Windows XP Professional Reinstallation

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Guest

Computer: Dell Inspirion 6000

My boot sector deleted itself. I don't know how but it did. I want to
reinstall XP, but I don't think I ever made an Installation CD, yes, I know
how stupid I am. I have the *code* for what USED to be on this laptop.
About 2 years ago, I had bought Windows XP Professional so I would have a
copy. I do NOT have the install code for this one. I used to. Normally I
use a Sharpie and put the code on the cd so I don't have a problem
reinstalling. I don't know why I didn't this time, and my husband threw away
the box, I remember him doing that, and I remember me giving him the go ahead
to do it. The only thing I can feign is that I must be losing my mind.

When I try to install using my CD that I bought and using the code that's on
the bottom of the laptop, it says the code is invalid. I don't have the
money to buy another cd. I do NOT like VISTA at all. I want my XP back. Do
I have any options? It's going to be quite a few months before I can even
consider buying another cd.
 
Gossie said:
Computer: Dell Inspirion 6000

My boot sector deleted itself. I don't know how but it did. I want to
reinstall XP, but I don't think I ever made an Installation CD, yes, I
know
how stupid I am. I have the *code* for what USED to be on this laptop.
About 2 years ago, I had bought Windows XP Professional so I would have a
copy. I do NOT have the install code for this one. I used to. Normally
I
use a Sharpie and put the code on the cd so I don't have a problem
reinstalling. I don't know why I didn't this time, and my husband threw
away
the box, I remember him doing that, and I remember me giving him the go
ahead
to do it. The only thing I can feign is that I must be losing my mind.

When I try to install using my CD that I bought and using the code that's
on
the bottom of the laptop, it says the code is invalid. I don't have the
money to buy another cd. I do NOT like VISTA at all. I want my XP back.
Do
I have any options? It's going to be quite a few months before I can even
consider buying another cd.
Click to expand...

Can you get to a command prompt? Put your CD in, and get to the Recovery
Console (not repair installation). Once at the recovery console, type
FIXBOOT and see if that works.
 
I wish I could have written on here when it first happened. I had to install
another OS to even get online. I don't have access to the XP, it's already
been formatted over.

Can I install using my WinXP Professional w/SP1? Would MS be able to give
me a new code?
 
Gossie said:
I wish I could have written on here when it first happened. I had to
install
another OS to even get online. I don't have access to the XP, it's
already
been formatted over.

Can I install using my WinXP Professional w/SP1? Would MS be able to give
me a new code?
Click to expand...


If you have not installed it elsewhere you can reinstall it although you may
have to activate by phone. I assume that you still have the product key
that came with the CD.
 
Gossie said:
Computer: Dell Inspirion 6000

My boot sector deleted itself. I don't know how but it did. I want to
reinstall XP, but I don't think I ever made an Installation CD, yes, I
know
how stupid I am. I have the *code* for what USED to be on this laptop.
About 2 years ago, I had bought Windows XP Professional so I would have a
copy. I do NOT have the install code for this one. I used to. Normally
I
use a Sharpie and put the code on the cd so I don't have a problem
reinstalling. I don't know why I didn't this time, and my husband threw
away
the box, I remember him doing that, and I remember me giving him the go
ahead
to do it. The only thing I can feign is that I must be losing my mind.

When I try to install using my CD that I bought and using the code that's
on
the bottom of the laptop, it says the code is invalid. I don't have the
money to buy another cd. I do NOT like VISTA at all. I want my XP back.
Do
I have any options? It's going to be quite a few months before I can even
consider buying another cd.
Click to expand...


The product key that is on the sticker on the laptop should work with a
generic OEM XP installation CD of the same type and language, meaning if
what you had was XP Home in English then the product key will work with a
generic OEM XP Home installation CD. It will not work with a retail full or
upgrade CD or with any XP Pro CD ( assuming you have XP Home).

If the copy you bought is a retail copy of XP, and have proof of purchase,
here is info on getting replacement product key.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com
 
Gossie said:
Computer: Dell Inspirion 6000

My boot sector deleted itself. I don't know how but it did. I want to
reinstall XP, but I don't think I ever made an Installation CD, yes, I know
how stupid I am. I have the *code* for what USED to be on this laptop.
About 2 years ago, I had bought Windows XP Professional so I would have a
copy. I do NOT have the install code for this one. I used to. Normally I
use a Sharpie and put the code on the cd so I don't have a problem
reinstalling. I don't know why I didn't this time, and my husband threw away
the box, I remember him doing that, and I remember me giving him the go ahead
to do it. The only thing I can feign is that I must be losing my mind.

When I try to install using my CD that I bought and using the code that's on
the bottom of the laptop, it says the code is invalid. I don't have the
money to buy another cd. I do NOT like VISTA at all. I want my XP back. Do
I have any options? It's going to be quite a few months before I can even
consider buying another cd.
Click to expand...


You're trying to use an OEM Product Key with a retail license; it won't
work.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker that says
"Do not lose this number." To obtain a new Product Key for the retail
license, you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

To obtain a replacement OEM CD that would work with your OEM
Product Key, you should contact the computer's manufacturer.


--

Bruce Chambers

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