xp + virus = no xp and anger!

[barry]

This is probably a pretty noobish question - please forgive me!

I have just made a pretty big school boy error. I got a virus which I couldn't get rid of and in the end decided to wipe my computer clean. I have a windows cd and I thought I had the cd key to go with it. However I apparently have the wrong cd key. (It wont let me activate the copy after i install windows) Pretty infuriating.

Anyway, looks like Im going to have to buy a new copy of windows, (the Microsoft helpline were very unhelpful) Can I buy this http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Software/OperatingSystems/N09-02216,N09-022153pkspli.html and use it to (re)install xp on my Novatech computer and have windows back up and running again with out any problems?

If theres an alternative to getting myself out of this mess I'd be grateful for any advice.

Regards,

Barry.

[Seanbond]

Isn't there a CD key on the side of your PC?

[Oscar99]

Also, if you do decide to buy it again, i think you'd be better paying the little bit extra just for Windows XP Retail, or you may want to upgrade to Windows 7 ;) ?

that way the retail version lets you reinstall it numerous times.

[Nox]

Is it an OEM copy of windows you have? A windows xp CD is basically a windows xp CD, if you have access to another computer there are some guides floating around on the internet how to change the 'type' of cd you have, so if you have a retail and need it to be read as an OEM, it's possible, or vice versa. Originally read how to do this on Hexus YEARS ago then dug it up again about 6 months ago when a colleague needed the info.

It's not overly complicated, it's basically a text file on there needs changing. And no, I don't have a link :)

Nox