Okay, so I think I know the answer to this, but I just want to be sure before I DO it. I got a Compaq from my grandmother's company, but they didn't uninstall Windows and didn't provide a Windows 2000 CD. My mother's boyfriend has a RETAIL Windows 2000 CD, and I want to use it to reinstall Windows. Will the product key on the sticker underneath the laptop still work with a retail Windows 2000 disk? Also, will it still work if I first wipe the HDD with Darik's Boot and Nuke (for a more thorough format)?

Edit: P.S. I don't know if it's Professional or Home. I think he has both but since I'm unfamiliar with Windows 2000, I don't know how to find out the OS version. Any suggestions?

Edit 2: Nevermind the version issue, it's professional. I don't know how I missed that, it's right on the start menu.

Heya Rodents,

I can't say I'm 100% sure, but I don't think the serial on the laptop will work with the retail copy. Reason being is the retail versions of Windows actually look for the specific serial that comes with the software. The version of Windows that comes preloaded on brand name computers is OEM. It doesn't actually look for any specific key, it just has to be a valid Windows key. To use the key on the laptop, you would need an OEM version of Windows 2000 Pro.

I asked my friend, and he said it will work. I'm going to take his word for it, and if it doesn't work I can get some CDs from Compaq. I really can't do anything with the laptop until Newegg ships my wireless cardbus adapter, anyway.

Compaq says it will not work with retail CDs, so I'm going to call them up for them and hope they don't charge $25 for being out of warranty.