I have a Dell laptop that I bought from a friend. It had XP loaded on it. When I bought it, I did not get any Windows disks, just the computer. On the bottom of the computer is the Windows XP license info. Can I use this info download what I need from Microsoft to re-install Windows or do I have to go out and buy a license? In other words, does the XP license travel from user to user?
Question about reloading Windows XP
- Thread starter SHO
- Start date
On OEM computers laptops or desktops the key is suppost to stay with that computer.
So how do I use the key to get what I need to get to re-install Windows?
and What about drivers?
The license transfers with the computer, so yes, you can reuse it. You may also want to look into a factory restore for your computer, as opposed to a clean reinstall. With a clean reinstall, you have to find and download all the original drivers for the laptop. Can you post the model name and number of the laptop?
Before you boot your computer, you may have an option to access a recovery partition. I'm not 100% sure about this. Also, it may be possible to create a set of recovery disks within Windows. I'm having trouble finding the correct info at the Inspirion support page; maybe you'll have better luck. Below are some useful links.
Inspirion 5100 Support Page
Request Recovery Disks
Drivers and Downloads
So, if I turn the computer on and start tapping F8, like I would to get into safe mode, if I see that option in the list, what should I do from there, chose that and follow prompts?
Try the steps in this article...
http://www.ehow.com/how_4457316_reset-dell-5100-back-factory.html
If your Dell model has a hidden recovery partition, it should work.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4457316_reset-dell-5100-back-factory.html
If your Dell model has a hidden recovery partition, it should work.
Thanks. That will be my next step if I can't clean the malware off this thing to my satisfaction.
If you want, follow the steps here and post a new thread in the Computer Security section. We may be able to help rid your computer of malware.
I'm actually pretty good at it, but I will post a HJT log at some point for sure.
Thanks a bunch.
With a Dells recovery partition I think its either ctrl/F11 or just F12.
Yeah, the article says hold ctrl and press F11 at the Dell logo.