Windows XP (OEM)

[tool_462 0]

Have a quick question here. My PC was originally an eMachines T2879 but basically all that is left of the original is the motherboard and HDD. I have two HDD's but the one running XP is the original that came with the PC. I had a post earlier that we couldnt resolve with replacing a mobo, and I finally determined it as DOA with lots of help and ideas from members. (Thanks!) But here is my main question, if I were to format my HDD (The one with the OS on it) and replace the motherboard, and basically set-up my PC as if it is all new parts, would the Three restore disks and/or 6 disk floppy boot setup be everything I needed to completely reinstall XP? I have the CD key and I have a CD key that eMachines tech support told me to use if the old one didn't work. But I need to know if the disks I have (restore and floppys) will be able to reinstall windows. I have only done repair installs and never tried to install it on a freshly formatted HDD. If not, is there anywhere to get the disks for XP and use my own CD key for very cheap (or free download and burn to CD or something)?

Thanks!

tool

[Cormac 0]

Just curious Tool, why do you want to reformat the drive that already has XP on it?

[BladeRunner 0]

Originally posted by tool_462:

Quote:

Have a quick question here. My PC was originally an eMachines T2879 but basically all that is left of the original is the motherboard and HDD. I have two HDD's but the one running XP is the original that came with the PC. I had a post earlier that we couldnt resolve with replacing a mobo, and I finally determined it as DOA with lots of help and ideas from members. (Thanks!) But here is my main question, if I were to format my HDD (The one with the OS on it) and replace the motherboard, and basically set-up my PC as if it is all new parts, would the Three restore disks and/or 6 disk floppy boot setup be everything I needed to completely reinstall XP? I have the CD key and I have a CD key that eMachines tech support told me to use if the old one didn't work. But I need to know if the disks I have (restore and floppys) will be able to reinstall windows. I have only done repair installs and never tried to install it on a freshly formatted HDD. If not, is there anywhere to get the disks for XP and use my own CD key for very cheap (or free download and burn to CD or something)?

Thanks!

tool

 

As you are no longer using the original motherboard then no - there is a good chance your recovery media will not work.

Recovery media is usually tied to the BIOS on the motherboard.

Even using unofficial BIOS updates can be enough to stop recovery disks from working.

 

You were only ever licensed to run WinXP on your EMachines PC.

You are no longer running that machine and if you check through your license agreement you'll see that you cannot transfer recovery or OEM Windows licenses.

 

Your cheapest option would be to buy a copy of OEM WindowsXP Home.

WinXP Home will offer you around 95% of the features of Pro - however it is highly unlikely you would need the extra features, well unless you're running a full Windows Domain class network at home with Windows Servers which is unlikely.

[tool_462 0]

Thanks! I had called eMachines and got the same answer So I just went ahead and bought a new copy, and some other goodies from TigerDirect. Thanks again!