XP Pro reinstall, have key but broke CD

[twhitt]

I'm trying to reinstall the OS on my desktop, and I've been running into some problems with XP.

I own an OEM copy of Windows XP Pro edition, and have a unique legit key for it. What I don't have is the install disk that came with this key. The disk was broken, and I'm still in posession of the pieces but they're quite useless. I have other install disks laying about, most of them associated with some sort of enterprise edition with unlimited keys and no activation. The CD key I have been using doesn't work with these install disks, and I need to know what kind of install disk I need to use in order to use my own key. Is this a problem because I've got enterprise edition install disks in the drive, or non-OEM disks, or would only my broken disk have worked?

 

[cowboytech]

XP Pro, is it a Brand name os disk (you know, dell, etc)? what service pack, OEM or retail. once you know these answers its just a matter of finding a similar disk, Or, I belive you can get ahold of microsoft and get a repacement disk.

 

[pscowboy]

You can borrow anybody's OEM Pro to install, then use your key when asked.

The only problem will be if the disc you borrow is proprietary to a mobo. Some are, some aren't. I've purchased about 75 Dell OEM's for customers, that worked on any machine.

If you get it worked out, I suggest you do an image when you get the XP working well and fully patched. Then you can always do a quick re-install off the image without needing an XP cd.

 

[bront]

There is no copy protect on the CD either, so you should be able to either burn a copy, or slipstream togeather a copy and put SP2 on it.

Note, I've had to resinstall and call MS to get it validated a few times. It takes 15 minutes or so, but is somewhat anoying. However, they didn't have a problem with me reinstalling it, particularly because it's a registered OEM copy (was a sample sent out to store workers so they could test it and sell it to customers)