Copying XP

[rjc7394]

My HDD is going bad and I thought maybe I could transfer my OS to a new drive using the same PC (custom PC). I don't have an XP CD but I think I have the key. Can I still do it?

[arubahounds]

Most HD mfrs. put out utilities that come with their drives. They generally boot from a floppy or a CD. One of the utilities clones the old HD to your new one. You can get the utility online or in the box with a new retail drive.

If the old drive is bad and you can't clone it, see if one of your friends will lend or make a copy of their XP disk. Just use your own original product key during installation. You just need to keep to the same version (XP Home key with an XP home disk, etc.)

[RJ]

No, you need the CD. Since you still have the key, you can copy the XP CD from someone you know, and use your key for the installation. You need the same XP as you had (so if you had XP Home, you need to copy an XP home CD, if you had XP Pro, you need to copy an XP Pro CD).

RJ