reinstalling windows xp

[Chris]

I bought a laptop from toshiba last year. They did not
give me a copy of windows xp home edition, but put the
COA product key sticker on the bottom of the laptop. I
just bought windows xp home edition to upgrade my home
computer. Can I use this copy to reinstall windows xp on
my laptop, except using the same product key toshiba
originally used?

 

[Bill Gates]

Legally ? No you can't. You can use the Restore CD from
Toshiba to re-instate the Laptop as it was when you bought
it but you'd better save your data first . . .

What problem are you having on the laptop ? Please flesh
it out and someone will attempt to help you. Guessing at
how to fix something, assuming that a re-install will fix
something is not the correct way to solve a computer
problem. Re-installs rarely (like NEVER) fix anything,
they just waste your time . . . Good Luck !

What's the problem

 

[Guest]

Ahh, I see. There is really no problem. System slowed
down from installing/uninstalling programs. Getting it
re-instated to when I first got it would be perfect.
Have to buy the restore CD from Toshiba?

 

[Guest]

No, the Restore CD came with the system (Call Toshiba if
you don't have it or lost it). . . There may well be a
problem but that's not the point . . . the question was "
Can I use this copy to reinstall windows xp on my laptop"
and the answer is (legally) . . . . . NO.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Sorry but no, the scheme used for the Product Keys differs between retail
and OEM editions, they are not interchangeable. Check the Toshiba users
manual, as they should have provided some means of system recovery, usually
involving a hidden partition on the hard drive.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

. . . the question was "Can I use this copy to reinstall windows xp on my

laptop" and the answer is (legally) . . . . .NO.

Actually, the answer is more "technically" no, it won't work because of the
different way retail and OEM Product Keys work.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[gls858]

No, the Restore CD came with the system (Call Toshiba if
you don't have it or lost it). . . There may well be a
problem but that's not the point . . . the question was "
Can I use this copy to reinstall windows xp on my laptop"
and the answer is (legally) . . . . . NO.

Check your manual. The files you need may already be on
you laptop in a separate partition.

gls858