Hi OCD,
I have a question or two before I start.
You said that I need to have the XP product key. However, my Dell computer did not come with disks. My system has an on board “Dell PC Restore” option. This is what the manual says about it:
Using Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is not available in all countries.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC
Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are
permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC
Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications
or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC
Restore.
If this isn’t good enough, the two cds I have (obtained from friends) are:
1. “Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Version 2002”, my friend just had the disk without the sleeve. I have no product key.
2. “Dell Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2”…this disk came in a sleeve with a key on it. Key is only 20 characters long. Don’t know if this is the XP product key?
Which do you think is my best option?
fmy321