[KJ101]

Hello, this should be a fairly easy question to answer. I attempted to reinstall XP home edition from a cd, but when it got to the point where it asked for the product code, after entering it says its invalid. My question is, if I just put in a new XP install cd, as long as the boot sequence is set up right, should it start the install from the beginning or will it try to continue setup where the previous setup left off?

[etaf]

where did the disk come from - is this a CD supplied with the machine ?
make and model of PC

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by KJ101

I attempted to reinstall XP home edition from a cd, but when it got to the point where it asked for the product code, after entering it says its invalid.

I've done dozens of hard drive formats and fresh installs of XP and have never been asked to enter the 25-digit product code during the install process.

I'm also curious as to how you're attempting to install XP and what you're using.

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[Rockn]

If the disk is an OEM or Open License copy you will be prompted to install the CD Key. You probably do not have the correct CD for your computer if you are installing XP using the COA on the computer case.

[KJ101]

Yes its an OEM CD, I've used it & the product key before to install windows but now the key is invalid. Yes the OEM CD was for a different computer. When I try to use another (burned ISO) copy of XP, I press any key to boot from the cd and it just goes back to the setup screen from the OEM CD. Yes I am trying to get around buying a fresh copy of XP but it looks like that's what I am going to have to do. When I do, it should start the install process over from the beginning correct?

[etaf]

you should install fresh, make sure you have all the drivers

Make and model of PC - you may be able to get the recovery CD from manufacturer a lot cheaper then buying a new copy of XP
Also the PC may have a recovery Partition you could reinstall / create CDs from

We cannot help you any further with copies of windows here, however, we can with the recovery from a partition on the PC etc