Question:
Ok, so what happens in this scenario?
I go to fix my sisters computer. When I get there it’s evident the HDD has packed up. Ok, so no problems up to now. I’ll just replace the HDD with a new one and re-install WIN XP. However, she’s lost the disks that came with the computer when she first bought it.
This has happened to me a few times now!
Yes, the software was legal and licenced and yes she does own the licence.
Yes, the PC still has the Win XP hologram on its case along with the product key etc.
So, with no recovery disk or software, how am I supposed to get XP back on the machine.
Surely, the answer is not to go and buy a new operating system ,is it?????
How do the professionals do it?
I find it hard to believe that Microsoft don’t have some sort of system in place for GENUINE people who need to change their HDD, but have lost/damaged or broken their original installation disks.
Is there a generic disk that the professionals use and then contact Microsoft etc, etc??
Answers:
If you can get hold of a disk with the exact same OS on it, eg XP Home, you should then be able to install it with your own key. Technically it's the product key you're really paying the license for.
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My mate had the same problem and he had to go to the laptop maker "packard bell to get a disc "£40.00" because Microsoft wanted alot more. He was also told that they were stopping selling the cheaper disc in the near future.
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Superscaper, I am led to believe that your answer is not possible because, when you install Win XP, the OS itself knows that they product key you are entering does not match the actual disk software. Anybody agree/disagree?
Answers:
Superscaper, I am led to believe that your answer is not possible because, when you install Win XP, the OS itself knows that they product key you are entering does not match the actual disk software. Anybody agree/disagree?
I thought it simply had to be the same operating system as the disks are not made to tie into specific product keys. I have definitely installed from a different disk in the past but used my same product id.
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I thought it simply had to be the same operating system as the disks are not made to tie into specific product keys. I have definitely installed from a different disk in the past but used my same product id.
Superscraper - I have done this with Windows 2000 but I think XP is too clever to allow that.
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Superscaper, I may be wrong but I think XP is tied in to the product key. I think I remember being booted when trying to do it.
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Superscaper, I may be wrong but I think XP is tied in to the product key. I think I remember being booted when trying to do it.
But that would require each xp cd to be unique which I think is highly unlikely and isn't how CD presses work. When I say you have to have the same OS, I mean even down to service pack, whether it's retail or oem etc.
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You can use any XP Home disk, and just use your sisters key. I installed from a SP2 disc, even though my key was for a basic XP version, and it worked fine.
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Could always install a 'dodgy' version and then use a key changer to put your genuine product key in.
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If it's a bespoke OEM edition of XP recovery (like Dell) then "any" XP home disk wont work, you will likely need the manufacturers OEM edition of XP to make the activation code work (you certainly do for Dells)
My advice, though it may hurt, is to buy an unlocked OEM edition of XP from a supplier, this is effectively a full version of XP that you can buy as long as you purchase it with some hardware, last time I did this I had to buy it with a mouse that cost 3 quid. The disadvantage is you can only change your PC hardware a few times (major things like the processor) before it stops working, this may not be an issue unless you upgrade a lot
You should not procure a hooky disk and circumvent the security, no one on this board should be advocating that as it is illegal and contrevenes the MS license agreement (they are rich for a reason)
If you google, Eclipse computers are selling an OEM edition for 55 quid
The morale of this story is never buy a PC with only the recovery disks if you ever plan to upgrade or assume something will fail, always buy one that comes with an actual edition of XP home edition
Another possible route that I havent tried before is to phone Microsoft and ask them what the best route is
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You should not procure a hooky disk and circumvent the security, no one on this board should be advocating that as it is illegal and contrevenes the MS license agreement (they are rich for a reason)
I don't think anyone is advocating circumventing the security. And using a different disk to install should be fine legally as you are paying for the license for the unique key. I personally have slipstreamed disks of XP so I don't have to update the service packs when reinstalling. I also have general copies/backups and since they are simply just copies for my own use with one serial number on one computer and so are perfectly legal.
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Not true, OEM's have all the drivers for the pc. You can use a retail cd of xp to reinstall to any pcs eg. Dell but then have to go to the support site to get all the drivers.
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Not true, OEM's have all the drivers for the pc. You can use a retail cd of xp to reinstall to any pcs eg. Dell but then have to go to the support site to get all the drivers.
IIRC there is an issue with licensing (not drivers) but if you've tried it and it worked more power to you
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Yeah, though it's notional I agree, installing from someone elses disk, using their key to get the software on, and then using a hack to change it back to your key is still, IIRC, if not against the EULA, then at least bending it quite a bit, since you've used a hack to get it done.
I spent a lot of time farting around with MS licensing for XP and in the end deduced that the best bet was to have a good set of disks and a copy of your label secured in the safest part of the house to avoid you ever having to give MS any more money than absolutely required.
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Yeah, though it's notional I agree, installing from someone elses disk, using their key to get the software on, and then using a hack to change it back to your key is still, IIRC, if not against the EULA, then at least bending it quite a bit, since you've used a hack to get it done.
I never said anything about using someone elses key. That would be against the license but I've definitely installed from a different disk using my OWN key which is what I am advocating. Use another persons disk but use your own key.
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Superscaper, I know where you're coming from. Thanks a lot. I understand that your are not condoning piracy despite the user Aliktren stating
'no one on this board should be advocating that as it is illegal and contrevenes the MS license agreement '
Super, you have answered my question perfectly well. Cheers!
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I have to agree with Superscrape, my hard drive failed recently on an E machines pc from PC World, it didnt come with recovery discs. Got the run around fom E Machines, PC World and Microsoft, ending up blaming me for not realising I had to make my own discs on purchase, (no literature or advice on the subject was given to me ) The best solution was from USA manufacturer to buy an XP disc cheaply from a firm that PCW contracts out to for £26. In true monesaving fashion I tried many ways to re-install with the resulting non genuine copy result, blocking access after 30 days.
As a last resort I managed to find a neighbour that had a genuine XP cd, borrowed it,tried it , and voila, installed using my computer key, resulted in back to normal situation. Genuine XP registered with Mr Gates.
It is logical that the keys are not on the cd, as every cd would have to be individual.
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So, that's that sorted then! I will be able to get hold of an original copy off one of my mates and install that, and then use the proper product key!
Cheers Guys!