Resolved Reinstalling Windows XP Professional

I want to reinstall Windows XP Professional on my old Dell Dimension 2400 computer. Unfortunately I don't have the reinstallation CD. I don't remember if the computer even came with it or if I lost it (I got the computer in 2004). I looked into how to reinstall the operating system without a disc and I found out that sometimes you may have an i386 folder with a file called "winnt32.exe" but I could not find this executable file anywhere.

Now I've found some "Windows XP Professional SP3" Reinstallation CDs for Dell for sale online at a reasonable price. I was wondering if those CDs would work on my computer or if those discs only work with specific computers. Would I have to buy the operating system over again? How else can I reinstall XP?

 

There is no need to buy new cd if you have the serial number of your XP.

Just get XP Pro cd from a friend and install using your serial number.

 

Well I'm not sure I know of anyone who has the Windows XP pro CD. I know someone who has the reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home edition though.

By serial number, do you mean that Product number that's on the computer?

 

XP Home is not going to accept XP Pro serial no.

Its a Microsoft sticker which has all the details like version, serial no. etc. It may or may not be on the cabinet.

 

Way to get serial number off pc

Is there a way to get the above mentioned information off my pc in case of a future emergency.

Also how would I use that information?

I have an app called something like 'find a key' that does get the product key from the registry, is this what you are calling the 'serial number'?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee

 

Free Product Key Finder Programs

 

I got the installation CD for Windows XP Professional. Even though I ordered "Service Pack 3" what I got was "Service Pack 2" does that matter? Would I be able to get Service Pack 3 after I reinstall Windows?

 

It doesn't matter. Just update it after you are finished. SP 3 will be one of probably 100 or more updates available from M$...
Then there will be more after SP3. Several more. Just keep going till it is done.

 

And to add to Bill, don't start using your computer unless you have updated it. I would download SP3 first, disconnect from net, install SP3 & then get all other updates.

 

Just additional to the info you have been given - make sure you have an AV program installed before you go Browsing for Updates!
I always have a copy of Avast on a thumb drive to use in this situation. Cheers Neil.

 

Second that. And make it updated AV program.