I have a Compaq Presario.
I've had it for about 8 years now. I know! How did it last that long?! I don't know.
I'm thinking about reinstalling the OS [Windows XP home edition 2002 edition], I can't make any of the recovery disks, BUT I have an OLD disk w/Windows XP Professional.
Is it possible for me to clean install XP Professional and reuse the key that came w/the Compaq to begin with?

I'm too scared to try it, and a little aggravated from scouring the Internets in search of an answer. I'm going to gift it and WORKING on a deadline.
Any suggestions will HELP!As long as you have the activation code on the original laptop machine this is perfectly legal and within your rights...

You can use any XP CD to do so as long as the versions match.Understand any data on there will be gone...and don't forget about Windows Updates.
SP service packs are available for DLoad.

You nay also want to go online and get all the laptop DRIVERS from the laptop makers site...

EDIT:

Just re-read your Post...you can't install Pro on a Home machine...activation won't work...borrow an XP Home CD.EDIT:

Just re-read your Post...you can't install Pro on a Home machine...activation won't work...borrow an XP Home CD.
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Does it have to be the same Home CD though?
I mean the pc came w/Windows Home service pack 1.
It crashed when I tried to upgrade to service pack 2, so does it have to be a CD w/Windows Home svp1 or can it be w/a svp2/3?
because all the windows disks i have found come w/svp 2/3, and I'm afraid that the key won't work if I try to install that version typeThe key should work fine.

But if you have access to an SP2 CD i'd try that 1 and then update to SP3,
If there is any glitch all it will take is an 800# Phone call to MS after the install...
For this you have 90 days to do so.He will probably have an issue because the Compaq product key is most likely for OEM disks only.This does not create an issue...

And if there is as i said above he's a phone call away.