Re-install XP Pro with New CD

[Guest]

Hello,
I have a laptop running XP Pro with a completely valid key (on the sticker
on the bottom of the computer). However, I can't find the original CD, and I
want to completely re-install. Can I use a different CD in combination with
the laptop's original Product Key?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have a laptop running XP Pro with a completely valid key (on the
sticker on the bottom of the computer). However, I can't find the
original CD, and I want to completely re-install. Can I use a
different CD in combination with the laptop's original Product Key?

Only if the CD is of the same type...
BIOS-Locked vendor OEM, generic OEM, upgrade, retail... etc.

 

[Guest]

Can I determine the original CD type from information on the computer?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have a laptop running XP Pro with a completely valid key (on the
sticker on the bottom of the computer). However, I can't find the
original CD, and I want to completely re-install. Can I use a
different CD in combination with the laptop's original Product
Key?

Only if the CD is of the same type...
BIOS-Locked vendor OEM, generic OEM, upgrade, retail... etc.

Can I determine the original CD type from information on the
computer?

Sticker on machine = OEM.
(Laptop usually = OEM...)

What TYPE of machine is it?
Dell? IBM? HP? Other?

You can attempt to install with a Generic OEM CD. If I were you I would
first (if the machine is up and running) download, install and run "Belarc
Advisor" on the machine and print the results. There will be a lot of
useful information there and you might be surprised (might not) at the CD
key the current version of Windows XP is using (in comparison to the
sticker...)

Also - did you get a CD or was the laptop equipped with a method of making
the restoration CDs or some way of restoring the machine to scratch from the
hard disk drive itself?

 

[Guest]

You were right! The Product Key was not what I expected. In fact, I didn't
even notice previously that the laptop was originally installed with Windows
2000. The XP Pro is, therefore, an upgrade.

This computer is one I'm cleaning up for a friend. I believe a friend of
his gave it to him because it is old and slow. That's why I can't find the
original CD -- I can't find the original owner of the PC.

The machine is a Sony Vaio, since you asked. I don't want to attempt to
re-install XP from the CD that I do have unless I know the key will work.
The CD's key, of course, is tied to the machine which was installed from it
originally.

Am I stuck? I don't see any information in the Belarc Advisor report
indicating "OEM", "Upgrade", etc.

Thanks for your continuing help!
Mike