Windows XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter DennyBenny
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DennyBenny

I have a preloaded copy of Windows XP which is legal and I have the key #. I
want to save Windows XP on to a CD, erase my hard drive and reload my copy of
XP. How
 
You can't reload the O/S unless you have the Microsoft Operating System CD.

If the operating system was preloaded the manufacturer gives you a way to
return the computer to "out of box" condition" - usually via a hidden
partition on the hard drive. Check your documentation for instructions on
how to do so. You will likely lose everything on your computer (photos,
music, documents etc) so be sure you backup your files before you begin.
 
DennyBenny said:
I have a preloaded copy of Windows XP which is legal and I have the key #. I
want to save Windows XP on to a CD, erase my hard drive and reload my copy of
XP. How
Click to expand...
 
Did you have another question?

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience
 
DennyBenny,
You need to look into disk cloning software. It's
fairly straight forward with another HD (harddrive) but I'm thinking not so
with a copying it to cd and back again. But, here's the thing, cloning
will make an EXACT copy (or image)of your drive and as such will copy any
corruptions, file system errors, disk defragmentation, and any and all
garbage that you would want to erase and re-install on a hard-drive for. So
it's pointless, unless the point is transferring your Operating System to
another HD or for a back-up. If you want to "clean" your Windows
installation then I suggest you do a reinstall.
P.S. You could try to look for a folder in the root of C: drive called i386
which are the original installation files. With the original product-key,
you would be able to re-install from that.
 
DennyBenny,
You need to look into disk cloning software. It's
fairly straight forward with another HD (harddrive) but I'm thinking not so
with a copying it to cd and back again. But, here's the thing, cloning
will make an EXACT copy (or image)of your drive
Click to expand...

Stick with "copy" when referring to the cloning process.

Use "image" when talking about backup processes that make a
compressed, proprietary file that can be used to restore.
 
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