[higby88]

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with Windows XP. It used to run great, but then got bogged down and is a dog.. i feel it is virus related, but never could figure it out. I quit using it 2 years ago, but want to get it back in shape to use as a second comp for just basic online work and school.

I have re-formatted hard drives in the past with older versions of Windows, but wondering what my best move would be. There is nothing of importance on the comp, so I am not worried about losing anything, but MS doesn't give you the OS disc anymore.

If anyone knows a good step by step to "wiping the slate clean" it would be great.

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Do you have recovery disks for the system or have you checked to see if there is a recovery partition on the hd already?
Being that old I don't think the recovery partition was used at that point.
In order to install XP on the system you would need a OEM version of the same version of XP that was installed originally.
Home, Media or Pro.
There should be a sticker on the side or bottom that indicates the version that was originally installed along with the reg key.

[rshaffer61]

Do you have recovery disks for the system or have you checked to see if there is a recovery partition on the hd already?
Being that old I don't think the recovery partition was used at that point.
In order to install XP on the system you would need a OEM version of the same version of XP that was installed originally.
Home, Media or Pro.
There should be a sticker on the side or bottom that indicates the version that was originally installed along with the reg key.

[higby88]

I do have the Reisntallation CD for Windows XP Home, and some others. Let me know. Thanks

[rshaffer61]

Is that what was originally installed on the system?

[Amst3rDamag3]

If any of your OS-discs are not currently used / installed = validated on another system, you could use any OS that your computer has the preq's for.
It is NOT possible to run 2 computers from the same installation disc.

I think Win XP is the most "workable" OS for you, and it is still supported by Windows Update till 2014, if I remember correctly.
And most importantly, after re-installing, make sure to install a descent firewall & AV scanner at a bare minimum.

Good luck