Can I undo an XP Pro repair?

[JEDORI]

I did a repair w/o getting the CD key first using an SP Pro OEM SP2. Can I undo the setup? It has not completed, it's asking for the CD key.


TIA,


Jeff

 

[BadBigBen]

at that stage, I doubt it... all the relevant System files have already been replaced and wiped...

Time to look under, at the back, or on top of the PC where the COA stickers usually are, for the KEY...

or time to call Microsoft and explain to them what had happened, they might be nice and give you a new one...

or you have to purchase a new license...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[JEDORI]

I was pretty much expecting to that answer, thought there "may" be an undo feature because it's a "repair" not an install. But, thank you!

Jeff

 

[G0AOZ]

Assuming Micro$oft aren't going to just give you a new key, it might be worth rebooting and seeing if you can at least get into Safe Mode. If you can, download Belarc Advisor from here,

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

and see if you can install and run it. This might give you the all important licence key.

Or, see if you can do a System Restore...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[linney]

How far into the Repair are you, it usually asks for any Product Key fairly early in the piece before it starts making changes?

Are you seeing any options to cancel Setup?

Possible workarounds are mentioned here.

Use the Recovery Console to replace the Boot.ini file with Boot.bak or get a Boot.ini file that doesn't have XP Setup as the Default Operating System. This will the stop the Boot-Setup loop. (These are System and Hidden files).

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP (Q289022)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q289/0/22.asp

See instructions at the end of this article.

316417 - "Setup Cannot Upgrade Some Settings" Error Message When You Reinstall Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316417&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

xp setup
thread779-576242

How do you stop an unwanted repair of XP?
thread779-746800

 

[mscallisto]

The free version of SIW (System Information for Windows) reveals the Product Key for XP Pro and the Registration Keys for Office products as well.

Download at:

http://www.gtopala.com/

sam

 

[goombawaho]

To me, this sounds more like a bootleg installation. Otherwise, why wouldn't the key be available?? If it's an OEM machine/license it would have a sticker on the side with the COA.