Reformat and restore Windows XP?

Question

I need to reformat and reinstall Windows XP. Can I restore with a full version CD that has already been used, but use the Key # from the orignal PC?

Answer 1

Probably!

The CD doesn't know it's been used, nor does Microsoft know (or care) whether that particular CD "belongs to" that particular key.

The snag is that Microsoft has arrangements with the big manufacturers so that the big guys can basically produce their own CDs. So it can happen that a valid CD from one won't work with a key from a different vendor.

For example: I've had Dell keys that only work with Dell CDs (but any Dell CD will do), but which won't work with a Microsoft CD.

The good news is that your should be able to try it and see, since the one of the first things you do is enter the key... which happens BEFORE the installation starts copying anything.

Answer 2

No, it won't work. The product key # from the PC is ONLY to be used with an OEM disc. One should have come with your PC. Contact the manufacturer if you don't have it.

OEM is a type of license or package that is distributed with hardware. It is also ONLY supported by the manufacturer who distributed it. So for example, an OEM Windows product is not supported directly by Microsoft - another reason why you can't mix the retail disc with OEM keys.
_______________

The poster below is talking about System Restore. Yes, that works if you are having a problem that is caused by a Windows system file. If the problem involves a program, System Restore won't help since it only backs up system files (not program or personal data).

_______________

Both posters below don't realize that there are different types of product keys. You can use any retail key with any retail disc, that's true. But again, the key that's on your PC is not retail!

Answer 3

This is an excellent link.

Uninstall Windows – Reinstall – Format Hard Drive

http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/reinstall-reformat-winxp/index.html

Answer 4

You might be able to, but first I would try either a factory restore or restarting in safe mode and restoring your computer to a previous date (sorry, cant think of what that is called). But that has always worked for me. Hope this helps

Answer 5

one million) returned up all your documents 2) insert xp disk, hit delete to head into bios, set as properly from cdrom 3) reboot and carry on with guidance on reveal. you're able to need to delete your present day C: partition 4) repartition disk area in NTFS format 5) set up xp

Answer 6

if its the same windows version, it will work.