XP CD - which one to which computer?

I have 4 desktops running XP. I have 4 XP CDs.
I know for certain which CD goes with one computer, BUT the PID shown under
system properties bears no relationship to the Product Key on the CD.
I have all the product keys with the correct CD, but none of the PIDs gives
me any clue which CD goes with which computer.
Only a problem now as one computer id leaving home and I want to send the
correct CD with it.
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Sorry if this question shows up twice, but I figured after 20 minutes it
should be showing on the board.

Harps wrote:
> I have 4 desktops running XP. I have 4 XP CDs.
> I know for certain which CD goes with one computer, BUT the PID
> shown under system properties bears no relationship to the Product
> Key on the CD.
> I have all the product keys with the correct CD, but none of the
> PIDs gives me any clue which CD goes with which computer.
> Only a problem now as one computer id leaving home and I want to
> send the correct CD with it.
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
> Sorry if this question shows up twice, but I figured after 20
> minutes it should be showing on the board.

Belarc Advisor or Magic Jellybean Keyfinder will give you the product key
used to install Windows XP on ewach actual machine - *if* you installed it,
then you can be sure it should match one of the product keys you have. If
you weren't the original installer - no guarantees.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Thanks a lot! Downloaded Keyfinder and had the number in seconds. Great
little utility.
David Harpley.

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> Harps wrote:
> > I have 4 desktops running XP. I have 4 XP CDs.
> > I know for certain which CD goes with one computer, BUT the PID
> > shown under system properties bears no relationship to the Product
> > Key on the CD.
> > I have all the product keys with the correct CD, but none of the
> > PIDs gives me any clue which CD goes with which computer.
> > Only a problem now as one computer id leaving home and I want to
> > send the correct CD with it.
> > Any ideas will be appreciated.
> > Sorry if this question shows up twice, but I figured after 20
> > minutes it should be showing on the board.
>
> Belarc Advisor or Magic Jellybean Keyfinder will give you the product key
> used to install Windows XP on ewach actual machine - *if* you installed it,
> then you can be sure it should match one of the product keys you have. If
> you weren't the original installer - no guarantees.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
>

I wish I had known this earlier :-{ I am nearly done reinstalling XP Home
on the same computer from the OEM disc but am stuck finding the 25 character
Product key. Am I right in assuming that I cannot now use this utility? I
don't seem to be able to get that computer to do anything until I enter
whatever these characters are.
Alan C

> Belarc Advisor or Magic Jellybean Keyfinder will give you the product key
> used to install Windows XP on ewach actual machine - *if* you installed
> it, then you can be sure it should match one of the product keys you have.
> If you weren't the original installer - no guarantees.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>

No, they only work on a functioning PC
Phone your origonal supplier again, point out its OEM, which MS dont
support, and that there is no key fixed on the tower.

"AlanC37" <acombellack@nspmsympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:OKSiInXQHHA.3520@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I wish I had known this earlier :-{ I am nearly done reinstalling XP Home
> on the same computer from the OEM disc but am stuck finding the 25
character
> Product key. Am I right in assuming that I cannot now use this utility?
I
> don't seem to be able to get that computer to do anything until I enter
> whatever these characters are.
> Alan C
>
> > Belarc Advisor or Magic Jellybean Keyfinder will give you the product
key
> > used to install Windows XP on ewach actual machine - *if* you installed
> > it, then you can be sure it should match one of the product keys you
have.
> > If you weren't the original installer - no guarantees.
> >
> > --
> > Shenan Stanley
> > MS-MVP
> > --
> > How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >
>
>