I recently formatted everything and realized afterwards that my windows xp cd is missing. I have the key written down so is there a way to download or borrow a copy and use that key since I legally own a copy? Second question is can I buy the vista upgrade from the bookstore and use it or will this only work if you have the version of XP installed.

7/10/2008 8:15:09 AM

1. It'll work if you have the right CD, aka XP Pro, XP Home, XP Home OEM, or XP Pro OEM or something of the like. Chances are you'll need an OEM copy of it to use your key if XP came with your laptop/computer.

2. Their* version of XP installed? I have no clue.

7/10/2008 8:35:20 AM

you can install upgrade vista on any machine without a prior install.

Start the install like normal. When it asks you for your vista key just click next. It will then ask you what version of vista you're liscence is for. Pick the right one. if you dont you'll get screwed later on. Then continue doing a clean install.

When the install finishes and you boot into vista for the first time it will ask for your key. Put in the upgrade key and you are done.

This works because all vista cds contain all versions of vista. You can install any version you want, but if you dont come up with the key once its installed it will brick itself.

7/10/2008 9:57:39 AM

so can i install this on my formatted computer that dosn't have windows on it now since i can't find the cd? I guess I am confused about the upgrade language part. I want to make sure it will be able to boot from this windows vista upgrade disc and install all the needed software without having to have some sort of xp on the computer already.

7/10/2008 10:24:50 AM