Product Key, but no disk.

[Blaine]

I need to reinstall Windows XP Home, but can't find my disk. The Key however
is on a sticker on my case. Can I use someone elses disk, and just input my
numbers? Thanks.

 

[usasma]

Probably the easiest way to remedy this is to contact the manufacturer of the
PC and ask for a set of restore/recovery disks. Some manufacturer's give
them out for free, while others charge a small fee.

- John

 

[PaulM]

Yes you can. Make sure it is Home or Pro.

 

[Malke]

I need to reinstall Windows XP Home, but can't find my disk. The Key
however
is on a sticker on my case. Can I use someone elses disk, and just input
my
numbers? Thanks.

Since you have the Product Key this is probably an OEM install; therefore
you will need a same-brand or generic OEM install disk. A retail XP Home
disk won't work, nor will a branded OEM for a different make of computer (a
Dell when you're trying to install on an HP) that is BIOS-locked to a
particular motherboard. However, if you have a friend who has the same type
of computer - both Dells for instance - then certainly you can use her Dell
XP Home install disk. In that particular case, you won't even need to enter
the Product Key during installation.

If you have an OEM machine like an HP, Compaq, Gateway, etc. it would be a
better idea to contact their tech support and order recovery disks. These
are usually very inexpensive and will return your computer to factory
condition, including all the necessary drivers for your hardware.

If you'd like more help, please post back with the make/model of your
computer.

Malke

 

[PaulM]

That’s bull!! All Xp home and Pro cd are the same, it’s the Key that will
determine if its OEM or not.

--
Paul's XP and Vista Tweaks
--------------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com

Paul's XP and Vista Help Forum

 

[Malke]

That?s bull!! All Xp home and Pro cd are the same, it?s the Key that will
determine if its OEM or not.

I'm sorry but you are incorrect.

Malke

 

[Blaine]

The sticker says it's an OEM product, but it was built by small local shop,
that has since gone out of business.

 

[Richard in AZ]

In that case, another Store-bought OEM disk will work, even if you borrow it. A big-box vendors
OEM most likely will not as they are keyed to having a specific set of BIOS chips.

| The sticker says it's an OEM product, but it was built by small local shop,
| that has since gone out of business.
|
| "Blaine" wrote:
|
| > I need to reinstall Windows XP Home, but can't find my disk. The Key however
| > is on a sticker on my case. Can I use someone elses disk, and just input my
| > numbers? Thanks.

 

[PaulM]

I can use any XP home or Pro CD to install on any computer with their key. I
have done it many times.

--
Paul's XP and Vista Tweaks
--------------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com

Paul's XP and Vista Help Forum

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I need to reinstall Windows XP Home, but can't find my disk. The Key
however
is on a sticker on my case. Can I use someone elses disk, and just input
my
numbers? Thanks.

Only if the disk you borrow is of the same type, ie. OEM (specific vendor),
OEM (generic), Upgrade, Retail, VL, etc. You'll find out fairly early in
the install.

Do back up your system first, and if you have a spare drive to pop in place,
you can test the key and disck combination without risking your current
setup.

HTH
-pk

 

[Ken Blake]

I need to reinstall Windows XP Home, but can't find my disk. The Key
however
is on a sticker on my case. Can I use someone elses disk, and just input
my
numbers? Thanks.

Yes, *if* the borrowed CD matches yours with respect to Home vs.
Professional, Retail vs.OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. If it fails to match in
any of those categories, your key will not work.

 

[Daave]

I can use any XP home or Pro CD to install on any computer with their
key. I have done it many times.

With *whose* key?

I'm not quite sure I understand. Do you mean you can use an XP Pro CD
for a clean install if your key/license is for XP Home? I've never heard
of this being possible.

 

[PaulM]

NO, your key must be for Home or Pro. A key for XP Home will not work on Pro
or a key for Pro will not work with Home..

--
Paul's XP and Vista Tweaks
--------------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com

Paul's XP and Vista Help Forum

 

[Daave]

When you challenged Malke, I wasn't sure what you are talking about.
That's one of the disadvantages of top-posting and not snipping. I
suspect she assumed the same thing I did.

So what were you referring to? Perhaps the content of this page?:

http://www.thetechguide.com/howto/setuppini.html

 

[PaulM]

I do not remember, I am lost at this time.

Just forget it I guess.

--
Paul's XP and Vista Tweaks
--------------------------------------------
www.paulsxp.com

Paul's XP and Vista Help Forum