I am trying to reformat a friends pc, he does not have the disk that came with the computer.?

Question

I want to know if i can use my copy of windows xp home on his computer to install. and then use his code on the top of the computer to register it with microsoft. Will this have any adverse affects. I know microsoft is very touchy with their copyrights?

Thanx JeReMy

Answer 1

Won't happen..... you may have a restore drive on that computer... check with your manufacturer by plugging in your serial number on their site.... Many times, when the computer boots and the manufacturer's name flashes, you can push a series of 2 or 3 keys and get to the hidden restore drive.

You also can go to the mfg site, plug in your SN# and request a restore CD for your computer.

Answer 2

All these answers make my head hurt! Is your disk OEM or the real deal? Whatever the answer, go for it. No adverse effects as both are legal. The absolute worst thing that will happen is the install will not accept the coa.

Answer 3

You may not be able to install Windows with his Cd key/. If you have different versions of WindowsXP the cd key may not work. Once Windows is installed with your cd key, you can change the Cd key to his.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type Regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
6. Click Start, and then click Run.
7. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9. Click Change Product key.
10. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
11. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
12. Click OK.

Answer 4

You can use your disk and his serial number no problem.
Check his hard drive first though, there may be a recovery partition on it containing his software.

Answer 5

You can use your friend's CD with your own code and it will be perfectly legal.