Windows product key question?

[Guest]

Can I use any windows xp home installation cd if I already have a different
product key. I am going to try and reformat my friends computer and the
windows product key is on on case, but I don't have the software that came
with that computer, I do, however, have another windows cd from another
computer. Can I use that cd, and activate it with this product code? Thanks
for any and all responses

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Can I use any windows xp home installation cd if I already have a different
product key. I am going to try and reformat my friends computer and the
windows product key is on on case, but I don't have the software that came
with that computer, I do, however, have another windows cd from another
computer. Can I use that cd, and activate it with this product code? Thanks
for any and all responses

Yes, you can use your own CD, provided that it is the
same type as your friend's (e.g. WinXP Home OEM).
Windows CDs do NOT contain any product codes.

 

[Guest]

Thanks a lot. I'm using a windows cd from a compaq and using it on a compaq
so I can only assume it's the same thing. Thanks again.

 

[Alias~-]

Thanks a lot. I'm using a windows cd from a compaq and using it on a compaq
so I can only assume it's the same thing. Thanks again.

Maybe, maybe not. It depends on if the two Compaq have the same
motherboard and/or BIOS.

Alias

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Maybe, maybe not. It depends on if the two Compaq have the same
motherboard and/or BIOS.

Alias

No, the motherboard is irrelevant as far as the CD is concerned.

 

[Alias~-]

No, the motherboard is irrelevant as far as the CD is concerned.

I was assuming that the CD is a Compaq restore disk which would be why
the word "Compaq" was mentioned.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Can I use any windows xp home installation cd if I already have a different
product key. I am going to try and reformat my friends computer and the
windows product key is on on case, but I don't have the software that came
with that computer, I do, however, have another windows cd from another
computer. Can I use that cd, and activate it with this product code? Thanks
for any and all responses

Provided that you have an unbranded, generic OEM CD, it should work.
An OEM Recovery CD from another computer won't work, unless the two
computers happen to be the same make and (very probably) model.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD and/or
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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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Bruce Chambers]

No, the motherboard is irrelevant as far as the CD is concerned.

The motherboard is not irrelevant to BIOS-locked Recovery CDs.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell