Hey guys, I'm looking to reformat my windows XP machine (by just reinstalling windows all over again), but the problem is I lost the windows XP installation CD that came with the computer. I do have another XP computer that i have the disk for, though. I know there are various utilities that will allow me to do this, BUT...
Here's the problem though. I read on several websites that If my system came pre-installed with windows XP (which it did), then any key finder or system resource utility will retrieve a Generic OEM Key, which I will NOT be able to use during a re-installation. The only way it will retrieve a genuine key would be if Ive re-installed windows in the past (which I haven't)
So my question is is there any way I can get my cd key so I can re-install my system?
This is one of the websites I was talking about with the warning:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
2007-01-09 15:31:17 · 7 answers · asked by johnny d 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Just to clarify... I bought the computer brand new from Dell, but I lost the XP cd. however, I have an XP cd for a different computer,and I just need the key for my current computer.
2007-01-09 15:42:28 · update #1
Try requesting an XP reinstall CD from Dell.
I had a Dell laptop I bought from a friend. It didn't come with any software and all I did was contact Dell through the support chat on their website and they sent me Windows XP reinstall CD along with other CD's with drivers and programs. They shipped it in 2 business days. No questions asked... the laptop was not even in my name. Here is the link or just go to Dell.com and click on support > technical support > chat. They seemed to be very helpful. Good luck!
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/chat/en/hardware_chat?c=us&l=en&s=gen
2007-01-09 16:03:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IOne thing I know is that if you have another disc to install windows from then you don't need you're old key. You don't NEED it. You can get another key for that cd and just use it. Nothing will stop you from installing it as long as you get a key to use when it asks for one, it doesn't have to be you're old one. Because when you reinstall windows you always have the option of COMPLETELY overwriting you're previous version of windows.
2007-01-09 15:39:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
in case you copied the finished CD on your confusing stress, you ought to deploy from there. threat is which you purely have the essential working data from the CD. you should use the hyperlink under, and get your product key, and use an XP CD from someplace else, and re-deploy. returned up your drivers, and ensure you get your key code till now you initiate !! good success !
2016-10-06 22:28:29 · answer #3 · answered by greenwell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your machine for a sticker that identifies the O/S. The product key will be there as well. This should have been put on the machine by the seller.
2007-01-09 15:39:59 · answer #4 · answered by Elkhound 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If WindowsXP was "bundled" with your compuiter, I would contact the seller, explain the problem, and see if they would allow you a fresh download.
If WindowsXP is working properly, may I ask why you would want to reformat? Why not backup the files you want to keep, then delete the rest?
2007-01-09 15:39:15 · answer #5 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This exact same thing happened to me, with the pre-installed software and everything. I didnt have any recovery CDs. Email me and I can tell you privately how to fix it...
2007-01-09 15:36:11 · answer #6 · answered by morgannhcs05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you use keyfinder? it's read your current key XP, microsoft office, it's powerfull you know try find one ... sorry i can't upload for you cause it's in my brother 100gb externel drive and he is very far from me right now.
2007-01-09 15:39:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋