restoring xp

[Guest]

I have recently encountered some problems with the operating system and I
think some of my windows programs have been corrupted or lost. I'm getting
messages at bootup saying windows was not able to open win.min file. And the
computer will no longer shut down properly. In addition, some of my original
windows programs such as the card games no longer run.

I have used various utility programs which have corrected most of the
problems, but I would like to restore the windows program and start over.
That's where my problem lies. Dell included an "operating system
reinstallation cd" with the computer when I bought it almost 2 years ago. I
have never had to use it so it remained sealed until yesterday. When I tried
to use it, the product code is rejected as invalid. I have checked and
rechecked the product code and I have entered it correctly each time. After
8 or 9 tries, It is still being rejected as invalid. Any suggestions? I no
longer have a service agreement with Dell, so they refuse to help.

 

[Nepatsfan]

You are probably going to have to activate over the telephone.
Take a look here for the numbers:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326851

You can also get support for installation issues here:

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?&c1=509&gprid=3223&

 

[Guest]

Usually one recieves from the mfg,a cd that has recovery and the other option,
format and recovery options,the recovery option should restore all.As for
the
product code,usually found on a sticker atached to the computer (back panel).
If still not right,chk at the mfg web site for location,try search.Also
try,R.click
my computer,the xp product code will show,try that one.

 

[D.Currie]

I have recently encountered some problems with the operating system and I
think some of my windows programs have been corrupted or lost. I'm
getting
messages at bootup saying windows was not able to open win.min file. And
the
computer will no longer shut down properly. In addition, some of my
original
windows programs such as the card games no longer run.

I have used various utility programs which have corrected most of the
problems, but I would like to restore the windows program and start over.
That's where my problem lies. Dell included an "operating system
reinstallation cd" with the computer when I bought it almost 2 years ago.
I
have never had to use it so it remained sealed until yesterday. When I
tried
to use it, the product code is rejected as invalid. I have checked and
rechecked the product code and I have entered it correctly each time.
After
8 or 9 tries, It is still being rejected as invalid. Any suggestions? I
no
longer have a service agreement with Dell, so they refuse to help.

Every time I've used a Dell restore CD, it installed without asking for the
key at all, unless something major had changed in the computer,
hardware-wise. Are you sure you're using the correct CD for your computer?
The key should be on a sticker on the side of the computer. Is that the one
you're entering?

 

[D.Currie]

The OP can't get past inputting the CD Key -- activation doesn't come into
play until later. And it's doubtful MS is going to be of much use with OEM
software. But nice try, anyway.

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're right, I completely misread that question. Thanks for
pointing it out.

And thanks for the "nice try, anyway" comment. I hope I haven't
misread their meaning.

 

[D.Currie]

No, you got it the right way. It was a good answer to a different question