legit XP over pirated XP question

[rjstef]

Hi everyone. Here's my question.

My hd crashed a couple weeks ago so I got another one, but I couldn't find my restore cd that came with my laptop. I ended up using a pirated version of XP I had sitting around. Well, now I've found my restore cd after transferring all my old files over. Took forever using usb 1.0

Anyways, is it possible to use my restore cd and install the legit copy of XP and not lose everything again and starting fresh or is there no way around the format? I can't get any of the service packs or upgrades with the pirated version.

Thanks.

 

[mac550]

when you say crashed, do you mean the hdd died? if so then no you wont be able to use the restore cd, its not a install disk, you will need to buy an offical copy of windows, however you may be able to get the cd from the company that made your laptop.
if the disk is fine and you have copied your files then just put then restore disk in and follow what it tells you.

 

[voyagerfan99]

As Mac said, if your HDD died, then it won't help you.

However, unlike what Mac said;

The restore CD will reinstall windows and all other factory installed programs (norton, 30-day trial-ware, etc.) and yes, you can just use that.

 

[mep916]

No, it's not possible. The recovery disk will wipe the hard drive and create a new, possibly multiple, partitions. FYI, discussing pirated software violate the forum rules, so I'm going to close this thread.

Back up all your data to another hard drive and run the recovery. After the recovery, transfer back your data.