replaceing mobo

[PZEROFGH]

no you can use your exsisting cd only if its XP home, cause XP pro you will have to get a new key to activate windows

 

[iam_not_2fast4u]

i didnt get a copy of windows when i bought my comp what do i do?

 

[Trotter]

No, you can use the copy you have (if it is a full version). Most vendor versions (Dell, HP, Compaq) are not full versions, and won't work on a different system.

Since you are reinstalling it, and not just putting it on an additional computer, you are in the clear legal-wise. Actually, you could use a different Windows CD as long as you use the code that came with the Windows on your current system (if you don't have a full version).

Windows takes a snapshot of your system. When you boot, it checks what it finds against what it knows. If the two doesn't match up, Windows won't boot. Changing mobos is a major change, and Windows will see it.

 

[PZEROFGH]

borrow someones else copy lol or buy it for 80 dollars.

 

[iam_not_2fast4u]

so iam going to loose all of my data? how?

 

[Trotter]

If you don't back up your data files, when you reinstall Windows it will erase everything on the drive. That's just the way Windows works.

So back it up before you start changing parts.

 

[iam_not_2fast4u]

how?

 

[Amd2800]

put it on DVD or CD

i aint gonna bother explaining because all he says is How

dont know any other words lol

 

[iam_not_2fast4u]

no need to use other words i dont know how and i dont have a back up copy of windows xp

 

[Amd2800]

well go buy a copy of windows xp