Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk

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Roy W. - 31 May 2008 12:41 GMT

I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or
recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has
failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that were loaded on a
seperate partition.

Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came
with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again?

If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to
buy another OS disk?

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Big Al - 31 May 2008 13:06 GMT

> I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or
> recovery disk. The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard drive has
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came
> with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again?

Only if you could find a duplicate OEM CD for that vendor and type of
computer. CD Keys are matched to the type of software as in:
Home OEM
Home Retail
Pro OEM
Pro Retail etc.
Your product tag on the bottom should tell you what you have the license
for. XP PRo etc

> If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to
> buy another OS disk?

You may be able to use this to get replacements.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302822

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Daave - 31 May 2008 14:52 GMT

> I have a laptop computer that did not come with an operating system or
> recovery disk.

Are you sure?!

What is the make and model of this laptop? Doesn't it have a Certificate
of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the bottom?

> The OEM on longer supports the computer. The hard
> drive has failed, so I do not have access to the recovery files that
> were loaded on a seperate partition.
>
> Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key
> that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again?

Okay, if the laptop came with a product key, then it *did* come with an
operating system! :-)

Assuming this is an OEM version of XP Home (you didn't tell us), then
you just need to obtain the same type of installation disk (generic--not
branded--OEM of XP Home, or whatever it is you have). Hopefully you will
be able to get one from someone you know. If so, make a copy. And, yes,
you will enter the product key you already have (the one on your COA).

Some people have had success getting .iso files of this type of disk
from P2P sources, but that of course entails the risk of downloading
malware--not a good idea!

Generic OEM disks are still available if you wish to purchase one. But
hopefully you won't need to. If you do, it shouldn't cost more than
$100.

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Bruce Chambers - 31 May 2008 16:04 GMT

Well, you can't use "just any" WinXP installation CD, but you could use
one if it's an unbranded, generic OEM disk for the same WinXP edition
(Home vs. Pro) as that for which you have the license.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An
Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line:
Product Keys and CD/license types cannot usually (it's been reported
that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be
mixed & matched.

> If not, is there a legit way of getting Windows reloaded without having to
> buy another OS disk?

"Legit?" No, not really.

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Bruce Chambers

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Ken Blake, MVP - 31 May 2008 16:13 GMT

Yes, if it's also an OEM CD and matches with respect to edition (Home,
Professional, MCE, etc.) Otherwise no.

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Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
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