Linux Format forums

GeordieJedi · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject: Recovering (from) Windows

Hi all, how about another question?

Ok, I got sick and tired of my flatmate's complaining that his net connection
was too slow. (He was using a rather ancient P3 and 512MB of RAM that
I'd given him awhile ago).

So I thought it'd be an awesome idea to build/cannibalise an newer computer
from an old P4 I had going spare. So after getting all of the hardware working
I realised that I was probably gonna have to re-install Windows XP on it.
(I've essentially just chucked the old HD alongside another one in a newer
case).

However I don't have the key. It wasn't written down, nor put on a sticker
(XP was originally installed by a friend who runs a PC business and he
cant remember recording the key down anywhere).

So my question is, can I retreive the key using a live CD? Re-install XP
and then add Linux as a dual boot?

Thanks in advance for anly help.

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

Nope. Find yourseld a decent copy of the CD, complete with key, and use that to install XP. There is no 'location' where the key is stored in XP, remember: XP is not Linux! Wink

(hint: perhaps your flatemate could buy himself a student licence from Mr Gates, they seem awfully interested in getting students addicted to their stuff, so it's cheap)

But why bother anyway: just install Linux, use a Redmond theme on the desktop and he'll never know Wink

LeeNukes · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 7:49 pm Post subject:

GeordieJedi · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 8:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the advice so far lads.

@ Dutch Master

I do have my own legit CD for XP Pro, I could use that If I'd found the key on
his HD. Never thought of the student edition though, cheers.
Although I suspect I wouldn't be able to get a key for XP now.

@ LeeNukes

Cheers for the advice, Lee. I'll give it a look.