BleepingComputer.com: RE-Installing XP Pro

Hello,

My computer got infected with a nasty virus and after working with someone in the maleware forum, they advised that I needed to reformat my hard-drive since the security of my computer has been compromised. . I tried looking for my xp pro disc but cannot find it. I do still have my service key for it though. According to my computer, its currently running xp professional 2002, service pack 2. My question is, will my key work with any version of xp pro (whether it be a newer version of sp2 or sp3?) or will it get rejected?

I'm aware of the forum's copyright policy, but since I already own an authentic copy of xp pro, have my key, and just lost my disc, I'm hoping someone can help me out with this.

Thanks

Your key should work with any XP Pro CD.

What is the make and model of your computer?
You should contact your computer manufacturer for an XP CD.

ALso have a look at this : http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...KB;en-us;326246

Make sure to remember what service pack the origional cd had. I've had issues trying to use a key from a disk that had sp2 with one that has sp3 on it.

Thanks for all of the insight. I've got SP2 so I'll see if I can track down a disc. The computer was built diy, so theres no mfg I can really get in touch with. with the HD failing due to a backdoor trojan, I'm not sure how safe it would even be to reinstall w/backup on the hard-drive. so, would an xp pro sp2 disc be the best option or if there is a backup on hd, would that be safe to use? How would I be able to determine if there is one on the HD (dont have contact info for the person who built the computer originally)? Suggestions?

Thanks!
brian

This post has been edited by float1ng1nspace: 02 October 2009 - 02:41 PM