Licence problem!

[Metal]

Hello,

I have bought PC with Windows XP some time ago.
Now my Windows XP crashed and I need to reinstall it.
I have licence, the stick, invoice, etc., but... I've lost the CD.
I borrowed one from my friend buy it does not accept my licence number (from
the stick).
Is there any way I could install and use legally my Windows XP?
How to install it? How to tell him to accept my licence number?

Thanks for help,
Desperated,
Metal

 

[Roberto]

You will need a copy of XP that is the same as your present
installation [Home / PRO] for your 25 alpha numeric key to work.
If your machine is a Compaq, HP, Packard Bell etc then you will have
to contact the manufacturer as a "generic" CD will not work with the
key they supplied.

rgds
Roberto

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Oem & Retail CD's and Product Keys are not interchangeable, you need the
media that is appropriate to your Product Key. If it came with the system as
a sticker on the machine, then you have an OEM license and need OEM media
(best obtained from the manufacturer). If it was a retail license and you
lost the disk, you can get a replacement from Microsoft for a nominal fee:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Ron Martell]

Hello,

I have bought PC with Windows XP some time ago.
Now my Windows XP crashed and I need to reinstall it.
I have licence, the stick, invoice, etc., but... I've lost the CD.
I borrowed one from my friend buy it does not accept my licence number (from
the stick).
Is there any way I could install and use legally my Windows XP?
How to install it? How to tell him to accept my licence number?

Thanks for help,
Desperated,
Metal

Just to clarify a bit further.

The Windows XP CD and the Windows XP Proudct Key must match each other
in 3 different aspects:

- Edition (Pro, Home, Tablet, Media Center)
- Version (Retail Upgrade, Retail Full Install, OEM, Volume License,
etc).
- Language (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, etc).

A difference in any of these factors will result in the problem that
you have encountered.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Chuck]

It sounds like you bought a PC with an OEM version installed. The friend's
CD is likely a retail CD or from another OEM. In otherwords, as you found
out, your key does not work with his CD. Your options are:
Obtain a replacement CD from the OEM
Buy a retail copy and install with it's key
Find someone with an almost identical PC, and borrow their CD to use with
your key. (May or may not work.)
If you go the retail route, remember to make a copy of any drivers and apps
furnished by the OEM. (If you do not have copies that are usable.)

 

[ANONYMOUS]

Most probably you didn't receive the OS CD but a recovery CD. If this
is so then you need to look for that CD and instructions that came with
the PC. It would be very simple to recover from these CDs than to do a
clean install from the actual OS CD.

Could ou tell us what make is your computer to decide what exactly you
are likely to have.

 

[Metal]

I'm wondering if I could save some numbers (info) from my windows registry,
then install my friend's windows and then overwrite the settings to my
orygilan (legal) state...
I know it is complicated and I'm not sure is it legal, but really, I
wouldn't do anything wrong... I think...
I payed for the licence and I have rights to use it... so what there was
some fricky installation process
What do you think about this strange idea?

 

[Guest]

The OEM Product Key affixed to your PC is only valid
with the PC manufacturer's recommended method
to restore Windows XP. You'll need to contact
your PC manufacturer and order their Restore
or Reinstallation CD for their OEM version Windows XP.