XP Home reinstall

[Guest]

Hi, I've got a PC in which the HDD has crashed, I'm considering a full
reinstall with a new HDD and an XP home CD bought & used to reinstall another
different PC. Obviously I can't use the key from that install as it's
currently running, but can I use the key from the crashed PC? (it's printed
on the sticker on top of the desktop unit) as the hardware is still the same
internally except for the new HDD. Or will I get a duplicate key error? email
me please at john dot foster at btinternet dot com

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of
your PC and order their Windows XP Restore
or Reinstallation CD designed for your specific
PC.

How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-us

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Hi, I've got a PC in which the HDD has crashed, I'm considering a full
| reinstall with a new HDD and an XP home CD bought & used to reinstall another
| different PC. Obviously I can't use the key from that install as it's
| currently running, but can I use the key from the crashed PC? (it's printed
| on the sticker on top of the desktop unit) as the hardware is still the same
| internally except for the new HDD. Or will I get a duplicate key error? email
| me please at john dot foster at btinternet dot com

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi, I've got a PC in which the HDD has crashed, I'm considering a full
reinstall with a new HDD and an XP home CD bought & used to reinstall another
different PC. Obviously I can't use the key from that install as it's
currently running, but can I use the key from the crashed PC? (it's printed
on the sticker on top of the desktop unit) as the hardware is still the same
internally except for the new HDD. Or will I get a duplicate key error? email
me please at john dot foster at btinternet dot com

It may or may not work, depending on the specifics of the OEM version
that was previously installed.

If it was a BIOS locked OEM version then that product key will not
work with an OEM CD that is not from that specific OEM. BIOS Locked
OEM versions are self-activating when installed on computer with a
motherboard BIOS from that specific OEM so if your Windows XP
originally did not require activation when new it may be BIOS locked.

If the original Windows XP was a generic OEM version and so is your CD
(no computer manufacturer's brand name or logo on the CD) then it
should work. But there are no guarantees.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Hi,
I've contacted the mfr (compaq) and they said "as there is a recovery
partition on the HDD they do not supply recovery cd's" but he drew a blank
when told that the recovery partition is corrupted.

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi,
I've contacted the mfr (compaq) and they said "as there is a recovery
partition on the HDD they do not supply recovery cd's" but he drew a blank
when told that the recovery partition is corrupted.

At that point you should ask to speak to a supervisor.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...3&lang=en&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=bph07143

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Hi,
| I've contacted the mfr (compaq) and they said "as there is a recovery
| partition on the HDD they do not supply recovery cd's" but he drew a blank
| when told that the recovery partition is corrupted.