Lost Win XP CD

[SARGE]

My son's pc won't boot past the initial motherboard screen, even safe mode, or system restore. It's an AMD I built for him several years ago. He can't find his XP cd to even try a re-install, or use the tools on it. How does one go about restoring, etc., without the original cd, and could a shop even do anything without it? I guess he could try using the command prompt and reformat (if that even works) and use his old Win98 cd to install, just to see if it's a hardware problem.

[Johanna]

He can use a borrowed XP cd of the same flavor to repair or reinstall, but if he does replace his XP, he must use his original Product Key for the necessary Windows Activation. When I build or repair a computer, I save a Belarc report for occasions like this.
Johanna


Repairing XP

Squeaky Clean XP Install

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by Johanna He can use a borrowed XP cd of the same flavor to repair or reinstall, but if he does replace his XP, he must use his original Product Key for the necessary Windows Activation. [/URL]

Difference between reinstall/replace???

[glc]

No difference, in this case.

If it won't boot past the POST screen, he has a hardware issue, never mind Windows. I'd start by seeing if it will even boot from a CD or a floppy - if it can, run some diags.

[matthews]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it is perfectly fine to borrow, burn a copy or download the windows xp cd. What is illegal however, is the serial key that you use. If your use your own personal serial key (that you bought) that is fine. When you buy windows or any other software, your aren't paying for the program, your paying for your license/ serial key. I hope that helps you.

[glc]

That is correct, but we discourage using downloaded or burned copies here. They are too prone to errors. I use my CD's out in the field all the time and I'm constantly reburning them.

[BURL]

sarge i got a xp media center edition 2005 cd if you can use it . email at wburl2639@msn.com.

[glc]

Not the same flavor - you have an unused product key for him too?

[Powertrip]

Yeah yesterday morning after a few hours of head scratching I found a crack in my XPHomeSP2 Original CD. Luckly I had Nero'd a copy to my local and backup drives for burning. Always verify when burning and OS and the best way to test it is on a clean install of XP.

I believe it's our right to have a backup incase of my failed disk, the product key is a different story all together as stated in the EULA every time you install windows and have to hit F8 you agree to that.

[glc]

Absolutely - but keep in mind if you are using a burned or downloaded copy, you will be questioned here as to its legitimacy and its integrity. It's nothing personal.

[Dodge7]

Hey there Sarge,

You key number may be on a sticker on the computer itself.

Also, this may be off base, but I have heard that it is posible to get a replacment copy XP from Microsoft if you call them... and have registered... or have a working company on your HD. You might try calling them, they can be pretty reasonable at times.

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by Dodge7 Hey there Sarge, You key number may be on a sticker on the computer itself. Also, this may be off base, but I have heard that it is posible to get a replacment copy XP from Microsoft if you call them... and have registered... or have a working company on your HD. You might try calling them, they can be pretty reasonable at times.

No dice. When I built the PC, XP wasn't even out. He bought the copy, installed, then lost/misplaced it. If he ever gets it over here I can use some diags as glc suggested.

[glc]

That's like losing a $100 bill.

[Dodge7]

Yeah, I thought a lost my copy of MS Office, but found it, it is good to have a safe place for installation CDs.

With Vista coming you might find good deals on legit XP disks on ebay.

I just checked you can get pretty good deals: http://search.ebay.com/windows-xp-in...ageNameZRC0021