CD's and product keys

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ross
  • Start date Start date
R

Ross

I have a PC that came with XP Home but do not have the
original installation CD's. I now need to re-format the
hard drive and reload XP Home. I do have an upgrade CD
bought for a different computer. Will the original
product key for this PC work with the upgrade CD?
 
The Product Key that came with your computer will only
work with the CDs that came with your computer. Contact
the computer manufacturer and request replacements.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I have a PC that came with XP Home but do not have the
| original installation CD's. I now need to re-format the
| hard drive and reload XP Home. I do have an upgrade CD
| bought for a different computer. Will the original
| product key for this PC work with the upgrade CD?
 
Greetings --

No.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/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. Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed & matched.

Contact the PC's manufacturer to obtain a replacement OEM CD.

Bruce Chambers

--
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