Can I use my Windows registeration number with someone elses recovery disk?

Unless the version of Windows is the EXACT same, then no, your registration code will not work. If you're borrowing somebody else's disc, ask them if they have their own key, and you should be able to get things working after that.

Keep in mind, though, that their key might still not work if they've already registered with Microsoft and they only have a single-use license. Be sure to check on that. If it doesn't work, you'll probably have to call Microsoft for help on getting a new code.

Hate to nitpick, but Colinc is incorrect in saying that serial keys are bound to a specific disc. Microsoft's keys use a special algorithm to generate keys for particular versions of their software. Meaning if you bought two copies of the same software, they will both have different codes, but both keys will work on either copy.

Diablo has this one pretty much.

if you have, lets say, XP HOME w/SP1 and you borrow someones XP Pro w/SP2, no. You have to have the same version(s) for YOUR key to work, you do not have to have thier key to install, use YOUR key.

Heres how it works.

OEM: If you have an OEM key then you MUST use an OEM version of XP

Retail: If you have a retail version of XP then you MUST use an RETAIL version of XP

OEM: You can use an OEM copy for any machine ( i do this all the time with OEM keys (PID))

Retail - is alittle different.

I don't think that you need to reinstall your OS.

However, when some updates install, some don't get installed all the way OR something causes it to not finish.

ALSO, one of the updates was not for your system and/or a driver that is having a issue. Sometimes more then not, video card drivers can cause this, so remember to stay away from Windows updates for video card drivers, ALWAYS get them from the video card makers website NOT Windows Updates.

By the sounds of this, it sounds like you did an update and something went wrong... either the computer shut down, or something stopped the install.

See if you can get to Windows Update and see what happens.

Hope this helps.

First update and scan your computer with your security products such as antivirus and antispyware applications. If your computer comes up clean after running your resident security products, you may want to consider running a System File Checker (SFC). This can be run in Safe Mode should you prefer. To get into Safe Mode either hold down or tap the F8 key repeatedly while the computer is starting up. To run SFC, close all applications such as Office, Messenger, Email, etc, and go to:

- Start

- Run

- Type in sfc /scannow (include the space before the " / ")

What SFC does is that it attempts to fix or replace critical operating system files. Sometimes this can be done without the installation disk, however it may prompt you for the appropriate operating system installation disk. If that is the case, then you know that you definitely have major file corruption or something missing. Insert the disk if prompted. Also you should run SFC using the Administrator account.

If you have the Vista operating system, the steps are a bit different due to the UAC. See the link below.

http://vistasupport.mvps.org/system_file_checker.h...

Don't surf, play games or do anything while SFC runs. After it is completed, reboot your computer.

One of the major culprits in missing or corrupt operating system files is running a registry cleaner or optimizer. They can flag important shared files for deletion or cleanup. Another cause is malware.

NOTE: Before running any registry cleaner or editing the registry, always ensure you back it up first. If the registry cleaner you are using doesn't have that function, you can do it manually. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.healthboostpc.com/

It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Yes it's the number that counts. Use your number but the other CD needs to be the same version.

Home or Pro, With No SP, SP1 or SP2

You might find your XP restore CD also had Audio, Graphic, Modem drives. You will need to download these.

http://thehowtoguides.com/

To recover it you need an OS disk and it's own key, as all the key are dedicated to the disk they came with. If you try to use an XP or Vista disk which has been used on another machine you will disable it's activation key. Your machine will die in 14 days, unless you buy a legal copy, and the disk will cease to be any use for recovery of the original machine as it will suffer the same problem.