Windows XP Question:

[Hondajt]

I know this isn't Win7 related, but I love this forum and know you can help me through my giant brainfart.

I got a "new to me"/used computer from a friend. The case has the windows xp sticker on it. It is currently running Windows XP Home, but is glitchy. It needs a reformat and reinstall.

I would like to format the drive and re-install Windows XP. The key on the case is for Windows XP Home edition. I have a Windows XP CD but how do I know what edition it is? (the CD is a back-up copy I had laying around, and just says windows xp).

 

[valtonray]

check and see. if not im sure a quick search online will turn up an iso avaible for download. just try to get one that hasn't been tampered with.

 

[gregrocker]

Do you know if it is an OEM CD that came with a factory-installed computer? What does it say on it?

Put the CD in the drive and copy down the label which will be listed next to your CD drive in My Computer.

Post it back here exactly as it appears in My Computer and we can tell you what version it is.

 

[Hondajt]

Vrmpvol_EN:

thats it. When I just insert the CD, it only shows Windows XP stuff. It says it includes Service Pack 2.

But no mention of Pro or Home

 

[gregrocker]

That is XP Pro SP2 Student version. Won't work with Home or OEM. You need an XP Home OEM installer.

There is a workaround on the web to make an XP retail installer be seen as an OEM one and vice versa. I used this myself to reinstall XP Home retail CD to activate an OEM license: How to Change Windows XP Version Between Retail, OEM and Volume License Channel My Digital Life

But you will need to find the correct version for your OEM license which is Home as all versions are not in the ISO as with Vista or Win7.

 

[Capella]

I....don't think that will work whether you have the cd or not...I had a laptop before in which I erased the harddrive and took another windows xp cd. It failed. Apparently, every windows xp cd has a specific product key? I think you can't use any windows xp cd and install it and expect it to activate....
My suggestion is to go to your Windows folder and there should be a folder which contains the contents of the windows xp cd itself. use the i386 folder and install xp directly from your hard drive.
Windows xp has a different mechanism for activation. If I were you, I would install from the i386 folder because the product id of your installation is within that folder, so it's guaranteed to work.
Cheers~!

 

[Hondajt]

Dang. Thanks though. I guess now's as good of time as any to get a new OS.

 

[Capella]

Dang. Thanks though. I guess now's as good of time as any to get a new OS.

XD

 

[gregrocker]

Reinstalling or running an XP Repair Install from the I386 file is an "iffy" thing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But you can try it using this: How to install Windows from the I386 folder

Any OEM XP disk of your version will reinstall factory OEM XP with the Product Key on the COA sticker attached to the machine. You may need to make a robocall to MS to sort out the key but that is why the sticker is there: You own that version for the life of the machine and are entitled to reinstall it whenever you want. With XP you just have to use the right CD, either OEM or retail, in your correct version.

 

[Capella]

hmmm. Okay, I had an xp laptop with an oem key
Went online and downloaded xp cd iso
Installed it on laptop
Failed to activate-tried to call representative-they said you need to go to oem and get new cd.

Maybe it can work, but I wouldn't bet so much on that......XP, in addition to the product Key ALSO had a product ID for each xp iso. Apparently, the id also affects whether or not xp will activate.

 

[gregrocker]

hmmm. Okay, I had an xp laptop with an oem key
Went online and downloaded xp cd iso
Installed it on laptop
Failed to activate-tried to call representative-they said you need to go to oem and get new cd.

Sounds like you might have downloaded a retail ISO?

For years I would look for an XP OEM from the same manufacturer, but later realized I could use any XP OEM of the same version to activate product key off the sticker.

Others may know better but I think the only thing you get if you have an HP, Gateway, etc. branded XP OEM CD is their logo on your Properties page.

 

[Capella]

That explains it then! Well ignore my earlier posts about it not working then! I would still suggest i386 but if you have an OEM cd, use it. MAKE SURE ITS OEM NOTNOTNONTOT a retail lol

 

[Hondajt]

I have an oem copy of XP home at work. But the key for it is in use. So I can still use that cd to install, and just use the key attached to my case, and all should go smoothly, and be legal and pass authorization?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, it should work.

Suggest you make a backup image of your current installation so you have a path back if your install fails. This way you can also delete your current installation, create a new partition and format using the XP installer.

 

[Capella]

I have an oem copy of XP home at work. But the key for it is in use. So I can still use that cd to install, and just use the key attached to my case, and all should go smoothly, and be legal and pass authorization?

Let us know if it works or not!!!!
Cheers~!