Disks when reinstalling windows?

trav_7 · November 26th, 2005, 05:21 AM

I really need to reformat and reinstall windows, but I'm having some problems. I've needed to do this for a while now but the problem is I don't have the windows disk, as I lost the original ME disk that I got when I bought the computer, and I don't have the disk for the current version of XP that I'm running.

My Dad recently bought a new laptop and with that he got a disk that takes his computer back to its original factory state. You just put the disk in and it takes you through the process of reformatting and reinstalling windows.

If I put this disk in my computer will it work for me and take my computer to the original state my Dads computer was in when he bought it? Can I use this disk to reformat and reinstall windows?

It might seem like a dumb question but I really need someones help, I really have no idea about this.

VHockey86 · November 26th, 2005, 05:39 AM

If the disk is a "restore" disk, then it most likely will not work on your computer (I can almost guarantee it wont). If its a regular windows install disk with a Dell logo or soemthing stamped on it, then ya you could use it, but this probably isn't the case.

If you actually own a license for windows XP then you can legally (at least in my mind) use someone else's XP disc for installation purposes. I imagine someone you know has one (friends/relatives,coworkers/whatever).

Alternatively, you should be able to call up microsoft and request an install disc after providing proof that you legitimately own the OS.

Some software websites sell the install disc without a license for like $5 dollars, however I forget what its usually called.

MTAtech · November 26th, 2005, 05:39 AM

I don't think so. Not knowing what those disk specifically do, it is likely designed by that manufacturer to install a particular image of the laptop which won't be good for you.

If it is a standard Windows XP disk, you won't be able to install it because of conflicting licenses.

It is really your responsibility to hold onto original disks - especially the OS. (I presume that if you lost the disks you also don't have the instal key either.) You can buy OEM versions of XP Home for less than $100 online. I suggest that.

I assume that you realize that every other program on you PC will also be wiped out when you reformat it. Hopefully, you have the disks for those.

VHockey86 · November 26th, 2005, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTAtech

If it is a standard Windows XP disk, you won't be able to install it because of conflicting licenses.

What exactly do you mean by that? If its a regular windows windows license and a regular windows install disc everything will work fine. There is nothing in a windows isntall disc that ties it to a specific product key.

The only conflicts I've ever ran into was with a new very new key (issued to a sp2 retail box) and a really old (pre sp1) install disc. And even then, I've only run into this once out of dozens and dozens of installs at a computer repair shop.

Peter M · November 26th, 2005, 06:02 AM

Those "restore" disks are tied to a mainboard brand, usually. It'll simply refuse to install on anything else.

trav_7 · November 26th, 2005, 08:24 AM

Thanks guys, I didn't think I would be able to do it but it was worth a shot.

I got XP when I got new motherboard and the guys who did it updated the system but didn't give me the disk, so now I have XP but no disk. I've also moved a few times since I got this computer and the ME disk has just got lost somewhere along the line. They also installed the Microsoft Office but I don't really use that much so I'm not concerned about losing that. I've done reformats before but I've always had the disk.

MTAtech · November 26th, 2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VHockey86

What exactly do you mean by that? If its a regular windows windows license and a regular windows install disc everything will work fine. There is nothing in a windows isntall disc that ties it to a specific product key.

The only conflicts I've ever ran into was with a new very new key (issued to a sp2 retail box) and a really old (pre sp1) install disc. And even then, I've only run into this once out of dozens and dozens of installs at a computer repair shop.

I meant by that, that if he didn't have the disk, he was likely not to have the key also. Thus, you can only install a retail or OEM XP disk key on one PC (not a Select Corp. version.) You answered the other part yourself. If his system was old it was likely originally SP1. The keys are different for SP2.