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    Question about reinstalling XP

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Cassandra022, Dec 28, 2008.

  1. Cassandra022

    Cassandra022 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, so my friend got a serious virus/infestation of her laptop and has agreed to my offer to help her just reformat and reinstall the OS. This may also entail me giving her some RAM while I'm at it, but meh. Anyway, she has her XP code/product key on comp, but no CD. I do have a CD I can let her use but no product key for it...I dont see it on the booklet and the stickr on the comp it came with wore away and that HD is dead anyway. So Im thinking itd be fine to use my disc and her key but...she has Home edition that the CD is for Pro...will that be a problem? If so any suggestions that doesnt involve buying things or blatant illegality? We just wanna clean install her system so she can get a fresh start...
     
    Cassandra022, Dec 28, 2008
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  2. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    hmm I don't think so you can use a XP Home Key to install a XP Pro :rolleyes2: so just get a XP Home Installation media and use her key to install :D
     
    vinumsv, Dec 28, 2008
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  3. Lost Intelligence

    Lost Intelligence Notebook Enthusiast

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    A suggestion would be to contact her PC manufacturer. They **MAY** send a restore disc (I had good luck with Dell) if you ask nicely...or they may have a small fee.
     
    Lost Intelligence, Dec 28, 2008
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  4. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    You will not be able to install using that disc. Every key is for a VERY specific version of Windows. These versions include:
    XP Home OEM
    XP Home Upgrade
    XP Home Retail (can be used with an upgrade key)
    XP Pro OEM
    XP Pro Upgrade
    XP Pro Retail
    XP Pro Corporate
    XP Pro X64

    Since there is a sticker on her computer, it's XP Home OEM (this can be confirmed by checking the sticker - if it says OEM or has a brand on it like HP, Dell, etc - it's OEM)

    PM me...
     
    Hep!, Dec 28, 2008
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  5. palmtree7

    palmtree7 Newbie

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    Virus/spyware/whatever suck [​IMG]

    Before you do a reinstall try and get rid of the crap first. It will save you hours of work. This free site is run by an ex microsoft engineer who knows his stuff. http://www.askvg.com/is-your-system-infected-with-a-virus-spyware-adware-trojan-2/

    What he has you do is run HijackThis then post to his site the log file and he will tell you what needs to be removed.

    He has saved me from doing a full reinstall in the past.

    Good Luck.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 6, 2015
    palmtree7, Dec 28, 2008
    #5