can i reinstall windows xp?

hi all, im a newbie so be gentle.
i have windows xp pro on my desktop and it loads and shuts down increadably slowly. i have tried various registry edit software and have come to the conclusion that a clean install is my best option as i now want to upgrade my hard drive. my os is a legal copy BUT i dont have the installation disk. i dont want to just clone the drive i have because i will still be left with the dawdling system. is there some way i can get a clean copy of xp onto my new drive utilising my original licence? hope someone can help......martyn214

 

If you could get a OS disc from another source (friend,work,etc) not the backups, but the full OS.
You can reinstall from that on just about any pc using your original sticker. (you may have to call MS )
This does not include any specific drivers/software particular to your model. (ie Dell etc...)
Make sure you have them already d/l and on a disc ,usb stick etc.. before you begin!

The only other way would be to contact the manufacturer of the pc and buy the recovery disc from them. (This will also include all driver/programs for your model)


Twoideasthatmighthelp

 

many thanks...i will try that. will that also work if the key i have is not the standard 4 sets of 5 numbers?
mine has 5 numbers then OEM then 7 numbers then 5 numbers
martyn214

 

OEM denotes original equipment manufacturer
This means your only option would be to see if you can sweet talk your PC manufacturer for recovery discs,just ask you never know the may just give em to you (not likely)
It means that os license was sold in bulk to a manufacturer at a discounted rate and MS will not honor this form of COA .

 

ok, thanks very much petaluma. nice taking to you
martyn214