Generic XP CD ?

[Max]

I'm looking into getting a fresh install of XP Home done on a Compaq
computer that came without CDs. The owner was to burn CDs from data on
the hard drive, which never got done, because the computer didn't have a
burner. I haven't seen the PC; this is all by telephone. Presumably
additional CDs were supposed to be created to drive specific hardware or
software on this PC.

If we can get the XP product key from this computer, can we use it
together with an XP CD that came with a Dell PC, for example, to install
or repair XP, as long as we use the original key? Or is there a key
buried in each XP CD?

Thanks in advance.
Max

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The Compaq supplied XP Product Key will only work with
a Compaq Restore CD. It will not work with any other
Windows XP CD. You'll need to contact Compaq Support
and order a Compaq Restore CD designed for that specific
model Compaq computer.

Visit: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/siteHomeC?lc=en&cc=us

Compaq Presario Desktop PCs - How to Perform a System Recovery
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/famiDocument?product=89327&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=c00007689

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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:

| I'm looking into getting a fresh install of XP Home done on a Compaq
| computer that came without CDs. The owner was to burn CDs from data on
| the hard drive, which never got done, because the computer didn't have a
| burner. I haven't seen the PC; this is all by telephone. Presumably
| additional CDs were supposed to be created to drive specific hardware or
| software on this PC.
|
| If we can get the XP product key from this computer, can we use it
| together with an XP CD that came with a Dell PC, for example, to install
| or repair XP, as long as we use the original key? Or is there a key
| buried in each XP CD?
|
| Thanks in advance.
| Max

 

[Ron Chamberlin]

Hi Max,
In addition to what Carey mentioned, the Dell CD that you propose to use is
likely going to have a Dell hardware specific set of drivers on it.
I won't even go into EULA issues on it.

Ron Chamberlin
MS-MVP