XP re-install problems, after linux installation

Simon_B_2

I've managed to break my PC, installing a copy of linux.
Its corrupted my laptops HDD and the boot section that contained my restore copy of XP which came with the PC
Since there is no XP install CD.

My question is this, if i get hold of a copy of a friends XP home cd and use the cd key that is on the bottom of my laptop will this work to re-install XP and will it be legit, ie will microsoft allow for updates?

Or have i broken it completely and should i be looking to buy a copy of vista OEM or something similar.

Blacksheep1979

might work has to be exactly the same version ie same service pack, oem/retail home/pro etc and yes it'd be legit

superscaper

It may work but I think only if your friend's is the same version, eg XP Home OEM. It isn't illegal as the only important thing is the licence key which you legitimately own. May be easiest to ask the place you bought it off.

Simon_B_2

Thanks its from PC world so will see what they have to say

superscaper

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

might work has to be exactly the same version ie same service pack, oem/retail home/pro etc and yes it'd be legit

Not disputing, but are you sure about the service pack version? I thought it didn't matter since you can slipstream windows cds or is that different to the microsoft pressed cds?

superscaper

Simon_B wrote: »

Thanks its from PC world so will see what they have to say

Oh dear, well whatever you do don't accept it if they try and tell you you have to purchase another full OS. They WILL lie to you if they think they can get an unnecessary sale out of you.

Simon_B_2

superscaper wrote: »

Oh dear, well whatever you do don't accept it if they try and tell you you have to purchase another full OS. They WILL lie to you if they think they can get an unnecessary sale out of you.

Thanks, thats what i thought and though the laptop was a bargain. I'm tempted to buy and OEM of Vista premium for £55 depends what they say.

Shouldn't have messed with it in the first place.

Blacksheep1979

superscaper wrote: »

Not disputing, but are you sure about the service pack version? I thought it didn't matter since you can slipstream windows cds or is that different to the microsoft pressed cds?

fairly sure as the slipstreaming is just automatic installing of other software during/after the main OS installation.

hc25036

I had a similar problem a while ago and it can be fixed. Google something like "uninstall Linux Windows" and there are instructions and utilities out there (sorry - I'm at work at can't do this for you). The problem is that Linux changes the MBR on the disk and Windows can't read it. There is a simple way to get it back and all will be well

superscaper

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

fairly sure as the slipstreaming is just automatic installing of other software during/after the main OS installation.

That's what I wasn't sure about, with SP2 integrating with a SP1 disc to create a new SP2 disc. I wasn't sure whether this integrated disc was a SP2 XP installation or a SP1 installation that installed SP2 on top.

Blacksheep1979

99% sure its the latter