Re-installing XP

[jjrrss]

How do you go about re-installing XP on the same machine that its currently
on, without Microsoft questioning the copyright. I know I would have to
register it again also using the same product key codes.

 

[jjrrss]

I meant activating it

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

How do you go about re-installing XP on the same machine that its currently
on, without Microsoft questioning the copyright. I know I would have to
register it again also using the same product key codes.

First of all, there is no copyright issue.

Second, there is no registration required. Registration is completely
optional, and used only for Microsoft's marketing purposes.

What is required is *activation*.

Activation is completely normal, and the fact that it was already done
on that machine is irrelevant. Just go about activation normally after
you reinstall Windows. You will either be permitted to activate
normally over the internet, or give an 800 number to make a voice call
to. Either way is quick is easy.

 

[Bob I]

You just re-install it. If it's exactly the same PC it will activate
without issue.

 

[Bdbstr]

If I re-install XP will I lose all data on hard drive or will it just rewrite
the XP files?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

If I re-install XP will I lose all data on hard drive or will it just rewrite
the XP files?

If you do a clean reinstallation, it begins by performing a format of
the drive. You lose everything.

Why do you want to do this? In my view, it's usually a mistake.

 

[Plato]

If I re-install XP will I lose all data on hard drive or will it just rewrite
the XP files?

One can lose everything in a second with a re-install. No problem tho,
as you have your most important data backed up to standard CD-Rs.