XP Reinstall Help

[FI2osT_I3ite]

Hey everyone, How do I reinstall Windows XP if I do not have the CD_Rom. the computer came with windows xp already on it. I hear that its in the windows files for the product key but i have no idea where to look. I appreciate any help that i can get. thanks

[bigandy]

If you got it prebuilt, check the manufacturer for a Restore Disc, or if you got it from a store/company that does custom builds, see about getting an XP disc from them. If you aren't able to do either of those, you will need to purchase your own copy and install that.

[FI2osT_I3ite]

Do you think I could take the Windows XP CD from my computer and use that on the other computer that is having the problems?

[Shepherd1000]

If you are asking whether you can take the Windows XP CD that you've used to install XP on one computer and use it to reinstall XP onto a different computer, the answer is: it depends. Both versions of Windows XP have to be of the same type--OEM or retail. The type that came preinstalled on your problem computer is definitely OEM. If the CD you have is also an OEM type, then you can use it. You should have no product activation problems as long as you're sure to use the Product Key that should be affixed somewhere on the problem computer's case. If, on the other hand, the CD version was retail, then you won't be able to use it, because the Product Key on your problem computer is specific for the OEM version, and it won't be accepted.

[FI2osT_I3ite]

THis is the reason why I'm trying to reinstall.

My friend has Windows XP on his computer. He bought it about a year back or maybe even longer anyhow. THe computer came with no recovery cd or windows xp cd because it was already shipped with the os on there already.

When he starts up he gets the following message.

frsk.exe - Bad Image

The application or DLL C:\WINDOWS\System32\2ndsrch.dll is not a valid Windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette.

Has anyone seen this message and know how to fix it? Or could it be a virus? HE has mcaffee Virus scan but its expired. Could I put my Norton System Works 2004 On his computer and scan for viruses or will it not let me because of product registration. I have the Key?

The other resolution I was thinking was reinstalling windows but I have no Product Key. THe manual Says its in the windows directory in windows explorer but i cannot find it. Is this True?

I need someone to deperately help me out on this one. THis has been kicking me in the butt for a long time. Sorry for the bad typing if there is any just trying to get this out. THanks for the Help PLease

[Shepherd1000]

1)Yes, you will be able to install your Norton System Works on his computer using your Product Key, although legally this would violate your license agreement.
2)Are you sure the Windows XP Product Key is not affixed somewhere to the computer case (open any and all bay doors)? It's a blue and white label, and the case is usually where it can be found.

[not important]

You can do a free virus scan here.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
The CD key should be located here.
Open Regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT \CurrentVersion. Look at ProductId. The CD Key is digits 6 thought 15.

[FI2osT_I3ite]

Awesome...Thanks for the help. I'm going to go take a took at it today and ill keep you updated. appeciate the help a ton thanks.

[Shepherd1000]

Um, that's only 10 characters total. The Windows XP Product Key is 25 characters.

[sdkfz]

What is the PC we are talking about? (Make and Model #) Some PC Makers put the restore disk as a separate partition on the hard drive. This way they don't have to include a CD with the PC.

If the OS / restore disk was given this way and the partition was deleted then we do have a problem. You'll have to contact the maker and my opinion is that you'll need to give them the pc back to restore it, you will want to back up anything you do not want lost.

If there is NO Product Key sticker on the PC - if you removed it I sure hope you kept it intact and still have it. The product key is five sets of five letters and numbers. The sticker is about 2.5 inches long and an inch tall. Without this code you will not be able to install your exisitnig OS copy.

If on the other hand the PC came from somewhere where they did not put the sticker on you have one of two situations - an honest store that forgot to attach it - you will have trouble proving your case to (you'll be asking for a second copy of the OS and this is an expense they will have to absorb), or a dishonest store where it will be impossible to prove it becasue this is how they were making an extra profit, though you could report them to MS on their piracy page.

Assuming that there is no sticker and no way to get your OS back then look into an OEM copy of the OS from somehwere like www.newegg.com It will run you about 90.00

Good Luck

[FI2osT_I3ite]

Thanks everyone I got it resolved. It was on the partion on the hard drive just like sdkfz said. Also, the product key was on a a sticker on the side i feel so dumb. I need need it though. I just reinstalled windows and used a nondestructive format is what windows called it. Thanks to everyone who responded to this post I really appreciate your help

[Corky]

For future reference, you can download (free) Belarc Advisor. This will analyze your PC and give you a summary of your computer's profile. The OS product key will be listed next to the OS name in the section titled Software Licenses. This program is under 400kb, installs in a second, and runs immediately.