Mike567 Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 So my dads machine is seriously screwed up, he hasn't installed anything except norton.I don't know how to remove norton fully as it will still be very slow.So I'm wondering how I can install windows legally, the machine came with XP on it but they didn't supply any disks!I'm concerned about the drivers most but that shall take some time to find all of them.So I'm just wondering how I can reinstall windows, is it ok to download/borrow a copy and use the serial currently being used?Would microsoft notice at all, plus is it legit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 Back up the existing drivers first with this bit of freeware :-WinDriver Backup 1.09http://www.soft32.com/download/63-64326/wdrvbck1.exe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 It is the product key you pay for in Windows, not the disk so, in theory, any old disk will do PROVIDED the Windows version matches the key. Example if your key is for a Dell machine and you have an over the counter version of Windows, it probably won't work - I know, I've experienced it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 The Symantec website offers some tool to completely remove any nortonware. I would rather first try to fix the existing Windows installation than rush into a reinstall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 The Symantec website offers some tool to completely remove any nortonware. I would rather first try to fix the existing Windows installation than rush into a reinstall.Even with their removal tools, it can be a pain trying to get rid of their wretched software. I wish you the very best of luck. I needed several removal tools, the help of one of their technicians, and finally had to edit the registry. They need banning. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike567 Posted March 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 I don't want to try and remove norton without a good backup plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 As far as I understand, provided the version is the same then you can use the old serial key.For example, if you use XP home, then its fine to borrow an XP home disk, as long as you use your XP home serial.If the OS was OEM (like Dell or whatever) then you should probably call up the company that the computer was made by, and they should (hopefully) be able to help you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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