Format Hard Disk; Can't Identify Original XP Home Software

I have about 6 computers on a network; about 4 of them came installed with
Windows XP Home and included the OEM XP software on a CD. I put all of the
software disks bundled with the new computers in a drawer (along with the
original XP disks from 3 computers at my home), but didn't label which disk
was for which computer.

Now, one of the XP Home Dell's is running too slowly. I've tried to remove
all the spyware I could find, redundant or unnecessary apps, etc., but it's
not helping. Something is sucking resources. I want to do a full format and
reinstall everything (data files are on the network, so just a matter of
reinstalling apps). I've done this with Windows 98 and ME, so I know the
basics. However, I know that XP doesn't allow software to be installed on a
computer other than the original. What do I do? When I go to reinstall the
XP from original OEM disks, I presume it will determine I'm not using the
right disk. Do I just keep loading them in until I find one that works?
What if I can't find it?
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: windows xp with service pack 2 full version
    ... license to run a Windows operating system. ... In other words - you have 6 computers with no operating system (I ... is supplied with OEM licenses.) ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: Run OEM Office XP Pro from old, secondary HDD on new hardware?
    ... How can we activate/use/access our Windows Office XP Professional from our ... old computers and a "cash-flow" problem. ... I repeat, our OEM, ... reload Windows 2000 on the new HDD, had the perfectly fine 'old' HDD set ...
    (microsoft.public.office.misc)
  • Re: ok, lets clear this up MS - is Product Activation really restricted?
    ... > three different computers I own, 3 different vendors, with 3 different ... > copies of Windows XP. ... > I also have a DELL system, with its copy of XP home downstairs for ... > with OEM or Retail. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: OEM Release vs. SP1 vs. SP2 Product Key issue
    ... whether or not it is a OEM, Retail, or Upgrade CD and in the case of the OEM ... While SP2 OEM has the following in the SETUPP.INI file: ... When you install Windows it makes up the ProductId of following registry ... Naturally if you go to activate 50 computers with the same key it will bomb ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: 7 computers-no product key!!
    ... As many people have already replied you may be able to use a utility to get the key that was used to install Windows. ... If the computers are from a large OEM like Dell, HP/Compaq, Gateway, etc this may not help you. ... Your best bet would be to contact the previous office manager and find out where the keys are. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)