reformat windows xp

trying to reformat my hardrive and reinstall windows xp, but im having some problems

i lost my product cd key

i followed the manual but when i get to this part it gets messed up:

it says push something to repair xp or push esc to install a fresh new copy

so i hit esc

then it says installing 2 OS's on the same computer isnt recommended


i really need to reformat but i dont have the cdkey, please help me

 

Hi you can view your product with using belarc http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

 

didnt work

 

that gave me the same key as belarc, and it said it didnt work when i entered it

 

woooops they both worked sorry i must have typed it wrong first time

thanks for the help

 

ok now that i got my cd-key how do i delete everything and reinstall windows?

 

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_pro_install_-_graphic.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

 

Re: reformat windows xp home edition

those links are for the upgrade version

i just want to reformat my computer, not upgrade it

 

Re: reformat windows xp home edition

Hey Zimok,

make sure you 'puter boots from CDROM and to format your drive you've got to go to the option "REPAIR", this brings you to the recovery console.. hit format C:\ there and the format will begin
after format, again, boot from CDROM and install windows again

enjoy

 

so by going to "repair" it deletes everything and starts a fresh new computer??

 

Re: reformat windows xp home edition

ok when i hit "r" to go to the repair thing, it takes my to a screen where i have to type something.....what do i type

 

Re: reformat windows xp home edition

Nope, you do not have to choose the repair option or use the recovery console. Just follow the directions at the Home or Pro link I posted and format the partition you're installing XP onto when you reach that part of the installation.

 

Actually, it would probably best to delete the partition first, then create a new one and then format it.


*Note: Rataplan's method will work (sorry Rataplan, didn't mean to smash your toes), but it's a little more complex and has more steps.

 

do i delete the partition i already have????

 

Sure, can't hurt.

 

so i delete the partition i have, make a new one, then finish installing and im done????

 

Yup, except for installing all your apps/games etc. and tweaking/customizing XP.

 

hehe, no prob Alanc
didn't mean to step on yours either, just, as we all do, wanted to help somebody out

peace out geeks

 

I am having close to the same problem I had XP but replaced with 98 when I put in a new hard drive. now want to put XP back LOST MY KEY! please let me know if you find out any info. Thank You!