Product Key question 8

[Dweezel]

I have a Windows XP Pro install disc from an old computer of mine that I scraped long ago. I've also got a friend's computer on to which I need to load Windows XP Pro.

There is no disc with my friends computer, but it does have the original XP product key sticker attached to it (It's a Hewlett Packard computer if that makes any difference).

So what I need to know is, can I install Windows on my friends computer using my XP pro disc, and activate the install using the product key that is on the label on his computer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[kestrel1]

You should be able to, as long as the componants in your friends PC are the same as when the machine was originally purchased. If the hard drive is different you will still be OK. What version of XP is it? Home or Pro. If your CD is the same ie. Home, you shouldn't have a problem. The only problem I have come across is if the CD being used has service pack 1 or 2 integrated & the product key was pre that release.
Anyway, it is worth trying.

 

[se2000]

There are many different versions of XP so you have to make sure you have the same version disk as the key. Pro vs home, no service pack vs sp1 or sp2. Also corporate vs retail vs mfg .

Depending on the model HP, they came with a program to do a backup of the OS so if it was never done, you could still do that. You could probably get the program to rerun if it was done and the disks were lost.

 

[vacunita]

You should also make sure Your Install Cd and the Key are of the same type. i.e OEM key with OEM install Cd. and Retail Key with Retail Install CD. As the keys will not work with other Install Cd versions.

----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[linney]

What operating system is currently installed on your friend's computer. If he has no XP CD supplied, does it have a hidden Recovery Partition that you can use?

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[cdogg]

The key attached to the PC will work with an OEM XP disc "only". If you have a retail disc, then it's not going to take it.

Even with an OEM disc, it's possible that it still won't take the key. For example, if I use a Dell OEM disc with an HP OEM key, it will probably choke (it has for me in the past). However, a quick call to Microsoft is all you need if that happens. They might ask you 2 or 3 questions and then give you a code that will work.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[lhuegele]

If the HP computer isn't too old, HP may still be able to send reinstallation CD's to your friend. Try contacting them also.

 

[dglienna]

Jeez. Hasn't anyone tried with an old number? It asks you to call the 800 number, recite some information, and they issue a new key for you.

they need to make sure you are installing it where is belongs ONLY. the sticker and or cd help

we were calling 3-5 times per week. Sometimes they'd just give a new key with no question asked.

-David
2006 & 2007 Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP)
2006 Dell Certified System Professional (CSP)

 

[cdogg]

David,
That's the point I was getting at. The "catch" is that you have to start the installation with the right type of CD, otherwise you'll never make it to the activation code that you can phone in.

For example, if you have an OEM key, Microsoft is not going to give you a retail key to make it work with a retail disc. But you're right about calling Microsoft. Once you get to that point, they won't give you any hassle.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[bigbadbet]

YOU CAN!

i'm sure this has been mentioned before but:
1. it has to be the same OS ie XP Home/XP Pro

2. if it's pro it has to be the same edition ie. enterprise/singleuser.

3. it has to be the same service pack, however if your cd is older you can get the service packs using this -

http://www.vulnerabilityassessment.co.uk/ctupdate.htm

- but do it from another machine

4. i have done this before with a non service packed xp pro cd onto a pc with a xp pro sp2 code. I installed xp using my cd and my code, updated it to sp2 and used the code changer (available from MS( or it used to be)) to change it to change it to the xp sp2 code on the label.

There are several product key changers out there, but i know MS did one because they wanted all those people with an illegal copy to be able to just change their product key without having to reinstall their OS. If i can find a link on their site i will post it here.

Tim
MCSA, A+, Network+

 

[Dweezel]

Thanks for the advice guys. My cd was Windows XP Pro oem with no service packs, and my friends product key was for the same version of Windows.

It installed, activated and updated without a hitch.

Thanks a lot

 

[kestrel1]

No problem.