Which XP disc goes with which computer?

[Guest]

I have 5-6 pc's and laptops. When I want to reformat a drive, how can I tell
which XP disc goes with which computer? I assume it matters (even if the
computer brand is the same) because if the OS is registered with a different
computer, it will Microsoft will not let me install it. Is that correct, or
does it not matter?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have 5-6 pc's and laptops. When I want to reformat a drive, how
can I tell which XP disc goes with which computer?

Assuming it still boots, use something like the "Magic Jellybean Keyfinder",
"Belarc Advisor" or "EVEREST Home Edition" to locate the key and match it
with the media.

I assume it matters (even if the computer brand is the same)
because if the OS is registered with a different computer,
it will Microsoft will not let me install it.
Is that correct, or does it not matter?

Normally - that is incorrect. It doesn't matter - as long as the type of CD
is the same.. OEM and Retail.
But - a good rule of thumb is to write the system serial number (with
permanent marker) on the front of the CD as you get the machine.

 

[Rock]

I have 5-6 pc's and laptops. When I want to reformat a drive, how can I tell
which XP disc goes with which computer? I assume it matters (even if the
computer brand is the same) because if the OS is registered with a different
computer, it will Microsoft will not let me install it. Is that correct, or
does it not matter?

XP installation CDs are generic within the type of license. Any XP
retail Pro disk can be used with any XP retail pro license. Any generic
OEM disk can be used with any generic OEM license. etc.

 

[kurttrail]

I have 5-6 pc's and laptops. When I want to reformat a drive, how can I
tell which XP disc goes with which computer? I assume it matters (even if
the computer brand is the same) because if the OS is registered with a
different computer, it will Microsoft will not let me install it. Is that
correct, or does it not matter?

If they are all OEM disks from the same manufacturer, it shouldn't matter.
It is the Product Key you use to install XP that matters, not which CD
you use, again assuming the CDs are all of the same flavor.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I have 5-6 pc's and laptops. When I want to reformat a drive,
how
can I tell which XP disc goes with which computer? I assume it
matters (even if the computer brand is the same) because if the
OS is
registered with a different computer, it will Microsoft will
not let
me install it. Is that correct, or does it not matter?

It doesn't matter. The product key isn't on the CD. As long as
the CDs are the same type (Home vs Professional; Retail vs OEM;
Full vs. Upgrade) the CDs are identical.

You could even have and use a single CD for all the computers, as
long as you had a separate license and key for each.