Re-installing the store bought version of windows XP?

[Guest]

I've recently just had a copy of Windows XP Professional installed on my
computer without using my authentic product key number by a friend. This has
caused many problems to emerge and I would like to revert back to the Windows
XP Home Edition that was on my computer when I bought it from the store.
However, for some reason I never received a CD with the computer when I
bought it. Is there any way in which I can wipe the version I have installed
now and go back to my authentic version? Thanks very much
Jo

 

[Ken Blake]

I've recently just had a copy of Windows XP Professional installed on
my computer without using my authentic product key number by a
friend. This has caused many problems to emerge and I would like to
revert back to the Windows XP Home Edition that was on my computer
when I bought it from the store. However, for some reason I never
received a CD with the computer when I bought it. Is there any way in
which I can wipe the version I have installed now and go back to my
authentic version? Thanks very much

OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to give you a
means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can do this in one of
three ways:



1. An OEM copy of Windows

2. A restore CD

3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.



If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact your
vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable, and would never choose to buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a complete
generic installation CD for that operating system.

 

[DL]

Not without a win cd. Your PC may have been supplied with a hidden recovery
partition, to find out you would have to consult the documentation, or visit
the PC manu web site.
The winxp pro installed would have had a seperate key, yours wouldnt have
worked. Of course its allways possible that the version your friend
installed is a pirate version.
If the PC still functions you should backup any data now, since the only way
to install winxp home on a pro sys is by wiping the drive.