sure all my
> personal files are removed before I sell it. Then I want
> to re-install it and have it ready for the buyer.My
> question is; How do I know that Microsoft will recognize
> my Product Key and won't deactivate the program at the
> end of 30 days for the second time and subsequent times.
> This key, (and XP) is attached to this comp. and should
> remain with it wherever it goes. I know of no other way
> to clean this comp. before I sell it! Please help. Steve

nojunk wrote:

>I have already installed XP on this comp.and have used it
>for 2 yrs, but I want to dis-install to make sure all my
>personal files are removed before I sell it. Then I want
>to re-install it and have it ready for the buyer.My
>question is; How do I know that Microsoft will recognize
>my Product Key and won't deactivate the program at the
>end of 30 days for the second time and subsequent times.

You can reformat and reinstall - and then activate the new installation.
You can do this on the same hardware as many times as you like. It
will go through on the net in seconds, just like the first time (there
is no need to wait).

Boot to the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license agreement
take New Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC; select
and delete the current partition and make a new RAW one to be formatted
at the next stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one

You will then have a freshly installed, entirely clean system. Set up
a net connection (temporarily if you like) and use
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate on the
Internet now'

Or do without setting up the connection, and spend the few minutes in
activating by phoning in.

Leave registration - it is not needed, is only of any value in
supporting rights to 2 free support 'incidents'


--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (E-Mail Removed) (remove the D8 bit)