Reinstalling windows xp...

TroyjinmanTroyjinman New
edited December 2004 in Science & Tech
OK well ive had my computer for about 2 years...there are some errors on it, have had 'em for a wile no matter how many times i do system restore....
Windows XP Home Edition is installed onto my harddrive (came preloaded in this PC)...
My question is: How can I figure out what my serial number is? I'm going to completely whipe my harddrive and start fresh with just Windows so there won't be any errors. I'll also be borrowing my friends Windows XP Home Edition CD and use my Serial Number thats on my computer currently...

Also, is it hard to completely clear your hardrive and reinstall just windows?

Comments

  • GrayFoxGrayFox /dev/urandom Member
    edited December 2004
    You probably wont be able to use ur serial on his

    his is probably a retail xp and yours is oem
  • TroyjinmanTroyjinman New
    edited December 2004
    well whats the difference?
    also if i cant use my serial # on it and use his...is there somewhere i can download the updates at since i cant download the updates with a copied #?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited December 2004
    The difference between OEM and retail is the price and the CD-Key.

    You can use a copied number. It just isn't legal. I have, however, attached a file that will allow you to see your own CD Key for use.
  • TroyjinmanTroyjinman New
    edited December 2004
    awsome thank you so much thrax! :D
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited December 2004
    A few tidbits... If you have the original install files, you can create a ISO that is bootable and use the Windows Install code listed on the Windows Certificate of Authenticity sticker. If there is no sticker... you either have an illegal version or the Install Code is embedded in the Windows Install Files. If you fall into the first... tisk, tisk.... no help. If you fall into the second, open the winnt.sif file in the i386 directory in the windows install folder. Listed somewhere in the winnt.sif file should be a line named

    [UserData]
    ProductID=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

    That's the install code....


    As for the version of the Operating System.... Windows XP Home has 3 versions 1) Home Upgrade, 2) Home Retail, and 3) Home OEM. Each version has it's own type of install code that only works with that type (ie... XP Home: Upgrade install code will only work on XP Home:Upgrade CD Media and not on OEM or Retail). As far as I know, All upgrades codes work on any upgrade media, same with retail... OEM I think is the same but it may not depending on the manufacturer of the system...
  • TroyjinmanTroyjinman New
    edited December 2004
    I'm guessing its the OEM version.
    Anyway, how can i create the iso? can u help me with this process?
    QCH2002 wrote:
    A few tidbits... If you have the original install files, you can create a ISO that is bootable and use the Windows Install code listed on the Windows Certificate of Authenticity sticker. If there is no sticker... you either have an illegal version or the Install Code is embedded in the Windows Install Files. If you fall into the first... tisk, tisk.... no help. If you fall into the second, open the winnt.sif file in the i386 directory in the windows install folder. Listed somewhere in the winnt.sif file should be a line named

    [UserData]
    ProductID=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

    That's the install code....


    As for the version of the Operating System.... Windows XP Home has 3 versions 1) Home Upgrade, 2) Home Retail, and 3) Home OEM. Each version has it's own type of install code that only works with that type (ie... XP Home: Upgrade install code will only work on XP Home:Upgrade CD Media and not on OEM or Retail). As far as I know, All upgrades codes work on any upgrade media, same with retail... OEM I think is the same but it may not depending on the manufacturer of the system...
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited December 2004
    Troyjinman wrote:
    I'm guessing its the OEM version.
    Anyway, how can i create the iso? can u help me with this process?

    Got to here and download the "CDImage for Windows XP Home" and read the info on that page. Fairly simple and straight forward.
  • TimTim Southwest PA Icrontian
    edited December 2004
    Good information here. Is XP the only operating system to require these product codes, or do NT and ME and 2000 require them also?
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited December 2004
    Tim wrote:
    Good information here. Is XP the only operating system to require these product codes, or do NT and ME and 2000 require them also?
    Requiring a key for installation goes clear back to Win95. MS didn't start requiring product activation after the install until XP came along.
  • JChretienJChretien Vancouver, BC, Canada
    edited December 2004
    XP needs product activation? 0.o when?
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited December 2004
    JChretien wrote:
    XP needs product activation? 0.o when?
    Whenever you're using a legitimate Home or Pro version. We do not discuss any other kinds here. :)
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