Re: Stolen Legitimate XP pro disk.



nucklebone wrote:
My disk was unfortunately nicked. Is there a way to make a recovery disk, ....


Not unless you've an OEM installation and the computer manufacturer provided a utility for that purpose. However:

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's manufacturer.


... find the product key from my computer?


You should be able to use Belarc Advisor from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to find the Product Key. (If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive image used at the factory and not your specific Product Key; therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be -- used for a re-installation.)


As time progresses and you upgrade your components on the computer, it is better to re-format your hard drive (so i have been told),....


Don't listen to such poor advice; the only time it's truly necessary to re-install the OS is if the hard drive fails.


... how can this be done without having to buy another disk?

As above.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
.



Relevant Pages

  • Re: Installing Win XP Pro (just use another product key)
    ... machine - I assume this is an OEM license). ... The recovery disks that were supplied with the laptop were unable ... I have a genuine OEM Win XP Pro SP2 disc (from when I built my ... when I was asked to input the product key I ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Emergency Installation of XP - How to Solve Activation Problem
    ... product key sticker is still on some of these donated computers, ... Professional, Retail vs. OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. ... you can move the installation ... license ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage)
  • Re: Emergency Installation of XP - How to Solve Activation Problem
    ... There is no need to reactive the license. ... By the way if the computer has a product key sticker on it, ... Professional, Retail vs. OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. ... you can move the installation ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage)
  • Re: No OS disk with purch refurb laptop
    ... but I am not sure if the license is transferrable. ... then you will need an OEM Windows distribution to install from. ... If your product key is on a sticker on the machine itself - there's a VERY ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: No OS disk with purch refurb laptop
    ... to install with, and then register/validate with this product key. ... supply the product key of my own license during ... then you will need an OEM Windows distribution to install from. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)