Hi.

1st off let me just say - i've got the slowest internet connection & its taking more than 5mins just to load a single page, usually i'd look first before posting.

Ok here's my problem. I wanna reinstall Windows XP on a Dell Inspiron 4100 running Win XP Pro because its got the Welchia Worm and i've only got a user account and no administrator password.

If I did have an administrator account there would be no problem, I'd just run the Microsoft Malware app. But I can't install it without admin rights.

Like I said the 4100 is running Win XP Pro. I don't currently own a CD with Win XP Pro but I do have a CD with Win XP Home. Will I have a problem if I try reinstalling with Win XP Home?

I have already spent a packet on this old 4100, a new C-bay combo drive and 3-pin power adaptor (customs VAT and double whammy'd on the postage).

The copy of Win XP Home is one that came with a Dell Inspiron 6400 and does not appear to have a product key.

Thanks for any advice!
Ali

Hello Ali! Welcome back

Let me suggest that you follow the steps outlined in the PCHF PreWork document (found in my signature line). This is a proven method of malware removal that the PCHF Security team uses to rid your system of the crud.

If you could perform the steps as outlined as well as post all requested logs back into this thread, I'll get it relocated with your 1st log posting to Security's [NEW] HJT Logs forum area for review.

What does it say on the copy of XP Home that you have Ali?

Hi
Usually, if the Windows Version you have comes on an OEM Disk, will install on systems from that manufacturer without any problems-at worst, you'll have to activate, but that is done without any issues.

However, even if you do it, the absence of a COA label on your system will render your system illegal, as per the license agreement.

Hi. Thanks for the quick replies..

OEM threw me for a moment. Google gave me 'Optical Experts Manufacturing' and 'Open ended marketing' and finally 'Original Equipment Manufacturer'. lol

Wolfeymole - the disc is a purple Dell disc, it says Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows Home Edition Service Pack 2. This software is already installed on your computer. Only use this CD to reinstall the operating system on a Dell computer. This CD is not for reinstallation of programs or drivers.

And as I mentioned before there is no product key or serial numbers of any kind.

DCiAdmin - I'm gonna read that now.

Georgeks - I'm a bit confused, your saying it will probably work but it will be an illegal system, does that mean if I go online I'll get a black screen?

cheers
Ali

You stated this;

Now I'm not prepared to go into the ins and outs of Dell OEM disks and can only reiterate what George said in Post 4.

Ali,

Somewhere on the Dell system, it will have a sticker - rather rectangular, black with white text, or perhaps greenish with black text. That is the COA or Certificate of Authentication sticker. That sticker will have the COA key required to perform a reinstall using the Dell disk. The sticker is most often found on the sides or top of the system. Occassionally on the back and if a lappy even the bottom.

I haven't had to do this before, but it may be that Dell will have that COA # on record for your system. A quick call to them if you are unable to locate the COA sticker might be in order.