My computer recently got a virus and I had to totally reformat. I have an HP a1253w. I used to have Windows XP Media Center 2005, but my computer didn't come with an XP CD. So I borrowed a CD from my brother. The CD I'm trying to install is Windows XP Home Edition. I put the disk in a functional computer and opened it. I went into the I386 folder and opened unattend.txt. I entered the code it provided to me when it came time on the Windows XP Home Edition Setup prompt, but it's telling me that the product key I've entered is invalid. I've checked my spelling numerous times, and also used the product key that's currently stickered on my computer. Why is it that the disks own key wont work? I'm not online at all, as Windows hasn't even finished setting up.

You can not use a MCE code on XP Home, if the HP did not come with a CD, then you should of created one, though HP quite often store an image of the O/S on a hiddden partition. Therefore go to the HP website to ascertain wether or not your HP has a hidden partition and how to access. or purchase the correct CD from HP. Also note that there are Retail and OEM Versions of the various falvours of XP, you must have the correct CD to match the Code.