namtlade

I've been helping out one of my parents friends with their computers. Her old computer (~6-7 years old) is currently full of viruses and almost unusable. When she tries to run a virus scan the computer automatically shuts down, for example. So I suggested a clean install, but unfortunately she does not have the original install discs for the operating system. It did have XP on it, but she's not sure whether it came originally installed on it, or if her techy friend installed it for her. I suggested that she get in contact with her techy friend and try to acquire a copy of XP off him.
But I've just realised that it's likely that the key won't work. One thought I had is to try and retrieve the current key off of it before formatting and using that key to install XP. Would that work? And how would I retrieve the key if possible?

If it's not impossible to install XP on it again, I'm thinking that mint could be a possibility. She's not very computer savvy btw, so do you think she could manage it?

Also she recently bought at the advice of a different friend an "el cheapo" computer from a supermarket. It's running vista too and works very well apparently. I'm not so convinced

__________________

British Overclockers Club

3dMark06: 10082 (4670/4884/2142)
Linerider vids: Tube

G|F.E.A.D|Killa

i dont get it what did you recomend?

__________________

23055 3DMark06

My E8600

5.0Ghz E8600

namtlade

I bolded it for you.

Basically to get another install disc off someone else. But I'm wondering whether it will work with Windows Genuine Crapvantage.

__________________

British Overclockers Club

3dMark06: 10082 (4670/4884/2142)
Linerider vids: Tube

pbpenguins412

You can run Magic JellyBean Keyfinder to get her current XP Key, and write it down, then do a clean install off of a different disc (just make sure it is the right version [Home/Professional]).

__________________
3.00 GHz - CPU-Z Validated

3.20 GHz - CPUZ Validated

Small Form Factor (SFF) Cases - Because those of you with big towers are compensating for something!

Check out my For Sale Thread - LCD monitors, RAM, and assorted other goods!

Kerack

Yea you can get a key finder and find the product code. Sometimes it's on the sticker on the case as well. Also, the product version has to be the same. Even if both are Professional they have the be the same version. For example if one has SP2 and the other is old school SP0.

Firestorm252

i second this proposition

__________________

namtlade

Thanks I've downloaded it and I'll try it out when I go there.

__________________

British Overclockers Club

3dMark06: 10082 (4670/4884/2142)
Linerider vids: Tube