Reinstalling windows xp problem

crimsonfire

After many months of a slow laptop pissing me off I decided to take action. I doubled its ram and bought an external hd to boost storage. However I was still not satisfied and thought about doing a clean install of windows xp. One problem though: I have no windows cd. I searched on google and found out that retailers, in an effort to save money, will just place an image of the installation cd on your hard drive.

After backing up my important data I went to the "i386" folder and opened "winnt32.exe" like I was shown but I was told my product key was invalid after i entered it. My copy of windows is genuine. I didnt procure it by naughty means or anything. Another quick google told me changing some line of numbers in the "setupp.ini" file in the i386 folder would fix it but I didnt want to go messing around in system files without knowing what i was doing.

I dont even care what I delete in windows cos ive all my important stuff backed up and Ive an ubuntu cd on the way (i just want to keep windows for games and some other stuff) with a view to setting up a dual boot system.

So, short of buying a new copy of winxp, what do you guys suggest i do?

JDxtra

What type of laptop is it? Usually there is a hidden partition containing the install files. You usually access it pressing a key at startup. You should not have to manually run files in the i386 folder.

crimsonfire

I'm using a kind of old iqon laptop. its about 3 years old now and I havent the money to replace it so this is why im reinstalling windows to clear the years of crap i cant get rid of manually.

No hidden partitions according to paragon hard disk manager.

Capt'n Midnight

if the original copy of windows is still running on your PC magic jelly bean keyfinder will recover your existing key

alternatively if you have a complete backup then try restoring c:\windows\system32\wpa.dbl it contains the activation of windows against your hardware

Capt'n Midnight

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457078.aspx

subway

as its a big system builder its possible that they pumped a VL version of XP onto the HDD as a way of avoiding having to indivually install each system.
your key may be invalid as its OEM but you are trying to use it on a VL version of the software.

you should hvae received a recovery cd, xp install cd or had a hidden partition.
if you contact the manfucaturers they may supply a cd but it is unlikely.

your best bet is to get a cd from a friend and install using that (version should match your COA)

ronkmonster

get a copy of xp sp3. that doesn't need the cd key to be entered until after the install. the cd key on the COA should let you activate it but you have 30 days grace period anyway.

crimsonfire

Made a bit of a booboo when installing ubuntu. Tried to install it alongside windows and use the loader to choose which OS i wanted at startup but instead I ended up deleting windows outright. So I guess I'm stuck with ubuntu for a while until i can get my hands on a new windows cd. Could be worse though, I backed up all my data so no big loss. Just the loss of windows. Which isnt all that bad given that ubuntus a friggin dream to use. Just cant play any games

daftdave

download the new windows 7 and install that ....... you will get a liscence key to get you by for a while .....that will give you time to save for a full key upon its release in october ..... and you can play games again !

overexcitedaj

what vesion of xp was it?

crimsonfire

SP3

Windows 7? I didn't know you could download that yet. Is it like a beta or something?

daftdave

crimsonfire wrote: »

SP3

Windows 7? I didn't know you could download that yet. Is it like a beta or something?

yeah pretty much , its very stable though , have a look on the microsoft website for the download

overexcitedaj

no is it windows XP Home edition, Media center or Pro
I had awful problems reinstalling my xp MC. Same problem. It was saying my product key was invalid. Found out i was using the wrong oem disc as media center was never a retail release. I had to track down an image for an acer specific insatlation disc in the end and it worked grand.
Its just your prolem sounds very similar