Install XP to 2nd Computer

[Don]

I have a Compaq that was not supplied with an installation CD - only a
partition on the hard drive. I would like to delete the partition, but
I want to be able to reinstall at a future time it that becomes necessary.

I also have a 2nd computer with a legitimate full installation CD of XP.
Both computers are XP pro.

Can I use the 2nd computer's installation CD to reinstall XP to the
Compaq, and use the product key number that came with the Compaq?

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I have a Compaq that was not supplied with an installation CD - only a
partition on the hard drive. I would like to delete the partition, but I
want to be able to reinstall at a future time it that becomes necessary.

I also have a 2nd computer with a legitimate full installation CD of XP.
Both computers are XP pro.

Can I use the 2nd computer's installation CD to reinstall XP to the
Compaq, and use the product key number that came with the Compaq?

No the Compaq product activation key will not work with a retail copy fo
Windows XP.
Contact Compaq (now HP) for a CD to use with your Compaq system - they may
charge for this or no longer provide them for your system.
--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Don]

No the Compaq product activation key will not work with a retail copy fo
Windows XP.
Contact Compaq (now HP) for a CD to use with your Compaq system - they may
charge for this or no longer provide them for your system.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a Compaq that was not supplied with an installation CD - only a
partition on the hard drive. I would like to delete the partition, but
I want to be able to reinstall at a future time it that becomes necessary.

I also have a 2nd computer with a legitimate full installation CD of XP.
Both computers are XP pro.

Can I use the 2nd computer's installation CD to reinstall XP to the
Compaq, and use the product key number that came with the Compaq?

No. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

--

Bruce Chambers

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[Answerguy]

Recently performed just the type of install you are
referring to on a co-worker's Compaq system. It had a
reinstall partition containing the installation files as
well. It also had a utility that allowed a one time
creation of a set of OEM recovery cd's in case the drive
failed. You might want to check your system for this
option...I believe it was in the system recovery options
on the start menu.