Reinstalling Windows

[Ryvius]

Here goes...

Initially setup my Windows partition using the WinXP OEM cd that came with my old Dell. I had thought I could use the Product Key to my WinXP Upgrade I purchased for a home made PC. (It didn't have SP2 and required my Win98 to verify I was upgrading -- can't eject the CD until the mac Drivers are in)

Thus I have to reinstall because Microsoft thinks I'm a pirate.

So here's what I've done: I took my Windows XP Upgrade CD, slipstream SP2 into it, and then copied my Win98 CD into the XP so that I can just hit "enter" to verify I do in fact have 98.

Sp2, all data on one DVD, seems like it'll work -- here's my snag:

I tried booting from the DVD but when the "Boot from CD?" question came up and I tried hitting a few buttons to activate, nothing happened

Then I went back into Bootcamp and had it reinitialize the installation. Same deal.

Windows is already installed, I was hoping to merely reformat the partition and do a clean install using my upgrade Product Key -- but I can't seem to do that.

Anyone know what the problem could be?

 

[balamw]

Anyone know what the problem could be?

Just seems like you didn't make the DVD properly bootable. Did you follow the instructions from the slipstreaming guide you followed on how to do so?

I don't know of any way to "clean up" the product key without a full reinstall...

B

 

[zero2dash]

Windows is already installed, I was hoping to merely reformat the partition and do a clean install using my upgrade Product Key -- but I can't seem to do that.

You can change the product key even though Windows is already installed. (No need to completely reinstall everything.)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874

Use the Activation Wizard
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

If you have only a few volume licensing product keys to change, you can use the Activation Wizard.

Note Microsoft recommends that you run System Restore to create a new restore point before you follow these steps. For information about how to create a restore point by using System Restore, see the "To Create a Restore Point" help topic in Help and Support.
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
6. Click Start, and then click Run.
7. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9. Click Change Product key.
10. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.

If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
11. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.

 

[balamw]

You can change the product key even though Windows is already installed. (No need to completely reinstall everything.)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874

Great tip! I wonder if that'll really allow you to switch a product key from OEM to retail/upgrade or just to a different one that would work for the same media...

B

 

[Ryvius]

I just tried it, but it wouldn't take my upgrade Product Key. The Dell OEM slipstream thing must really be airtight.

Any times to ensure the disc is bootable? I'm using Magic ISO and have the "Make Bootable" option clicked...

...and in case this fails, where's the cheapest way to pick up a clean WinXP SP2 OEM? Newegg is selling them for 90 bucks a pop.

 

[balamw]

I just tried it, but it wouldn't take my upgrade Product Key. The Dell OEM slipstream thing must really be airtight.

Any times to ensure the disc is bootable? I'm using Magic ISO and have the "Make Bootable" option clicked...

...and in case this fails, where's the cheapest way to pick up a clean WinXP SP2 OEM? Newegg is selling them for 90 bucks a pop.

1) I think it's just a case that the different keys work for different media types. OEM/Retail and Upgrade each have their own install media and thus different keys.

2) You could always try nlite http://www.nliteos.com/ for the slipstreaming and ISO creation

3) $89 with a Vista upgrade coupon from Newegg is about as good as it gets from a reputable vendor.

B