When I got my computer Windows xp home edition came already installed. I've
had problems with machine and have got to reinstall windows.
What problems? How do you know you need to reinstall? It's hardly ever
the best thing to do.
I've got the
product key of the version that came with my computer but can I use my
parents xp disk to re-install it? Or do I have to buy xp all over again?
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 (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), 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.
Regarding your parent's CD, if it is the same type (Home vs
Professional) and is also OEM, as yours is, you can probably use it.