Need Help with Windows Xp Pro Install

[spicerrules]

So recently i was trying to reinstall windows xp cleanly. I had wiped it off the drive, and then inserted a windows xp pro disk...is started the install process and i realized i didn't have a key...so basically my question is...is there anyway to revert the install? because whenever i start up it goes automatically to the key insertion process.

 

[ksiemb]

So recently i was trying to reinstall windows xp cleanly. I had wiped it off the drive, and then inserted a windows xp pro disk...is started the install process and i realized i didn't have a key...so basically my question is...is there anyway to revert the install? because whenever i start up it goes automatically to the key insertion process.

You wiped the HD - So you have no OS to revert to. IF a PC, You could put the HD in another computer and try partition recovery software. You could also edit the boot.ini file and remove the Setup entry, abut again, you have no OS.

Sticker on unit with the Key on it ? Have nothing that came with the CD ?
For future reference, the key is retrievable from the hard drive, provided you had not wiped the drive.

 

[nhasian]

if this is a prebuilt PC then there will be a sticker with the windows cd key somewhere on the computer. If you purchased the Windows XP CD then the key will be with the container. if you do not have a windows XP license, why not give Linux a try? Here are some links:

Ubuntu
Fedora


Ubuntu Linux Resources