How to install second [replacement] copy of Windows

[Dodge7]

I have a older computer and I was curious how Windows XP would run on it, so I installed Windows from the CD I already activated on my main computer. Windows XP ran fine on my older computer so I loaded all my applications and found it was fast enough. That was a few months ago.

So now I have a new copy of XP I want to install. The problem is I hate to reformat the HD and reinstall XP and all those application programs.

Is there a way so reintall XP so it overwrites the first XP install? When I tried this in the past it resulted two copies of Windows XP on the HD and a log on screen that had me select between the old and new copy of Windows - even though the first copy had expired.

[ktkendall]

Do a repair installation.

[glc]

If it's the same exact version of XP, just change the key with Magical Jellybean and activate it.

[Dodge7]

Would using the repair option work OK?

I didn't know the MJ program could *change* the product key.

The first CD had a version of XP without SP2, but that was loaded later. This new CD has SP2. Is that an issue?

[glc]

No, as long as it's the same type (OEM, retail, Home, Pro).

[Dodge7]

Each CD is a OEM, but not the same company. Would that be a problem?

If it is, will the repair option work also?

[Dodge7]

LOL.... I got the keyfinder program .... but since my old copy of XP is expired, I can't do anything but install/repair with the new Windows CD.

Sheesh, I should have been thinking this out.

[Dodge7]

I tried a repair installation, but it left the system the same, I still couldn't start Windows unless I activated it first.

So, I tried a new install, leaving the file system intact, and only replacing the Windows folder. That worked.... but erased everything else on my HD, which was the last that I wanted to do. I am now downloading drivers for the motherboard, and trying to find my applications disks, etc. What a pain, I should have just installed a second copy of Windows...that worked before.

and where is that MS Word install CD....arrrgh starting all over here.