reinstallwindows xp
I have a Dell desktop that has a sticker on the top with my Windows XP license info and product key. I would like to clean my hard drive and re-install XP so that I can sell the desktop. The problem is that I do not have the original Windows XP installation CD.
Any ideas on how I can acquire a new Windows XP installation program? I assume there is nothing legally wrong with this, since I would just reuse my existing product key.
If the old machine had a sticker, it was most likely an OEM license.
OEM licenses cannot legally be moved from one computer to another one. They die when the computer dies.
But, in answer to your question...
Load the old registry hive on your new computer and then find the XP key. -- EDIT make sure that you open the SOFTWARE hive instead of SYSTEM mentioned in the first guide, then open this just-opened-offline hive in the second guide.
With a Windows XP SP3 Home or Professional disc, you can press Next when asked for the Product Key.
After the install has finished, you will be prompted for the product key when you activate Windows.
Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, new XP with SP3 installs can proceed without entering a product key during Setup.
We regularly use this method at work to reinstall Windows XP for customers who have no restore discs.
Best Answer
Dell will normally send you any disks that originally came with your system if you contact them (personal experience has shown that if the system is in warranty they will give you the first replacement for free and if it’s out of warranty you will need to pay shipping charges).
This is the option I normally take for my customer’s as Dell will send driver CDs as well as the OS disks.
Use this link to request a set of Dell XP discs.