How to uninstall unverified Windows XP

[Robert_479]

I had Linux on this machine and thought I could install my Windows XP that I used on another now outdated machine because I needed an old windows machine. It didn't take and now I am locked out of doing anything on the machine but going through that process of trying to get the code from MS. Does anyone know how to fix this situation?

 

[Saga Lout]

XP requires a separate Product Key for each installation and the one you're using was a one-shot that's already been fired.

To make a fresh installation or to activate what you already have, you'll need to buy a previously unused Product Key. It's going to be hard to find such a thing so be careful what you buy.

 

[Deleted member 1898488]

how many computers are you trying to use this key on?(two?) beacuase you can legally transfer the key as long as it isn't installed and used on more than one PC at a time. (UNLESS ITS AN OEM KEY)
you'll have to call the phone number it gives you in some cases though.

but if you want to use the key on TWO machines at a time, you cant.

 

[Robert_479]

Thanks. I appreciate your responses. I was more interested in trying to install Linux again but it doesn't seem possible. I was thinking the only way to re-use this hard drive is to use it as a secondary, and the only way to use this computer is to put in a hard drive that has a working OS.

 

[Saga Lout]

Putting Linux on a hard disk shared with XP was always a bit fraught with the danger of the sharing going wrong but if you only want Linux and have no personal files to remove from XP, it should be straightforward.

Ge a download of a decent flavour of Linux - Mint Cinnamon Serena would be my choice at the moment - and also download Rufus to enable you to make that Linux ISO on to a memory stick and make it bootable.

Fire up and put the stick in and it has control because it booted the machine and XP is unaware of it. Start the installation and tell it to take over the entire hard disk, removing all traces of Windows.