- Feb 28, 2003
- 17,948
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I just received a free HP laptop (about two years old) that is loaded with XP Home. The computer is extremely sluggish and based on the fact that I see a limewire icon on the desktop I'm pretty sure I know why. I can't even get the thing to download updates to windows defender or spybot so I am just going to wipe it.
Here is the problem. I do not have the OEM/HP restore discs. I can right click on my computer and get the key but I am not sure if I would be able to type in an OEM key if I did a reinstall using a full/upgrade version bought in a store OR if I use someone else's OEM copy.
Does anyone have any ideas short of purchasing a new copy of XP? I would also like to avoid ordering new restore discs unless it is the only possible way since I would like to have use of the laptop this weekend.
Thanks.
*****UPDATE******
XP Home may be a no go. I could try it but since I can't find the damn CoA on the machine I don't feel like going through what will probably be a lot of trouble to get this going.... SOOOO.......
Linux? I've never used it and have always wanted to. All I want this thing to do is surf the net via wireless adapter and that's it. How tough will this be? Where can I go to get started?
Here is the problem. I do not have the OEM/HP restore discs. I can right click on my computer and get the key but I am not sure if I would be able to type in an OEM key if I did a reinstall using a full/upgrade version bought in a store OR if I use someone else's OEM copy.
Does anyone have any ideas short of purchasing a new copy of XP? I would also like to avoid ordering new restore discs unless it is the only possible way since I would like to have use of the laptop this weekend.
Thanks.
*****UPDATE******
XP Home may be a no go. I could try it but since I can't find the damn CoA on the machine I don't feel like going through what will probably be a lot of trouble to get this going.... SOOOO.......
Linux? I've never used it and have always wanted to. All I want this thing to do is surf the net via wireless adapter and that's it. How tough will this be? Where can I go to get started?