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Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or
recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a seperate partition. Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to buy another OS disk? |
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#2
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Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
Roy W. wrote:
I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a seperate partition. Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? Only if you could find a duplicate OEM CD for that vendor and type of computer. CD Keys are matched to the type of software as in: Home OEM Home Retail Pro OEM Pro Retail etc. Your product tag on the bottom should tell you what you have the license for. XP PRo etc If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to buy another OS disk? You may be able to use this to get replacements. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302822 |
#3
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Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
Roy W. wrote:
I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or recovery disk. Are you sure?! What is the make and model of this laptop? Doesn't it have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the bottom? The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a seperate partition. Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? Okay, if the laptop came with a product key, then it *did* come with an operating system! :-) Assuming this is an OEM version of XP Home (you didn't tell us), then you just need to obtain the same type of installation disk (generic--not branded--OEM of XP Home, or whatever it is you have). Hopefully you will be able to get one from someone you know. If so, make a copy. And, yes, you will enter the product key you already have (the one on your COA). Some people have had success getting .iso files of this type of disk from P2P sources, but that of course entails the risk of downloading malware--not a good idea! Generic OEM disks are still available if you wish to purchase one. But hopefully you won't need to. If you do, it shouldn't cost more than $100. |
#4
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Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
Roy W. wrote:
I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a seperate partition. Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? Well, you can't use "just any" WinXP installation CD, but you could use one if it's an unbranded, generic OEM disk for the same WinXP edition (Home vs. Pro) as that for which you have the license. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) 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 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/license types cannot usually (it's been reported that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be mixed & matched. If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to buy another OS disk? "Legit?" No, not really. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot |
#5
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Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
On Sat, 31 May 2008 04:41:00 -0700, Roy W.
wrote: I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a seperate partition. Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? Yes, if it's also an OEM CD and matches with respect to edition (Home, Professional, MCE, etc.) Otherwise no. -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup |
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