XP PRO.....REPOST

[Roger]

I'm in a strange position. I have a system built by a builder with XP pro &
SP2. However, I have no disks nor is there a partition or files that I know
of with the O/S files.
I have no problem buying an operating system, but can I get XP Pro /SP2
without having to format the hard drive before installation ?? How about
activation. Will I have to reactivate the software ?? TIA

 

[Harry Ohrn]

Yes you can purchase XP Pro/SP2. I'd suggest you get the retail version. You
will be able to use it to upgrade or run a repair install on your present
system if need be. An you will be able to do a fresh install if needed. OEM
versions often can not perform a repair install which is why I recommend a
retail version.

When you install XP you will be required to activate. This is true each time
XP is installed/reinstalled and is really a very minor inconvenience in
terms of action required to perform the function.

 

[gls858]

I'm in a strange position. I have a system built by a builder with XP pro &
SP2. However, I have no disks nor is there a partition or files that I know
of with the O/S files.
I have no problem buying an operating system, but can I get XP Pro /SP2
without having to format the hard drive before installation ?? How about
activation. Will I have to reactivate the software ?? TIA

Go back to the builder. They are required to provide a method to restore
the operating system.

gls858

 

[DanS]

Yes you can purchase XP Pro/SP2. I'd suggest you get the retail
version. You will be able to use it to upgrade or run a repair install
on your present system if need be. An you will be able to do a fresh
install if needed. OEM versions often can not perform a repair install
which is why I recommend a retail version.

Since when has a generic OEM XP (NOT a 'restore' CD) not been able to do
repair installs ?

 

[Poprivet]

Since when has a generic OEM XP (NOT a 'restore' CD) not been able to
do repair installs ?

Since a long time, actually. It's not unusual. It's as stupid as having
the restore info on the hard drive.

 

[DanS]

Since a long time, actually. It's not unusual. It's as stupid as
having the restore info on the hard drive.

While I have no way to verify this, you better tell Michael Stevens, you
know, the MVP, of the web page that almost everyone here refers people to
when questions are asked about it.

(http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm)

(Copy/Clipped from there.....)

'After completing [if Windows is still accessible] the steps listed to
prevent data loss in warning #1 and you did not remedy the no boot
situation, you can use an OEM XP Pro or Home, "retail" XP Home or Pro
full or upgrade version CD of the same version Home or Pro to perform a
Repair Install. OEM Restore disks or hidden restore folders on the hard
drive will not work for the Repair Install.'