Hard drive replacement

[rick]

I have replaced a hard drive in my laptop and have reloaded XP. To activate
is the product key on the laptop all I need or do I need to purchase a new XP
package? The laptop was used from a computer retailer about two years ago
and the XP home version I purchased for my wifes computer I no longer own. I
guess what I need to know, is the product key tied to the actual disk?

 

[peter]

The product key is tied to the XP version...Retail..OEM.
If the product key on the Laptop is OEM then you would need to use an OEM
version of XP
If the product key is for a retail version then you would need to install a
retail version of XP.
If you left the XP installation on the computer when you sold the system
then you also have sold XP with it.
You can try that key to see if it will work...maybe the purchaser has
installed his own purchased copy.
peter

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have replaced a hard drive in my laptop and have reloaded XP. To activate
is the product key on the laptop all I need or do I need to purchase a new
XP
package? The laptop was used from a computer retailer about two years ago
and the XP home version I purchased for my wifes computer I no longer own.
I
guess what I need to know, is the product key tied to the actual disk?

The product key is not tied to the disk, but it is tied to the disk *type*.

For example, the key that comes with a Full Retail version will not work
with an OEM disk, or a Volume License or Upgrade disk, and Home or Pro or
Media Center keys aren't interchangeable either.

If you were able to complete the install, you used the right key for the
disk type. And you'll find out as soon as you go online to activate if you
need anything else. Chances are, you won't.

HTH
-pk