Reinstallation

[alpine_sc]

The Windows XP that came with one of my computers is loaded with junk that I don't want. I want a clean version of Windows XP. Is it possible to use someone elses copy and use the product key that's already on my computer to reinstall xp so that it's still valid? Or would it be considered not a registered copy.

 

[llama_man]

If you paid for Windows XP with your system you should have been provided with a CD! :?

 

[Zoron]

As long as it's an OEM copy, it will work.

Llama, I'm guessing he either received a restore CD that loads all the stuff on or a restore partition on the hard drive. It's more and more common nowadays that a computer will come without a CD.

 

[llama_man]

True, but it's norty. If you've paid for Windows with your machine, you should be given a CD. Otherwise, shop your reseller to Microsoft.

 

[alpine_sc]

It was preinstalled into my system when I bought it, so I'm sure it's not OEM. I found the reinstallation CD, but that was not my intent because I wanted a clean version without the junk that they put on it. I read that you can't use an OEM CD with a retail product key because of WGA. That's OK, though, I'll just manually delete whatever I can.

 

[JesterX]

A lot of PC sellers now just give a 'Restore CD' and they dont provide the Windows XP CD unless you pay more.

You can try taking an OEM Windows XP CD from a friend and install it using your systems Windows Key. If it doesnt work, you can always restore it with the restore CDs. Its worth a try at least.

 

[pat]

It was preinstalled into my system when I bought it, so I'm sure it's not OEM. I found the reinstallation CD, but that was not my intent because I wanted a clean version without the junk that they put on it. I read that you can't use an OEM CD with a retail product key because of WGA. That's OK, though, I'll just manually delete whatever I can.

Just get an original cd of either home or pro (the one you have) and install it using your key you got with your computer. Using the restauration CD will install xp for sure, but all the stuff you don't want too.

 

[Zoron]

If it came preinstalled on your computer, it's OEM. There is just no way computer manufacturers would install retail copies of Windows on their computers... way too expensive for them.

The CD key on your comp should work with any OEM copy of Windows.

 

[Pata]

Yes, This is true... I have done this on all of my computers that say HP or Compaq on them. Make sure that you have an WindowsXP OEM disc. Even a copy of one will do. What you want to do is make sure that all the drivers for your computer are available online from the company that you bought the computer from. Some on board video and sound cards have thier own special drivers that WindowsXP may not have. Make sure you download these and put them on a disc before doing a full format. I have done this many times and I just love not having AOL, Disney channel and all that other crap. It is well worth it.
Your CD key is a WindowsXP OEM key for that computer and stays with that computer. You cannot take the CD Key with you.