Do I need to do a fresh install of win xp pro??

[GEShields]

I am upgrading my wife's computer with a new MB, new Processor, and new memory. Disk drive will be the original. I have Win XP pro installed on her computer right now but in the process of moving 2 times, we seem to have lost her disc and activation code for windows. I have my own disc of Win XP pro (but activated on my computer) but am not sure if that would work. If I change out the components listed above, will using my disc be OK if it asks for a win xp disc???

Thanks,
Greg

 

[mechBgon]

First off, WinXP is going to freak out if you yank the motherboard out from under it. If it were me, I'd do a fresh installation.

If your license to use WinXP was an OEM license, then changing the mobo, processor and RAM and trying to re-use the license is coloring outside the lines; you're supposed to get a new license. If your license was a retail-boxed one instead of OEM, then you're ok to do that.

But since the disc and key are both lost, it's a moot point; you're pretty much stuck. If you'd lost just the disc, you could buy a new one, or use your other disc if they were the same variant of XP. On the bright side, if you buy a new OEM WinXP license, you can get an upgrade coupon for Vista at the moment.

 

[eggrolls]

You can use your disc, but you will need a product key for her computer.

 

[GEShields]

Her version was not an OEM version. It was an academic version from when she was in college.

Is there any way to get the product key from Microsoft or from the System tab on her computer. Microsoft should have all the pertinent info on her install correct? From when we activated it...

I may just break down and get an OEM version though...

Thanks,
Greg

 

[corkyg]

An academic version can be reinstalled in some cases. I have that version and have used it on several installations after upgrading.

With a new mobo, a fresh install will probably be required - a mobo change is to great.

If her academic version is like mine, it requires no activation at all. I believe it is the faculty version. Not sure about student versions.

 

[GEShields]

I know it requires an activation. I have had to call the last 2 times. One for a fresh install for her...and the other because I changed out MB, CPU, memory, and HDD...

 

[travisray2004]

This is what i have done, since i know it may not be right, i wouldnt suggest it to you but it will work, no need to format the hard drive or do a new install...

You can do a repair install, which will take out the BSoD. In order to do this you need the CD, and a cd key, if you can not get a cd key. Your SOL. If you can then follow these simple steps. I know down this with the version of your WinXP Pro Cd from the MSDN. Which is legal, since you(your wife is/was a student)
(Recalling from memory)
1. Insert CD and boot to it normally , it will ask if you would like to install or repair with recovery console, do a install. You will see some type of EULA, Agree to it or dont continue to step 2.
2. You will see the partition of your hard drive broke down. Select the partition in which the Windows XP is installed.
3. It should either ask your to replace it or repair it, if you do not see this. You prolly didnt use the MSDN Version of the Windows XP CD.
4. Once you have done that you should continue to a regular Windows XP install. Once you are done, every thing should be as it was before the error /hardware problem occured.

This is very handy if your lost your windows xp administrator password. This is a key commination in which you enter to change the administrator password. im thinking its CTRL+F8 @ the Install part . ( Where you see the green dots going left to right) / Pretty hard to describe. That is it.. If any problems. call MICROSOFT... hehe...