How do I install xp without the disk?

benmusic

New Member
I have recently installed a new C: drive due to my old one dying. I had a legitimate copy of XP but don't have the boot up disk anywhere. I do however have the serial number on the side of my pc. Is there any way of installing xp without having to buy it again?
 

voyagerfan99

Master of Turning Things Off and Back On Again
Staff member
Without the disks, there is no way to reinstall it. Unless you use a copy program to copy the primary partition from your old drive. (Norton Ghost for example)
 

pc-tech

banned
besides, cloning the drive, you could go buy just the disc off ebay, for a few bucks, what ver. of xp, and what service pack? i may be able to help out, and what brand computer?
 

cRABu

New Member
yes you can. Borrow a windows xp cd from someone, but make sure it is same kind of xp cd you have licence for(home, or professional) and start installing windows, when you will be promted to provide your cd-key just enter YOUR OWN cd key from the side of your pc. enjoy
 
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voyagerfan99

Master of Turning Things Off and Back On Again
Staff member
I thought every XP CD had a formatter on it, like this (for original XP, SP1, and SP2).

Anyway, this may help.

He doesn't have his OS disk; thats the problem.

Although getting a CD from a friend depends on if it's OEM or not. Form what I've heard, OEM disks are tied to their CD key and won't accept another one.
 

pc-tech

banned
no, they accept other eys, and if its a dell, you dont even need a key, the mobo automaticaly puts it in
 

JimboJangles

New Member
Borrowing a disc from someone is definitely the easiest way to go.
Perhaps since you have a legit key, it might be legal to download a disc image with another computer and burn it? (I'm not really sure about what MS's terms of use are though, everything seems to be against the rules with them...).
Hopefully you remember what version you had though - pro or home. It sucks to start installing and find out after some waiting that you have the wrong disc.
 

69mako

New Member
If you are able to find someone that will loan you thier disc, you will need to make sure that they have the exact same OS as you. A PRO key will not work with a Home disc. Same goes with a SP1 versus SP2. I know this first hand. The keys are specific to version of OS.

Mako
 

benmusic

New Member
Thanks for all the advice. The original system was made for me by a small company but I have since rebuilt it. The only things remaining from the original are the case and one of the hard drives. It was originally XP home OEM but I'm not sure if it had SP 2 on it, doesn't mention it on the label. Does anyone know when SP2 was released? If it was more than 2 and a half years ago then it would have been on my original system. I have many friends who own copies of XP, but didn't know if I could enter my own serial number. Also, I assume that if this works I won't have a problem authorising it with MS? My basic system is:

Intel Quad overclocked to 3.2
Asus P5KC mobo
1 X 120GB HD
1 X 250GB HD
ATI Radeon HD 3870 graphics
4G Geil DDR2 RAM
M-Audio external audio interface.

cheers
 
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