If you have a proper winxp cd you can run a repair installation, allthough
this may fail if the installed winxp is a later sp version than the cd
version. in which case you create a slipstreamed winxp cd containing latest
sp.
Just google for slipstream

Also if you can boot to safe mode you may be able to run the system file
checker


"David C." <DavidC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:07C508AB-2C80-40EB-866E-BB1137DEA784@microsoft.com...
> As far as the time elapsed, it has probably been at least a year. The
> problem was someone not knowing what they were doing and deleting
> necessary
> files. Problem is you can't stay on long enough to get what you need
> downloaded and installed without the computer wanting to reboot.
>
> "DL" wrote:
>
>> If enough time has elapsed since the origonal installation probably not,
>> but
>> if it does you simply use phone activation
>> But then if you are trying to cure a problem, it depends what the problem
>> is
>> as to whether a new installation will correct it
>>
>> "David C." <David C.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:878AFFF3-3917-48E7-B2B0-38E3DF767354@microsoft.com...
>> >I feel silly even asking this, but if I try to format my computer and
>> > re-install the same Windows XP on the computer as before will I run
>> > into a
>> > key code issue since I am re-using the code?
>>
>>
>>