Reinstall Windows XP

[Kas]

I am trying to correct a problem on a friend’s PC. He had his PC reloaded
using a non genuine version of XP. Unfortunately, it whilst it is there it
is virtually inoperable with all kinds of problems and I feel that it needs
to be reloaded.

I’m not too sure how to do this. Is it possible to use a genuine XP
reinstall CD to overwrite the non genuine system already there, or, will I
need to reformat the disk and reload a genuine XP system?

What is the best way to tackle it? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I am trying to correct a problem on a friend's PC. He had his PC
reloaded using a non genuine version of XP. Unfortunately, it
whilst it is there it is virtually inoperable with all kinds of
problems and I feel that it needs to be reloaded.

I'm not too sure how to do this. Is it possible to use a genuine XP
reinstall CD to overwrite the non genuine system already there, or,
will I need to reformat the disk and reload a genuine XP system?

What is the best way to tackle it? Any suggestions would be
welcome.

First - how was a 'non genuine' version loaded? Your friend needs to
confront whomever did this to them.

Second - not knowing what else was done - it is likely better that the
system is wiped (perhaps low-level formatted - zero-write) and everything
started fresh from scratch.

 

[Ron Badour]

Back up any needed data and then format the disk. With a non-genuine
product, you have no idea what is installed and you should get rid of
everything.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Roy Smith]

I am trying to correct a problem on a friend’s PC. He had his PC
reloaded
using a non genuine version of XP. Unfortunately, it whilst it is
there it
is virtually inoperable with all kinds of problems and I feel that it
needs
to be reloaded.

I’m not too sure how to do this. Is it possible to use a genuine XP
reinstall CD to overwrite the non genuine system already there, or,
will I
need to reformat the disk and reload a genuine XP system?

What is the best way to tackle it? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Since your friend had a pirated OS installed on his system, the best
thing to do is format the drive and start fresh with an official install
CD. This way you can be assured that there aren't any hidden surprises
that the Pirate may have introduced in the cracked copy of windows.