Reloading XP

[Guest]

I've got a desk-top PC that has XP loaded but now some of the systm files are
corrupt. I've got the MS Windows XP Certificate for the XP that's loaded but
can't find the actual disc that came with the PC. If I want to reformat the
drive and reload XP can i use the System disc that came with my laptop?

 

[DL]

No

If retail version of Winxp
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246
If OEM version, contact supplier

 

[Gordon]

No

yes the OP might WELL be able to do it - it depends whether the laptop
version is generic or BIOS locked. If generic, and the desktop is also
generic, then the OP WILL be able to use the disk that came with the laptop.
Just saying "No" is not a good answer.

 

[DL]

You are right of course

yes the OP might WELL be able to do it - it depends whether the laptop
version is generic or BIOS locked. If generic, and the desktop is also
generic, then the OP WILL be able to use the disk that came with the laptop.
Just saying "No" is not a good answer.

 

[Rock]

I've got a desk-top PC that has XP loaded but now some of the systm files
are
corrupt. I've got the MS Windows XP Certificate for the XP that's loaded
but
can't find the actual disc that came with the PC. If I want to reformat
the
drive and reload XP can i use the System disc that came with my laptop?

Probably not. Are the two from the same manufacturer? The odds are it's
either a system restore disk which will only work on the laptop or if it's
an XP installation CD it's BIOS locked. If the two are the same
manufacturer the BIOS locked CD might work on either one. Try it to see,
but it might not accept the other product key.

If it doesn't work there are several choices. Find someone who has the
exact type of installation CD and copy it. It has to match in terms of
Retail v. OEM v. Volume license, full v. Upgrade, and language version.

If it's a retail version of XP then use these link:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246

If it's an OEM version you'll have to contact the vendor from which you
purchased it, though they might not be of much help.