Author Topic: New Windows XP Pro Installation (Read 1105 times)

DJ · « **on:** October 07, 2005, 17:05 »

Hi All,

I want to do a clear out of my PC. I only have restore CD's with it (that puts on all the gubins it came with that I don't use), but I do have a full copy of Windows XP Pro on CD (that came with my laptop).

If I use the CD with the PC to do a fresh install and use the original license key from the PC - will this work?

Also is the license key the one displayed when you do a Right Click on My Computer.

Anyone foresee any problems with this - is it legal for one :?

Cheers

DJ

Simon · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2005, 18:05 »

I think you should be OK, DJ, providing you are installing like for like (i.e. Pro for Pro), and it's on the same machine as the original licence. You will know that you can't use a 'Home' licence to install 'Pro'. I have used this method to install a clean 'Home' version before, when only the recovery CD was available, so I don't see why it shouldn't work with 'Pro'.

I don't think the licence key is where you said, but there is a way to find this, which I will try to find for you, unless someone beats me to it. Does the case not have a sticker on it with the licence key?

Simon · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2005, 18:15 »

It seems you need a tool to find the licence key, DJ. I found several on Google, but the two I tried both produced different results! :? Anyway, this one produced the correct licence key for my 'Home' version:-

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

DJ · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2005, 22:59 »

Thanks Simon

Oh yeah the case has a sticker on it with the license key - never noticed that before.

The PC has WinXP Home on it - so will using Win XP Pro on it not work?

DJ

Simon · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2005, 23:07 »

Quote from: "DJ"

The PC has WinXP Home on it - so will using Win XP Pro on it not work?

I don't think it will, DJ.

You need to find an XP Home CD from somewhere.

DJ · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2005, 23:22 »

Ok Thanks - will have another think then. Might just try the restore CD's again and see if I can only install the apps I need.

Thanks

DJ

DJ · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2005, 22:46 »

Was sorting out the mountains of CD's that I have and found an original Windows XP Home CD. Must have got it with the PC as well as the restore CD's.

So I've now managed to backup, clear and do a fresh reinstall of Windows XP.

Everything is ship shape again!

DJ

Simon · « **Reply #7 on:** October 09, 2005, 23:11 »

Excellent news, DJ.