(want to) trash Linux, re-install XP

T

Twan013

New Member
I've got a laptop that originally had XP on it, but I ended up installing Ubuntu, and now I've got LinuxMint. I decided to go with linux to use as a "toy", something to mess around with and try to learn. But I've gotten bored with it, and I have a need to go back to Windows (for work). Ideally, I would like to go back to XP, but I don't have a CD for it, and since I completely wiped out the hard drive switching to linux, there's no chance that I have an "imaged cd", ISO, or whatever you want to call it. Can I somehow use the copy of XP from my desktop to put it back on the laptop? I don't think I can buy an XP copy anywhere, can I? My only other option would be to get Vista Basic (and upgrade my memory), or just get a new laptop.
 
Whether or not your desktop's XP install disk will work depends on a few things. Also you will need still to use the license key provided with your laptop (should be on a sticker on the bottom). If you don't have that, you will need to purchase a new OS license.

The installer disk from your desktop may work if:

1) ...it is from the same manufacturer as your laptop.

2) ...it is the same version of XP (Pro or Home).

This won't guarantee that it will, but you can give it a shot. Otherwise, you can always call the laptop manufacturer and request/order the restore disks.
 
Crud, I thought I had it made there for a minute. Both are Dell's (latitude d600, and dimension 2350). The Latitude has Professional, and the Dimension is Home.
 
Bummer...yeah, the key for one won't work for the other. I have had success in cross pollinating Dells in the past, but they were all XP Pros of different lineage. If you have a friend/relative with a Dell XP Pro disk you can give that a shot.
 
UPDATE: miraculously, I went into work today, and a co-worker just gave me an install cd for XP Pro. He was making a copy because he had run into some problems with his computer as well. So he made me a copy of it. Anyway, I got home, put the cd into the laptop, restarted, and now I can't figure something out. with the CD in the drive, it never goes past the BIOS screen. The little blue bar will load up, and it acts like its going to work, but it restarts, and does the same thing. I tried the same thing on my desktop, just to see if it would run, and after the BIOS screen, it says something about "1.4 MB" and about half a line of gibberish (ok, I just didn't write down what it said, and I don't remember anything but that 1.4 MB). Maybe its just a bad copy, and I should just try to find another one from somewhere else. OR go back to my original plan of about a month now. Just buy a new desktop/ desktop replacement, and use the Dell as a secondary, oversized netbook with an optical drive. Its got all the same specs of a netbook. 1.6 GHz, 512MB if memory, 40 GB hard drive.. the only reason I've EVER used it is for light games and internet.
 
True, but then it's just an expensive disc if the license is no good. If that is the case, then your best bet is to get a replacement directly from MS or the manufacturer - probably cheaper too. :)
 
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