How tightly linked is the CoA to the specific releawse?

[Guest]

I have to reload a damaged Windows XP Pro system. The CD that originally
loaded it it lacks the Service Packs. Can I use a later CD with that CoA?
I.e., can I use a WinXP Pro SP2 CD to reload a system using the CoA from an
"SP0" release?

Parenthetic comment: I wish MS freely offered .iso images of its CoA'd
products online. Cripes, one can pull them off torrents, so why not offer
official versions! Qualifications could be required, like CoA's -- use
similar authenticating s/w as windows validation? -- and whatever other
tricks would minimize abuses. I'll probably have to go through the process
of requesting a replacement CD soon, and I [overly] dread the prospect.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have to reload a damaged Windows XP Pro system. The CD that originally
loaded it it lacks the Service Packs. Can I use a later CD with that CoA?
I.e., can I use a WinXP Pro SP2 CD to reload a system using the CoA from an
"SP0" release?

Provided the type of license is the same, yes. 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. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD
types cannot be mixed & matched.

Or you could simply create an installation CD with the latest service
pack slip-streamed in. For slip-streaming the service pack and
subsequent updates to WinXP:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm

Parenthetic comment: I wish MS freely offered .iso images of its CoA'd
products online. Cripes, one can pull them off torrents, so why not offer
official versions!

Because legitimate copies aren't free! Microsoft is a business.

Qualifications could be required, like CoA's -- use
similar authenticating s/w as windows validation? -- and whatever other
tricks would minimize abuses.

You'd have to come up with a 100% fool-proof method. Something no one
else has so far managed to do.


--

Bruce Chambers

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