Reinstall windows xp on new hard drive?

steppen

hi,
i have windows xp home, i bought the computer from a manufacturer, so no installation cd, i do however have the windows code on the bottom of the machine(i dont know if that helps), i would like to put a new harddive into my laptop and was wondering if its possible to somehow install windows onto this using my code from the old hardrive??

thanks

steppen

aFlabbyPanda

is it a dell by any chance? if so you can request a Windows CD from them and use that with your key to reinstall on the new hard drive.

Gadgetman496

Normally the CD key (code as you put it) is unique to the CD provided.
As you did not get the CD, the code on your machine would refer to a "Restore CD" or to a software folder on your machine that includes the files to restore your system to the way is was when it first left the shop.

Did you get a restore CD (or even 2)?
Is there a folder on your machine with the necessary files to create a restore CD?

If the machine is legit, you should go to the point of purchase & tell them you need to restore the operating system. I think Microsoft have a service whereby you produce the proof (CD Key & machine serial number) & they can issue a CD. I'm not 100% sure about that though.

Microsoft only allow a certain amount of hardware changes before it decides to deem the machine as "Not the original machine purchased" The Windows operating system can tell & will refuse to install if there have been too many hardware changes.

Another option would be to use a program like Norton Ghost to clone you existing HDD & use the image file to put it onto the new drive.

aFlabbyPanda

gadgetman496 wrote:

Normally the CD key (code as you put it) is unique to the CD provided.

Microsoft only allow a certain amount of hardware changes before it decides to deem the machine as "Not the original machine purchased" The Windows operating system can tell & will refuse to install if there have been too many hardware changes.

The key is not unique to the CD but may not work with other versions (ie pre SP1 or SP2 etc)

The CD has no way of knowing if the machine has been changed. What you are thinking of is where someone changes a part of an existing machine and Windows prompts for activation.

Gadgetman496

BrianjG wrote:

The key is not unique to the CD but may not work with other versions (ie pre SP1 or SP2 etc)

I have two legit Windows XP Pro SP2 CD's & the key from one will not let me install from the other disc. What I'm saying is this, If I use the key from disc one but actually use disc 2 to install, it rejects the key....

They are both corporate licence (VLC) disc's, unless that has some bearing on it?

I know what you mean about the hardware change aspect though & you are probably right.
I've done so many installs at this stage that I'm getting confused myself.

subway

vlk media [and any other current microsoft product version] is not limited to indivual codes.
contact your reseller to confirm they have given you the correct license and media.

quaidox

does your existing hard drive have i386 and drivers folders on it? if so, burn them to dvd. then create a windows xp boot floppy. boot the mchine using this boot floppy, then navigate to the i386 folder on the dvd, and run the winnt32 command. this starts the xp installation process. use the cd-key from your dell box when prompted. all the drivers you will need post install will be in the drivers folder that you copied to dvd. hope this helps...........

aFlabbyPanda

or just download an iso image from a torrent and use your own valid key?

quaidox

BrianjG wrote:

or just download an iso image from a torrent and use your own valid key?

indeed!

Gadgetman496

BrianjG wrote:

or just download an iso image from a torrent and use your own valid key?

Now you're talking........