I am having difficulties with my desktop. It will not get any anti-virus program nor it will defrag the drive. I am trying to re-install XP, but only have a copy of the XP cd. The person who initially installed XP on my desktop just gave me the cd and told me that if I run into any problems with my PC, to just use the cd. The thing is, I forgot how he told me to install XP. Will I run into problems if I don't have the product key? It has worked before on somebody elses PC.

You can indeed use the copied cd to reinstall the operating system to your computer.....provided that... 1) it matches the type of operating system already installed. 2) you have the correct activation code to use during the installation 3)that the installation already present is indeed a legal installation and not a pirated installation! Change Is Good http://www.citizenlink.org/Stopligh...

Thanks for the info. The present installed version is indeed legal. I will give it a try, but am a bit shaky about it.

STOP, you need to retrieve the installation key from the present install BEFORE you wipe things. Download a utility called magical jellybean keyfinder and use it to recover the key. Get it at the link below. http://www.magicaljellybean.com/key...

Before you install XP, use Rockxp to get the license from your already installed xp. Or Magic Jelly Bean. UK MP's are thieving scumbags. EU members are worse.

Thanks for the warning. I would of done it just like that.