Windows XP re-install question

[Tadow]

So the comp I currently use at home was originally my wife's when she started college that I eventually made my own. It has windows XP pro/ SP 2 on it and it desperately needs fresh install. I don't have an XP cd. I believe the comp was originally win 98 (there is a key written on the bottom of the case) that my father in law did a upgrade to xp, not positive though.

So from what I've gathered after searching around is that there may be an image copy in i386 folder. I did a file search but I had so many hits I didn't know exactly which folder it would be in if it was there.

Would it be possible to use another XP cd that my friend to re-install and use the activation key written on my case? Could I just dl the XP cd?

What's the easiest way to go about this besides paying for a new xp?

 

[peterhuang913]

You need to copy the current activation files, wpa files. Then you can use any XP cd, like the one from your friend to reinstall XP. After that, you need to paste back the activation files. Just remember, you dont need the i386 folder if you already have a physical cd.

 

[Tadow]

Ok cool thanks!