Failed Win XP SP2 install - now Std Win XP won't install...

:confused: Trying to be the clever one, I used my copy of Win XP Pro SP2 to do an "over-install" on a friend's computer. I've done it before, no problems. However, when I tried to used my friend's XP Pro key, Windows claimed it was invalid. My friend's copy of XP Pro is very original: not even SP1! Could that be the reason? Anyway, regardless of why XP is being a pig about it all, now I can't go use my friends original Win XP to get rid of the failed XP Pro SP2 install! The install gets as far as loading device drivers (34 mins left to go), then just sits there. I waited for 10 mins just to be sure. I know I can load his HDD up into my machine, copy off the my docs folder, then do a clean install, but it is all such a hassle farting about with hardware and software re-installs. I don't even know exactly what's on his HDD!! There MUST be a way to tell XP to sod off and use my friend's XP Pro key: it's definitely a legit copy, as is my XP Pro SP2. HELP!!!

Hmm im not exactly sure but i may have an idea for a quick fix.Install the new XP that failed before using your key code once its complete and running use The WinXP Keychanger to switch back to his old key code.I have used this tool in the past to change cd-keys but never because of a failed install.Give it a try hope it helps ya.

A genuine xp key should work fine, The only thing I can think of is the key is for an xp home version and you have an xp pro version.
If his key is indeed a pro version and your xpsp2 cd is a pro version you should contact Microsoft,
No-Charge Support
1-866-PCSAFETY
or
1-866-727-2338

This phone number is available 24 hours a day for the U.S. and Canada.

New Zeland
No-Charge Support
0800-800-004
24 hours a day

select your country,
http://support.microsoft.com/common/....aspx?rdpath=4
The other option is to format.

Maybe you should not do an over install. I think reformatting helps?

Yes reformating is always better then upgrading but if you have a ton of work/files then sometimes its not an option.especially if you dont make backups.

Woo hoo - fixed!!!!! Here's how I did it:
1) Phoned Microsoft (only open 9am - 5pm in New Zealand - slack!!)
2) Only on hold for 30 secs (a record?)
3) Passed to a Tech who knew what he was doing...
4) Switched computer on and let it proceed to the "Loading deivce drivers"
5) MS Tech instructed me to do the following:
a) Press Shift + F10
b) Type: taskmgr at the prompt
c) Type: control appwiz (with a space in between the words)
6) This brought up the Add / Remove Control Panel.
From there, I was able to uninstall the McAfee Virus Scan software. I then closed all the open windows, to find that the installation was proceeding. The installation continued successfully, and I was able to do a "proper" SP2 upgrade using a SP2 upgrade CD from MS.

So, there you have it sports fans: a back-door to resurrect a seemingly "dead" system. I am now very much the "happy chappie"!! :)

Great work!!!!

Glkad you got it sorted out

thanks for the updae.

I', sure this will help many people on the net

cheers!!