I have an older computer that I want to give to a friend. It has a valid XP OS but I have no install discs. Is it possible to reformat this HD and keep this same OS. I just need to make sure any other info is off this HD.
Hi Sampson,
By the sounds of things you don't really mean the word "format", as this would actually delete the OS in process. If you do mean to format, then I assume you mean that you have a sticker on the box with a Windows XP CDKey, if so, you *may* be able to reinstall the OS using someone else's CD, but using the CDKey on your machine... the big issue here is that the CDKey might be part of a Volume Licence (e.g. Dell will Volume Licence Key's on all their machines, these keys will only work (I believe) with a Windows XP CD that has been customised to accept the Dell Volume Licence's). This therefore means this would be a risky install to attempt.
If you just mean to remove your customised files, you could probably find some software to clean the PC up, but in reality Windows gets more inefficient over time, so a re-install is advisable.
If you really have a valid Windows XP Software licence, I would advise ringing Microsoft to be clear on how you can use your CDKey. You should be able to borrow, or purchase a CD that your key will work with. But Microsoft will be in the best position to advise on what your CDKey will work with.
If you want to risk it with a friend's CD, I advice you use the Microsoft Geniune Advantage Diag Tool first
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/sel...isplaylang=en). This will display the type of key you are using, so you can see if it is a Volume key or not.
Unsolved 
