Reinstalling XP for first Timer...

[Caveman]

Getting ready to reformat the hardrive and do a fresh install of XP. In reference to the XP registration process that everyone complains about, is there any liscense #'s, etc. or files I need to save before doing format c:

 

[HTRednek]

You should have no problems if you haven't changed any hardware. If you have changed anything especially the NIC then you might have to call Microsoft for an activation key. I have done this several times and they have always been really cool about it.

 

[SemperFi]

I just reinstalled a couple of weeks ago. I didn't save anything. During the install it tried to do the registration but it got rejected. I then placed a call to MS and told them what I did and they gave me a number to type in. No problems.

Semper Fi

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Does XP provide you with the phone number when it prompts you to re-activate? Is it a 24-hour number?

 

[Buz2b]

You will be given the option of registering/activating online or by phone. If you have a modem installed you can try it online. Depending upon what you have installed or changed, that is the fastest method and doesn't require typing in any numbers. However, if you have made major changes in the system then you will most likely be "rejected" if you try to do this by modem; in which case you will be given a 24 hour phone number and a set of numbers to "punch in" over the phone or read off to a MS person who will in turn give you another looooooong set of numbers to punch in to activate your copy of XP.