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How can I reinstall Windows XP w/o CD after replacement of a HDD?

Basically, the HDD on my parents computer crashed and with it, the reinstall capabilities of the second partition. So, I bought a new HDD and installed my copy of windows xp onto it and using the activation key on the side of my parents computer. No such luck in activating. The computer is well passed its warranty so getting Dells help is out of the question. I'd rather not spend $150 that I dont have to replace windows when I have a perfectly good activation key right here. Is there a way to solve my problem without spending gobs of money? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. if you allowed e mail i might be able to help


2. i'm a Dell tech. you cannot install XP without an XP CD. aslo you cannot install xp on the new hdd using your xp cd and try to put in the code of your parents'. the only way to perfectly install it is to put in your code. if still that does not work, you can try to put/install the new hdd onto your own desktop and from there boot to the OS and install it and use as well your own key code.