Reinstalling Windows (XP)

Sorry if this question is a bit noobish, but I've never gotten this clear.

If I have a laptop, for example my current Sony, and I want to reinstall Windows XP on it, can I just take the CD key from the bottom of the laptop and use that as the CD key? I would like to install a fresh copy of Windows without the added bloatware. I suppose I could manually uninstall everything, but that's quite a hassle.

Also, if I retire my Sony, could I take that CD key and install Windows XP on a new computer (for example, if I want to downgrade from Vista until 7 comes out)?

 

Sure.

If it is OEM key, then probably "no" - check the label and see.

cheers ...

 

Hey! Thanks for the quick reply!

The label on the bottom of my laptop says "Sony Corporation"... does that mean it's an OEM key?

 

Nothing above it says OEM(A)?

cheers ...

 

- I am pretty sure you can't/not legal to use the key from your SONY on another install/computer. Its an OEM copy that is supposed to be tied to that machine.

- You should be able to just use the key on the bottom of your machine if you want to reinstall XP, but there should be a hidden preactivated OEM key somewhere in the machine that would be easier to install. This is the key that the factory uses to install and activate the copy.

- If you want to have a clean XP install without the bloatware, you won't be able to do it with the discs/image they gave you with the machine. I fyou try to reinstall with them, you will just bring back the machine to day one status with all the bloatware and all. You will need to borrow/buy a disc with the full XP OS on it and follow one of the clean install guides. I did this with Vista using an "anytime upgrade disc" and my preactivated OEM key in the machine and it worked perfectly.

 

I'm not seeing OEM(A) anywhere on the label. Above the serial number it says Windows XP Home Edition, and immediately under this it says Sony Corporation.

If I reinstall a clean version of XP on the bottom of my Sony using a borrowed XP disc, will I have to call Microsoft and reactivate the key? And by "hidden preactivated OEM key" do you mean it's a label physically plastered somewhere inside the laptop?

I've been having some crazy issues with Windows lately and for the life of me I cannot figure out what's wrong. I have all my files backed up so I figured I might as well just reinstall. I suppose the bloatware would not be the end of the world, though.

 

That is an OEM key on the bottom of the notebook, unless you purchased a retail copy with your laptop. There is no hidden label; some OEMs have code in the BIOS that the OEM installation disc looks for and, if it is found, then skips the part of the install that asks for the key. If you have a true OEM install disc, then it will not have any bloatware on it. If you have a recovery disc, it will restore your computer to the way it was when you first received it.

 

That's not true at least for Dell with my computer. The OS is on one CD and some but not all of the bloatware another.

 

Have you run a virus or malware scan, cleaned with CCleaner?

 

Yes, this is my experience as well. Dell comes with a clean OS disc, but my Sony didn't come with discs. I have to use the recovery tools to make a recovery disc, or I can just use the recovery tools to reset it back to system specs. I should still have my Dell disc with the OS, so I could just use the key on the bottom of my Sony for that.

I have run a combination of Adaware, Spybot, AVG Antivirus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and CCleaner. None of them have solved the issue. I've got a new laptop coming and I just wanted to clean this one up before I hand it off to my siblings.

 

If that's the case I'd do the recovery and uninstall any bloatware using Revouninstaller.

 

Nice. I was unfamiliar with this program, but I think I will give my computer the wipe today with the recovery tools and use Revouninstaller to get rid of the unwanted bloatware. Thanks!