XP Re-Install

[sgtspector]

Alright here's the situation: My friends' Dell Dimension 9100 WinXp install got hosed by malware, trojans, virii and whatnot. He can not find his re-installation cd so I attempted a repair install using a cd I had that contains Winxp upgrade version. As you have probably guessed this isn't working because when I enter the product key from his pc it says it is an invalid key. He's away on vacation and I wanted to get it done before he returns so at the moment waiting for Dell to send a new cd is not workable. What I was considering was using a good key that I have to finish the repair install and then changing the key back when it's done. the only problem is that I don't know if I will be able to change the key back afterward since it is an OEM key. Your thoughts are welcome. TIA.

[ROYP123]

I suggest you find a friend that is running A Dell with XP. All Dell XP OS disks are recognized by the Dells, and after re install they don't need to activate. HTH

[ROYP123]

Hi Sarge,

I just looked up the Dell 91oo , and that is pretty new. It probably came with a restore partition. If you did not format the hard drive, you should be able to do a recovery by hitting F11 at boot up.

If the recovery partition is gone, borrow a disk from any Dell using XP.

[bailey]

I belive that even if he did format the drive it would still work, the restore install files are on a hidden partition and formatting will not even see it, so all should be good, as when it runs, it does format the hard drive and put it back to factory condition, then everything will need to be reinstalled including all the updates.

[glc]

Symantec PC Restore is accessed at startup with Ctrl+F11. If the diagnostic and recovery partitions are still there, that's all you need to do. It will reimage the main partition.

[sgtspector]

Originally Posted by ROYP123 I suggest you find a friend that is running A Dell with XP. All Dell XP OS disks are recognized by the Dells, and after re install they don't need to activate. HTH

I have a dell cd with xp but it is Media Center Edition. What might the consequences be if I use that? I don't think his key will work with it.

Hi Sarge, I just looked up the Dell 91oo , and that is pretty new. It probably came with a restore partition. If you did not format the hard drive, you should be able to do a recovery by hitting F11 at boot up. If the recovery partition is gone, borrow a disk from any Dell using XP.

I am trying to avoid a nuke and pave at this point. He is afraid of losing data from his business.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

[Panama Red]

I use a slipstreamed XP oem disk with SP3 when reloading Dell, Hp, etc. As long as you use an OEM disk, you can use the Product Key on the case. All except Media Center version that is. I have an SP2 version of that one. No way to slipstream SP3 to MC.

And to answer your other question, you can NOT use different versions to perform the repair install. If the Prod Key is for Home, you have to use a Home OEM disk.

[sgtspector]

I was afraid of that, thanks PR

[glc]

Pull the drive, save his data, then use Ctrl+F11.