How do I re-install XP

[ayabrea38]

Just got a second hand pc with XP on it,as OEM but no disk.The tower has a serial number on the side for XP.Thing is what happens if I have to format the hard drive?How do I get XP and the programmes that came with it back(Powerpoint and Office mainly)That was the main reason I bought the pc was to help the kids with their schoolwork and it seemed a bargain,compaired to buying XP and all the other programmes.
I know formatting is a fairly drastic thing to have to do,but as it has happened in the past to my present pc,I would like to know where I stand.
Thanks everyone.

[Teleph0ne]

Unless you have the disks, you won't be able to reinstall.

[Old_Geezer]

Without the disks it is tricky. One can sell a PC on secondhand but as I understand it there are legal pitfalls with selling on the Microsoft software (MS licencing scams and such like).

But since you have it but no CDs/DVDs, depending on the actual PC/Manufacturer you may find the system files either on the hard disk, or on a hidden seperate partition of the disk.

I'd get a knowledgable friend to check it all out for you, if I were you, before formatting everything and starting again. Worst comes to worst you could always try to contact MS I suppose, quote your serial number as proof of ownership and ask for advice.

[S_C]

if you dont have the windows disc and you format the pc you will not be able to retreive the software.
the number you have " is part of the licence agreement " however thsi will NOT work with other xp program disc's.

if you reinstall windows using the setup contained on drive C , you will be able to reinstall the windows software however without the format.
but all office software will be lost.
office also has a security that requires a password/number for install.

however remeber any format wipes the system clean and removes ALL software contained there.

[Vagrant]

Make and model of PC?

[ayabrea38]

I will give you the details later,Hubby has just gone to collect it from seller so dont actualy have it in my grasp yet.Thanks for all your answers so far,Its not looking too good is it?
Hopefuly nothing will go wrong with it and the kids can just use it.It wont be connected to the internet,so do you all think it will be safe?
Legal issues are always a bit grey when buying second hand,but I suppose thats the price you pay for getting something cheap.(no pun intended)
As for knowledgable friends checking it out,they dont exist and you guys and gals seem a friendly bunch!

[tamborine]

The seller might sell the discs - worth asking?

[ayabrea38]

Its am IBM 8303 21G...if that means anything to you.
And quite right it was worth asking about the disk,but he said he got it without so that was that.Thanks though :-)

[dizmouk2009]

aya if you have the OEM serial number you are allowed by law to download the software.

[dizmouk2009]

If you download bittorent - www.bittorrent.com/

I will get you the torrent to download.

[ayabrea38]

Ooh..Diz,tell me more!There are numbers on the side that the seller said where the serial numbers,but I'm not too sure.Any hints on how to tell-something along the lines of 'its this you fool!' Thanks

[dizmouk2009]

I'm not understanding you. The serial number is on the label that reads "serial number"
Where abouts do you live ayabrea, I could send you a copy of Windows XP Home OEM

[ChuckFickens]

I seriously would not install a copy of windows from a Torrent!

Diz is correct in saying that the sticker with the key is the important part, Borrow a windows CD and use that, perfectly legal and safe., you just have to make sure the copy you borrow matches the version on the sticker (home or professional)

[dizmouk2009]

Chuck I have a perfectly safe .ISO of windows XP home as a torrent. I know what you're saying and given the fact not everyone has leet connections like we do it would take ages to download. It was worth a try though :)

[ayabrea38]

looking on the pc,there are 2 serial numbers on the back,BUT,on the side the microsoft certificate of authe... has been ripped off,leaving only a small serial no of 6 figures.Even I am not daft enough to think this is it.So,thanks for the offer Diz,but I think I will leave all alone while it is is and hope the kids don't wreck it.
Again thanks,it was so nice of you.
Fingers crossed!

[ChuckFickens]

it may totally safe, and you probably have the means and or know how to check it is, but the average user won't and there is nothing like giving a virus a head start by actually installing it with the OS.

Is it a home or professional copy you are after?

[ChuckFickens]

last question was to ayabrea38, obviously.

[dizmouk2009]

It's ok chuck I've got no issues with you, I'm just fed up that's all.

[ChuckFickens]

oh, ok the sticker has been removed, you no longer have a license to use XP

buy carefully and you can get it for about £30 on ebay (be very sure it comes with the license sticker)

[dizmouk2009]

ayabrea you can use - http://www.petri.co.i...ve_windows_cd_key.htm

To retrieve your windows XP key.

[dizmouk2009]

I tested it on my serial number, worked fine.