Reinstalling windows.

[bkribbs]

Alright guys. I want to trade my sister for her desktop, and so I will have to wipe my ubuntu install. It has windows xp dual booting, and I was wondering what the best way to reinstall xp is.

Do I take the originial install cd and install it like normal? But then how to I activate?

Or can I?

Thanks.
Bkribbs.

 

[tremmor]

Do the full install. do not do a quick format when the option comes.
From what they said here i know if retail you can install key. if upgrade from what they said is do as above and finish then install key and will work.

here was one link for 7 install upgrade.
http://www.computerforum.com/162384-cleanest-windows-7-install-upgrade-you-going-get.html

 

[bkribbs]

Even if I have already used the key once? This is for XP to a fresh XP. Or actually, could I back it up off the original, and restore to the other, and just reinstall drivers?

 

[User0one]

It doesn't matter the key was used once if reinstalling XP on the same computer.

 

[tremmor]

Sorry, noticed it was XP and not 7. Oh well.....
Same thing if same computer.

 

[bkribbs]

What defines same computer? The same motherboard? Or...

 

[User0one]

The same motherboard is close enough. Activation on XP resets after 120 days, so if you have not reinstalled Windows recently it won't matter, the Product Key will probably activate OK.

 

[tremmor]

install it. same computer. usually if you i think change to different motherboard or change video card that is a trigger. key could be an issue.
I have changed video card. Called microsoft, explained they closed my key and authorized a new key. i say good to go. Now if its a oem and you used or borrowed a upgrade or retail that might be different and likely not work.