Reinstalling windows

[CrAz3D]

We have our desktop that is just cluttered with crap & needs to be cleaned off & redone completely.

Desktop bought in 2003 has XP Home, upgraded to SP2.

Could I just use that disc that I downloaded last week (to save my laptop) to restore the desktop using the key number on the Windows sticker on the case??

[iago]

Not very likely, since the CD-Key on the side of the case is probably for an OEM version of Windows, whereas the one you downloaded likely isn't.

You really have 2 options:
- Find the 'system restore' cd that came with the computer
- Buy a real copy of Windows

[CrAz3D]

Not very likely, since the CD-Key on the side of the case is probably for an OEM version of Windows, whereas the one you downloaded likely isn't.

You really have 2 options:
- Find the 'system restore' cd that came with the computer
- Buy a real copy of Windows

alrighty, thanks.

[Sidoh]

You can find a key that'll work with the copy you downloaded pretty easily, though...

[CrAz3D]

You can find a key that'll work with the copy you downloaded pretty easily, though...

will it all still work if windows tries to update & such?

[Sidoh]

There are ways around it, but it becomes much more difficult if you don't have a legitimate copy of XP.