Windows XP for Dummies Question

[Burt Munro]

The low budget, breaks more than fixes, too lazy to search the web guy is back with a computer question.  (Well, actually I have tried searching the web for about 5 hrs with no luck.)

I must be getting old, this stuff use to be easy!  Feel free to refer me to a good website that details what I'm looking for.

I bought a P4 2.8 IBM computer from a local surplus place for $127.00.  The HDD has been wiped clean.  There is a COA for XP Pro attached.  No software.

Couple of questions:
Can I restore XP Pro without any disks - using the code off of the COA?
If I can restore the OS, how do I contact Microsoft either by phone or email?  I haven't found any published info on this.

I have a pirated copy of XP Pro on a CD with a product key #.  Can I install that on the clean HDD without any problems?  Will there be a conflict between the original OS and the pirated OS that would block the install if I go that way?

Like I said ......  feel free to refer me to a good website that details this process.  I've tried a few and they don't seem to cover this situation.

And don't refer me to the experts on the WERA board!!!!  I couldn't take the abuse I'd get from not doing the research work my self.

Thanks!

Rick

Can I contact Microsoft with the product key # from the COA and get

[gpz11]

Well, you could look for a restore CD out on Ebay for your model system. They are sometimes out there for a few bucks.

If the copy of XP is a generic copy (IE: not a Dell, HP copy) that should install just fine. You might have to download drivers from IBM for your system.

[spyderchick]

XP needs to be activated within a certain amount of time, so using a pirated key may not be a good idea. Since you have the original COA, you should be able to install off of any legit CD and then activate. I made too many changes on one of my boxes and had to purchase a second license, I forget how much that cost. That's probably your worst case scenario.

As far as software, if you don't have any, www.openoffice.org has a free works like suite of apps. Just make sure if you are transferring files that they are in the format for the app that will be used to view them, for example *.doc for MS Word, etc. Look around and you can find free ware for just about everything.

Good luck.

[Protein Filled]

Well, some keys are only good for certain versions of the installs, IE, If you have a Dell computer with a serial number from Dell, you need to use the Dell CD's to install XP. If you use a retail version and try and use the serial number from Dell, it will not work because it will complain that it's not a valid key.

[stumpy]

I'm sure Edgar like you know!!!! You can hardly turn on your GPS!!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

And to add in to what Edgar said, an OEM key wont work for a retail copy and vice versa. Also keys for original XP, SP1 or SP2 arent interchangable either.

Kinda having trouble understanding your post though.

Does the computer currently have a working XP os (did they wipe it clean and reinstall XP) or is it blank?

What brand of computer?

When I built my moms computer I just got a retail upgrade XP copy for $99 and used an old windows 98SE disk as the qualifying product. Hell I dont even think it asked me to put the 98 disk in anyways. Just installed XP Home fine. If you go that route you better go get one asap since M$ is supposed to be stopping sales of XP at the end of June 08.

As for a pirated copy, well you can get it to work fairly easy (assuming the key hasnt been comprimised). But you wont be able to get updates.

BTW wheres the surplus store you got that at?