Windows XP CD key on my PC's case?
924872
No it will not work... all those OEM keys are not allowed to install seperate Windows XP..., that key will only work on that computer using the Recovery disc.
684755
Easiest way is to use something called GOTOMYPC. If it's a one-off, use their trial.\n\nIt does give you complete access to the PC
962852
Hypothetically you could, from say a website that provides pirated software, but even if you did successfully download a working pirated copy of Windows XP, chances are you wouldn't be able to do much with it.  Microsoft monitors the license keys used with Windows and I guess has become more strict about cracking down on randomly generated license keys or duplicate ones.
568498
It is possible. You will need a CD of Windows or an I386 directory on your computers. \n\nIt is worth pointing out that both your PC and laptop should have some sort of recovery CD or Windows CD. If you are trying to install the same version of Windows on the laptop as the desktop and you use the same licence key, it will not work. Each copy of XP is licenced to an individual computer. Microsoft WILL detect that it is not the same PC that it was originally installed and will not activate your copy of Windows.\n\nCheck out microsoft.com/support and type your question there.
884857
put win xp cd in the drive close off the menu that opens . restart ur pc . boot up from win xp cd now from there ur have the option to install win xp without loss of date or drivers on ur pc. what ur see is 3 options 2 of format and 1 saying >>leave everything as it is << that is the one you enter on do not enter on the format options. then follow what is on screen this ur come to a part where it says what parth do you want windows to install type in\n\nc:&#92;windows\n\nthen hit on enter . then win xp will set up ur be ask for da product key put that in then win xp will install and set up when at desktop ur have activate win xp what you do is activate it by phone and microsoft will help you activate it then ur set for
893121
Was it installed on your PC when you got it?  Sometime people put the sticker with the product key on the case itself.  You could also get in touch with Microsoft to see if they can help.
733464
You won't be able to do it without a CD and if you do it, you will have to go with the newer XP. I know it sucks, but the only why to delete everything is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. If you can find someone online, like at Ebay or Amazon, that has Windows ME, then you might could get it that way. But I would just say go with XP. ME is better, but you can't really trust that a copy you buy through Ebay will be valid.\n\nBut unless you are having a virus problem, I would just go and delete the programs you want off. Reformatting your hard drive wears out your PC faster. Of course, if you are having a serious problem, it's best to do it. I had to with mine when a virus ate it. Of course if you are just having problems with it being slow. Get AVG, it's a FREE virus program and Spybot, it's a FREE spyware program, and run those on your PC. They are awesome, and that will speed up you PC significantly. Also removing unwanted programs will help too.\n\nGood luck. I hope this helps.
818962
You can't.  It's an integral part of Windows XP.
892939
You should have no problems whatever with current files, accounts, etc.  It is always a good idea to back-up your system on external media (data DVD, CD, External HD, etc...)  \n\nWhatever you do...do not turn off power (power-cycle) your computer while updating...even at the end of the instalation process...you must let it shut-down (it will prompt you at the appropriate time to do this or do it itself) and boot up or XP will no longer work.  It trashes the System32/config files.  you have to repair from the intall CD...and you then may loose the "my documents" portion of your system.  \n\nI don't mean to scare you with doom and gloom, but if you have a system that came with Xp on the HD on a "Secret Partition" then you will need find a viable copy of XP or Buy one...because Microsoft will laugh at you if you call them with this particular problem.
311561
just insert your XP cd and..go on!
606752
The key is provided by Microsoft when you download the build or order the DVD.  If you have lost/misplaced the key, Please contact Microsoft Support.  \n\nThe keys cannot be shared :-)
130236
Windows XP users:\n\n1. Insert the Windows XP bootable CD into the computer.\n2. When prompted to press any key to boot from the CD, press any key.\n3. Once in the Windows XP setup menu press the "R" key to repair Windows.\n4. Log into your Windows installation by pressing the "1" key and pressing enter.\n5. You will then be prompted for your administrator password, enter that password.\n6. Copy the below two files to the root directory of the primary hard disk. In the below example we are copying these files from the CD-ROM drive letter "E". This letter may be different on your computer.\n\n-----------------------------------\ncopy e:&#92;i386&#92;ntldr c:&#92;\ncopy e:&#92;i386&#92;ntdetect.com c:&#92;\n-----------------------------------\n\n7. Once both of these files have been successfully copied, remove the CD from the computer and reboot.
677448
System Restore might work. I've never used it myself, but for XP, it can be found under the Start --> programs --> Accessories --> System Tools menu, and it's "wizard" based, so hopefully it's not *too* dangerous. :-) Bear in mind, though, that if you restore to an earlier state, you run the risk of losing anything else you've installed since then.\n\nAnother possible option: Did your computer come with a "restore" CD? Like, instead of a proper Windows CD, a lot of vendors give you a CD that will return your computer to the original factory configuration. You don't actually want to *do* that in this case, BUT, if your DVD decoder app was part of your PC's orginal configuration, it's *possible* that the CD might allow you to reinstall the individual application.
294612
assuming you have windows XP..
380774
if u did a back up disc on a pc running xp it does not back up the xp operating system, just your personal data,files etc. you need the xp disc.
977279
No. If your operating system is XP and you have Works installed, you can't copy these software to a CD....unless the setup files are saved somewhere on you computer.
757174
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)\n\n    2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”\n\n    3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.\n\n    4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now\n\n    5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.\n\n    6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.\n\n    It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”\n\n    Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.\n\n    7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.\n\n    8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”\n\n    9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.\n\n    10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.\n\n    11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.\n\n    12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).\n\n    13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.