Can I reinstall xp without bundled software?

[KiwiGenie]

The time has come where I want to format my hard drive and reinstall xp so I can start off nice and fresh and uncluttered again.

My machine didn't come with any discs for reinstalling and it was months before I found out I was supposed to make some, so I'm not sure if they will be just the operating system and bundled software or what, also I didn't have any dvd's on hand at the time so I ended up with the boot cd plus I think 5 or so other cd's! I don't suppose that matters, will just mean a lot of changing cd's through the process.

The computer came with a lot of extra software that I never used so I don't want to reinstall it, I just want to install xp itself. Is there a way to do this, will it perhaps give me the option? I just really want to know what I'm in for before I start. Thanks in advance :)

Also, I have noticed that I have a different product number on the sticker on the box to what shows up as the product number for xp when I run a system information program I have. If I get asked for the number during installation which one would I use?
I do have an xp disc that came with my husband's laptop which no longer works, if I can't use my discs that my computer made to reinstall xp on its own, could I use my husband's disc with my product number?

[Studlyami]

First off, any restore disk (at least 95%) will have all the preloaded software that came with the system. Companies pay big money to have those applications installed on your system and they want their monies worth. You can usually uninstall most of them and depending on how the restore disks were created might depend on what you would get on the system.

I would use the product number on the sticker, but I would right the one down from the system information. DId you purchase this PC from an actual dealer or buy it from someone? Is it windows verified?

You will not be able to use your husbands CD w/ your cd key. Windows CD keys are tied to various versions of the disk and makes your cd key not that useful to another version of a windows disk. When you say his laptop came with a windows XP disk is this a legit XP disk or is it a restore disk sent from the company?

If your going to have to do this often then the best advice I can give would reinstall windows (it will probably have the preloaded software). Uninstall all program you don't want. Install your tools like antivirus, spyware remover, ect. Then use cloning software to create a clone of your system. The downside is cloning software isn't free, but I have saved days, weeks, perhaps months using a clone restore process. I use Norton Ghost as my clone program and I've been fairly happy with it, but their newer versions have a much different interface. If your just doing this once in a long while just suck it up and be prepared for a day or two of installing, removing software and reinstalling all of your old programs. Any more questions feel free to ask away!

[KiwiGenie]

Thanks for your reply.
I guess I will be installing everything the computer originally came with. Its just kind of annoying because a) There wasn't really anything I ever use amongst the preloaded software, some of it was trial software which is one of my pet hates, and I feel that if I have to uninstall stuff then I no longer have a fresh clean xp install. Also b) just the windows updates alone to get the service packs back again takes such a long time.
Just to answer your questions, it was a brand new system when I got it, it was from a bargain type department store though not a computer shop. I assume it is windows verified, I think I remember something about 'microsoft genuine advantage' or something having to be run before I could download something ages ago, can't really remember. Does that sound like it?
I think my husband's disc is probably a restore disc as well, can't find it right now to have a look. Doesn't sound promising that I could use it anyway.
I like the sound of the cloning software, but it got me thinking about the rescue and recovery software that came with the machine, I never paid much attention to it but it has the ability for creating restore points, should I maybe look at making a restore point when I get the software I want installed?
Thanks again, I guess its just a matter of biting the bullet and getting stuck into it!

[Studlyami]

Yeah, I know the feeling of wanting a clean XP install and that is one advantage about buying a retail copy of windows (even though it is expensive). The reason why you can get those PC's for so cheap with window install is because of the preloaded software. The preloaded software helps cut into the cost of the PC and ultimately you save money on your PC. If you can download windows updates you are windows genuine verified, or whatever they are calling it now.

Your husbands disk is probably a restore disk and it won't even work on your system as they are usually system specific. Again this helps cut down on the cost of retail PCs.

I'm not sure about the rescue/recovery software that came with the PC you have the name of the software? I also haven't done much with restore points as I have never had them work right for me. I know some PC people who have claimed to have it work some of the time, but the success rate isn't as high as it should be in order to rely on it. It never hurts to try, but don't count on it working or being exactly what you want. I only recommend buying cloning software if your going to be doing this at least 3-4 times a year. When I bought the software I was having to restore about every month or two. If you watch the sales I've seen ghost go between 15-20USD, but right now its 70 on their website which is rather high if you ask me. There is other cloning software out there, but I haven't used it and can't comment on them.