Formatting HardDrive without a windows disk

lcharm

Hi Guys,

I have two computers, laptop and Desktop, which I'm trying to format in order to give them a new lease of life.

They both run on XP and I have the serial numbers for Windows on each one but I don't have the XP disks. Not sure if they originally had one in the package or whether I lost it but either way I don't have it.

My understanding is that all windows care about is the license which I have for both so is there any way around this? I don't feel I should pay for anything considering the licenses are valid for the original install (and that's what you really pay for when you buy Windows, not the disk for the software but the license to use the software)

Any help will be appreciated.

bonzer

Yes that's right. You can legally use a different CD provided you use only your own serial number. Could even use a copied one provided you use a legal number.

Can you borrow a CD from someone?

Are you having trouble with Windows? Are you sure you need to format it, or are you intending to pass the machines onto someone else?

Lyger

How do you plan to re-install windows without a disk? I'm assuming you have a friend who has a copy of XP, so you should be able to re-install off that, and use your serial numbers. Bear in mind that there are multiple versions of XP, and you'll need to install the correct one.

If you have a brand name PC you can order a replacement CD from the manufacturer for a reasonable charge in some cases. The other option with a brand named PC is to see if it has an option to create a recovery set up disk.

The other option, if you really can't get hold of proper disc, is to follow the instructions on this helpful site.

Hope that helps somewhat!

lcharm

Well both the machines are running really slow, one is from 2002 and the other is 2005/6 and neither have ever been formatted. Tried all the scans, cleaned the hard drive, adware/spyware, virus scans, defragmenting, registry repairs you name it, i've tried it. They haven't made it any better so I feel this is the last resort for me. They were never that slow before and although they are older units they shouldn't be as slow as they are now as they've become practically unusable

Lyger thanks for the WikiLink. If I can't find a disk I'll probably do that instead!

prowla

Beware that Windows licences tend to be tied to the particular install media (Home, Home SP2, Professinal, etc.).

gaming_guy

prowla wrote: »

Beware that Windows licences tend to be tied to the particular install media (Home, Home SP2, Professinal, etc.).

and the various disks (oem, retail, corporate etc).

an OEM key wont work on a retail disk, a retail key wont work with an OEM disk and so on

lcharm

I found the winnt32.exe file from Lygers WikiHow link so will give that a try on the older computer as it's dispensable. If it works then I'll do the same for the newer one.

abibee

I'm in a similar situation, which reminded me to look for a programme I remember from a while ago.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Decrypting-Decoding/WinKeyFinder.shtml

Finds your XP serial (and serials from other installed software you have). I'd guess you just make a note of your key, then use it when re-installing. I could be wrong though.

Banacek

Check which version of XP you have installed first by going to Control panel>System and reading the version of the General tab. Also look at the registered to and view the registration number if it has OEM in the middle of it then the copy of windows is a manufacturer specific version and you will need to replace like for like. Might look something like 54321-OEM-0011903-00102. If you don't replace like for like your key may not work. I would also backup my wpa.dbl file
usually found in C:\Windows\system32 folder. You might have to change the view option to show hidden files this can be changed at My Computer>tools>Folder options.view. Remember to click apply & OK after the change.
Keeping this folder as a backup can help if you have activation issues just copy it back to the same folder on the new install.

Hope that helps.

lcharm

what does the wpa.dbl files represent?

I have a friend with an XP disk so may try it with him 1st.

MX5huggy

The only other thing to consider is how much ram have you got in these machines. What happly ran XP in 2002 would struggle now.

Just been looking Microsoft say you should have 64mb, 128 recommended.

Just did a clean install on a lappy with 256mb it was dire just opening IE after installing all the updates now its got 1.25Gb and it flys along.