Question: Installing XP, Key but no disks

sdwright · 01-17-2009

The hard disk has crashed on my Gateway computer. I do not have the system disks. Is there a way to reinstall XP on the new disk using the Windows XP CD Key on the back of the computer? Gateway support tells me I am out of luck and need to buy a new version of XP. Computer is out of warranty. I had read in this forum that I could use any XP install disk along with the key on the back of the computer but that did not work.

Jelly Bean · 01-17-2009

Hello there.

No you cannot use any disk.

You cannot use a retail disk that was bought with its own key.You would have to buy this.

You can borrow an OEM disk that was supplied with a new computer from a friend.Then reinstall windows using your own key.

JB.

01-17-2009	#1
sdwright Bronze Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5 PC Experience: Experienced	Installing XP, Key but no disks The hard disk has crashed on my Gateway computer. I do not have the system disks. Is there a way to reinstall XP on the new disk using the Windows XP CD Key on the back of the computer? Gateway support tells me I am out of luck and need to buy a new version of XP. Computer is out of warranty. I had read in this forum that I could use any XP install disk along with the key on the back of the computer but that did not work.

01-17-2009	#2
Jelly Bean Stoooooopid Girl. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Swansea Posts: 12,804 PC Experience: None.	Re: Installing XP, Key but no disks Hello there. No you cannot use any disk. You cannot use a retail disk that was bought with its own key.You would have to buy this. You can borrow an OEM disk that was supplied with a new computer from a friend.Then reinstall windows using your own key. JB. __________________ Rwy'n ceisio fy ngorau.

Similar discussions...
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Solved: hijackthis log and malwarebytes log requested	jonesgus	[Fixed] Hijackthis! Logs	1	10-03-2008 04:38 AM
Solved: Annoying behavior toggles mute/volume	Garavan	[Fixed] Hijackthis! Logs	5	10-02-2008 10:26 PM
popup, slow working PC, slow system	Chardiff	[Fixed] Hijackthis! Logs	9	07-24-2008 12:20 AM
Solved: Virus infection. Search engine and homepages blocked	Cruiser	[Fixed] Hijackthis! Logs	11	06-25-2008 10:33 PM
Trojan program Backdoor.Win32.Rbot.eib	lyxell	[Fixed] Hijackthis! Logs	48	12-01-2007 06:01 AM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode