Re-install from another disc

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Guest

I have 2 legal registered copies of XP Home Edition. I wish to re-format the
hard disk on my Laptop, and then re-install XP. I cannot find the original
disks for the Laptop Installation (I have filed them safely away somewhere!),
but can find the original disks for the Desktop Installation. Can I
re-install on the laptop, using the Desktop disks, and re-activate
successfully? Are there any registry keys I need to make a note of first, to
change after installation?

John S
 
John said:
I have 2 legal registered copies of XP Home Edition. I wish to
re-format the hard disk on my Laptop, and then re-install XP. I
cannot find the original disks for the Laptop Installation (I have
filed them safely away somewhere!), but can find the original disks
for the Desktop Installation. Can I re-install on the laptop, using
the Desktop disks, and re-activate successfully? Are there any
registry keys I need to make a note of first, to change after
installation?
Click to expand...

First off - if the CDs in question are OEM (likely are) - they are likely
customized for each of the system - drivers, etc.
If they happen not to be and they are the same type of Windows XP CDs (OEM,
Retail, Upgrade, etc) - then you might have a chance - since the CD normally
does not matter (if not customized) - just the CD Key matters.

However - you also give the impression you may not actually have Windows XP
CDs - but restoration CDs that have an image of what the system was when you
got it - if that is the case - you need to find the ones for the laptop FOR
SURE.

As far as anything you need to make note of - who knows? You haven't told
us that much about your system. You should at least backup your files
(documents, spreadsheets, databases, contacts, emails, favorites, downloaded
installation programs, installation keys for programs you will need to
reinstall, etc.)
 
Shenan

Thanks for your reply.

The situation is much simpler that you think.

None of the data or programs on the Laptop are required.

I have a full retail copy of XP Home, not OEM. I want to dump everything on
the laptop, re-format and start again with a clean machine.

I have installed XP before with no problem on other PCs, and downloaded SPs
etc.

My only query is how to find/use the old ID from the Laptop XP program when
re-installing, so that I can activate the new Laptop installation under the
old ID.
 
John S said:
Shenan

Thanks for your reply.

The situation is much simpler that you think.

None of the data or programs on the Laptop are required.

I have a full retail copy of XP Home, not OEM. I want to dump everything
on
the laptop, re-format and start again with a clean machine.

I have installed XP before with no problem on other PCs, and downloaded
SPs
etc.

My only query is how to find/use the old ID from the Laptop XP program
when
re-installing, so that I can activate the new Laptop installation under
the
old ID.
Click to expand...
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http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
Try this at your own risk.
No guarantee that the Product Key you retrieve will be accepted
with that Retail XP Home CD installation.
If it is accepted, hope you don't run into any BIOS / device driver
problems.
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