Broken Windows XP CD-Rom?

[Morrighan]

Hello,
I bought Windows XP quite a while ago, and have had it
installed for over a year, I think. I did use it several
times in that time owing to problems with a broadband
modem, and this caused no problems. However, about two
months ago I started having computer problems and wiped my
hard disk to do a reinstall. When I came to install Win XP
it told me it couldn't copy shell32.dll because it was
corrupted, and also another file which I can't remember
the name of. (modem something I believe)

I assume this means that my cd-rom has developed a fault,
right? If so, is there any way of replacing it without
having to buy a new one from scratch? Failing that, if I
borrow an XP or win 2000 cd off someone, will my licence
key work with it?

There are no noticeable scratches on the CD-Rom, so I'm a
little puzzled about this, and any answers would be
welcome.

Morrighan

 

[Steve C. Ray]

Carefully clean the CD. Even if there are no scratches, fingerprints and
smudges can cause reading problems. Also your CD drive may be dirty. There
are cleaning CDs available to clean the CD player laser lens.