Installing windows xp when i have the key but not the CD

[Lee]

I have a Lenovo notebook and the windows key is on the sticker on the bottom.
I want to no a fresh build but I can not find the windows XP install disk.
I do however have other windows XP CDs from other computers. Can I use one
of these other CDs but the key off the lenovo copy to rebuild the laptop?

 

[Lee]

Sorry - typing too fast: I want to "do" a fresh build. NOT: I want to "no" a
fresh build...

 

[Big_Al]

I have a Lenovo notebook and the windows key is on the sticker on the bottom.
I want to no a fresh build but I can not find the windows XP install disk.
I do however have other windows XP CDs from other computers. Can I use one
of these other CDs but the key off the lenovo copy to rebuild the laptop?

Have you verified that Lenovo does not put a Restore Partition on the
drive for you and or some "build restore cd's" item in the menu?

See here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4VFUDU

I just finished burning 3 DVD's for a friend with an HP laptop and it
has a "build restore cd" item on the menu and you have to do it before
you blow the drive.

If not you cannot mix and match OS's and CD's. They go together by type:
XP home
XP pro
XP home OEM
XP pro OEM
.......


The worst is OEM's sometimes will marry the CD to the motherboard
meaning for me, I have to have a DELL OEM Cd or I can't load it on my
dell. Other than drivers, you probably could use a retail CD and key
to reload if you have to.

 

[Malke]

Sorry - typing too fast: I want to "do" a fresh build. NOT: I want to
"no" a
fresh build...

Contact Lenovo tech support and they will send you restore disks. This is
the easiest way to deal with Lenovo laptops. When I did this for my
Thinkpad, it cost nothing but I was getting a repair part sent out so I
don't know if this is normal. In any case, the cost is nominal.

If this doesn't work for you for some reason, you will need a generic OEM
install disk that matches the version of XP you have (Pro, Home, Media
Center). Make sure you download all the drivers and laptop-specific
software from Lenovo's tech support site first and save them to CD-R or USB
thumbdrive.

Malke

 

[Lee]

THANKS! I did not know lenovo had the Restore Partition. The link you sent
walked me through it and was very easy. (interesting note: my last model -
when it was still IBM - had the same option but they made it much more
obvious with a note appearing at boot time. This one was more hidden)

 

[Jason]

But the Lenovo key probably wouldn't work.

Contact Lenovo tech support and they will send you restore disks. This is
the easiest way to deal with Lenovo laptops. When I did this for my
Thinkpad, it cost nothing but I was getting a repair part sent out so I
don't know if this is normal. In any case, the cost is nominal.

If this doesn't work for you for some reason, you will need a generic OEM
install disk that matches the version of XP you have (Pro, Home, Media
Center). Make sure you download all the drivers and laptop-specific
software from Lenovo's tech support site first and save them to CD-R or
USB
thumbdrive.

Malke

 

[Malke]

But the Lenovo key probably wouldn't work.

Yes, the Lenovo key will work with a generic OEM install disk. However, I
see that Lee suggested that the OP look for a restore partition and there
was one, so apparently the issue is resolved.

Malke