Reinstalling Windows Xp

[johna]

My PC crashed, the shop replaced the hard disk and installed a Thai version of Windows XP

It looks like XP but there are many programs missing and the version of Word comes with a toolbar all in Thai, I can not find any way to covert this to English.

I have the original Windows installation CD but have heard that Microsoft may not allow me to use this a second time, also I am a little nervous about the installation process, there is a Product Key number sticker on my PC and I assume that this is the Certificate of Authority number I will need in the installation process.

My CD is also at least 3 years old and I will have to download all updates including Service Pack 2,

So can any one offer advice on this, I dont want to screw this up.

Thanks.

[monty]

Well, you are running an illegal copy now (the one the shop installed) so if you have no moral problems with that, you could just go out and buy an English version of Office and whatever else you require!

Windows XP is Windows Xp, so how it looks and what programs are on is entirely up to you.

Thats why they call them personal computers

The other option is to use the original cd's which came with your PC, which should make your PC look again like when you bought it first.

Microsoft does allow for reinstalls like in your case, if a major part of your hardware is replaced (like your mainboard) you'll have to contact Microsoft to validate your operating system again.

In the case of only changing the hard disk, there is a big chance validation wil go without a problem.

[The Coder]

I believe there are 5 things Windows looks at when it locks a serial number to a PC. Things like the particular hard drive, motherboard, net card. You can change something like 4 of the 5 and it still use the same Windows serial number. You definitely can swap a hard drive and use it. What I would do is transfer important files off the hard drive, reformat it to remove all accumulated junk, and install from scratch using your original XP CD and original serial number. Having the illegal copy will probably cause problems down the road and biting the bullet now and getting rid of it will be easier now than later. Otherwise you can probably go into the regional settings from the control panel and undo all the Thai font & keyboard stuff. But if you have installed programs while your language of choice is Thai they may continue to use it unless they are reinstalled.

[Carmine6]

Install the whole thing over again with your CD. I've had 3 drives go out on me and all that happens is you try to enter the code, and if it won't take you call the toll free number it shows, and they tell you the code to put in the boxes. They'll ask how many computers you have this copy of XP on and you of course say this is the only one, you just replaced the hard drive.

But, one warning. I think the toll free phone number will be for wherever you're from, so if you can't make the call, you may be stuck with an inoperable computer until you can do so. Calling cards can't call toll free numbers in my experience, and neither can skype.

[astral]

I have the original Windows installation CD but have heard that Microsoft may not allow me to use this a second time, also I am a little nervous about the installation process, there is a Product Key number sticker on my PC and I assume that this is the Certificate of Authority number I will need in the installation process.

Why don't you reinstall from the Original CD?

I cannot see why MS will object, if it really is the same machine.

Just insert the disk and reboot the machine. Then follow the

instructions. You may need to call MS for the new Certificate of Authority number.

Once installed you can download the updates in the normal way.

There will be a service pack with all the bits you need.

This will solve the "moral" issues raised by another poster.

Edited March 10, 2006 by astral

[spacebass]

I have the original Windows installation CD but have heard that Microsoft may not allow me to use this a second time, also I am a little nervous about the installation process, there is a Product Key number sticker on my PC and I assume that this is the Certificate of Authority number I will need in the installation process.

Why don't you reinstall from the Original CD?

I cannot see why MS will object, if it really is the same machine.

Just insert the disk and reboot the machine. Then follow the

instructions. You may need to call MS for the new Certificate of Authority number.

Once installed you can download the updates in the normal way.

There will be a service pack with all the bits you need.

This will solve the "moral" issues raised by another poster.

I have a similar problem a cowboy copy of windows installed by the local computer man when my hard disk crashed (why did I let him do it?) but with a legal copy from before, the problem is that I cannot get the old version to install because it comes up with 'Your computer contains a newer version of Windows XP than the one you are trying to install' and does not give an option to overwrite the newer version with the old copy.

Any ideas on that one? I too would like to be legal again.

Edited March 10, 2006 by spacebass

[francois]

I have the original Windows installation CD but have heard that Microsoft may not allow me to use this a second time, also I am a little nervous about the installation process, there is a Product Key number sticker on my PC and I assume that this is the Certificate of Authority number I will need in the installation process.

Why don't you reinstall from the Original CD?

I cannot see why MS will object, if it really is the same machine.

Just insert the disk and reboot the machine. Then follow the

instructions. You may need to call MS for the new Certificate of Authority number.

Once installed you can download the updates in the normal way.

There will be a service pack with all the bits you need.

This will solve the "moral" issues raised by another poster.

I have a similar problem a cowboy copy of windows installed by the local computer man when my hard disk crashed (why did I let him do it?) but with a legal copy from before, the problem is that I cannot get the old version to install because it comes up with 'Your computer contains a newer version of Windows XP than the one you are trying to install' and does not give an option to overwrite the newer version with the old copy.

Any ideas on that one? I too would like to be legal again.

hi'

no other solution that format and re-install your genuine cd

even the cahnge key solution does work now with the wga from ms(windows genuine advantage) ...

if the copy where the same, it could be different, but not in this case!

he probably installed xp with sp2 and yours does have it with ...

francois

[Wash]

I would suggest going to the Microsoft site and looking for the option to order the Service Pack 2 on CD. I did that and it was provided free of charge and delivered to me at home in North East Thailand.

Microsoft is anxious for the SP2 to be installed and was providing it free. They stacked them up at service counters in computer outlets to get them distributed.

If you do it this way I would just order the CD and wait for it to come before reinstalling windows from your original CD and then applying the SP2.

All will be completely legal then.

good luck.