Re-install of Microsoft XP

[ITR.INC]

We are a small computer repair company just starting out. Recently we
obtained a clients computer that needed to be re-formatted. The Windows
version already on the pc is an OEM version. We only have a retail verstion.
The product ID on the bottom of the laptop is still readable and should be
valid. During the installation process their product ID comes back as
invalid. We believe this is due to the fact that the version we are using for
the re-installation is a retail version and their product ID is tied to an
OEM version. In the past I have worked for a company that had a Windows disk
that we were able to re-load without affecting the clients product ID. We
would like to know how to fix this for our client now and then have a
solution for the future. Thanks for any help.

 

[ITR.INC]

To add on to this post. One thing we do not want to do is break any copyright
laws. This is why we are posting here, to get the correct information.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

We are a small computer repair company just starting out. Recently
we obtained a clients computer that needed to be re-formatted. The
Windows version already on the pc is an OEM version. We only have a
retail verstion. The product ID on the bottom of the laptop is
still readable and should be valid. During the installation process
their product ID comes back as invalid. We believe this is due to
the fact that the version we are using for the re-installation is a
retail version and their product ID is tied to an OEM version. In
the past I have worked for a company that had a Windows disk that
we were able to re-load without affecting the clients product ID.
We would like to know how to fix this for our client now and then
have a solution for the future.

There are a few ways.

- If the customer does not have their installation media, they need to get
it and/or contact the original equipment manufacturer to get a
copy/instructions of how to restore to a 'as shipped' state. You are *not*
responsible for providing those who bring computers into your shop with
installation media for *anything* - in fact - they should have it and should
provide it.

- Try to collect as many different types (OEM, Retail, Upgrade) and version
(XP Home, Professional, Media Center, TabletPC) combinations as you can -
installation media that is.

- Change the media you have (retail) so that it accepts other types of
product keys (OEM, upgrade, etc.) and keep different types around - which is
really just a modification of the previous suggestion. (*1)

- Install with your product key then - change the installed product key to
the customers before giving it back to them using a Microsoft provided tool.
(*2)

(*1) http://www.thetechguide.com/howto/setuppini.html
(*2) http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

That's off the top of my head - probably a few other things you could do...