BleepingComputer.com: XP Professional OEM Version and Registration

I had a system builder build me a computer and he installed XP Professional OEM on my machine. I want to format the hard drive and reinstall the XP Professional OEM operating system. The system builder provided me with the installation disk.

I have never reinstalled the XP operating system before. I have installed W2K on machines in the past so I am familiar with how to do this. My understanding is that when you perform a clean reinstall of the XP operating system, you have to perform activation with MS within "x" amount of days. Does this need to activate hold true when you are installing an OEM version of XP Pro on the same computer?

This post has been edited by meppwc: 03 January 2010 - 11:05 AM

The system builder should have also provided you with a Product Key alongside the installation disk. Alternatively, you can retrieve the product key that was used to validate your current installation using Keyfinder. Note that keyfinder will only work prior to the reformat.

~Blade

I have the product key. What I need to know is if I will have to perform activation again. And if so, what it will involve

Just do a normal clean installation, after which, it will prompt you to activate it through various method.

Just choose one that you want, and there you go.

If you install your network drivers first (after ensuring that your firewall is active), activation takes place over the Internet...in a matter of seconds.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

Louis