How to know which XP SPn CD to use by CD-Key Label color?

[amccombs]

I have an old computer that I need to rebuild due to a hard drive crash. I
lost the CD, however I still have the CD-Key label that came with the
computer. I tried to use a friend's CD with my CD-Key for a clean install,
however it said that it was not valid. I do know that my friend's CD has SP3
already on it, I don't remember which SP was available if any when I got my
computer. Is there a way to tell which SP I need to use with my CD-Key by the
CD-Key or the color of the label?

Thanks,

 

[David B.]

It's not an issue of Service Pack, it's an issue of license type, you MUST
use the same type of installation media that your product key is for, OEM,
retail or upgrade product keys are not interchangeable between license types
or installation media.

 

[smlunatick]

I have an old computer that I need to rebuild due to a hard drive crash. I
lost the CD, however I still have the CD-Key label that came with the
computer. I tried to use a friend's CD with my CD-Key for a clean install,
however it said that it was not valid. I do know that my friend's CD has SP3
already on it, I don't remember which SP was available if any when I got my
computer. Is there a way to tell which SP I need to use with my CD-Key bythe
CD-Key or the color of the label?

Thanks,

By the CD-key, the only way is:

CD-Key Sticker == OEM version and usually "stuck" on the PC

XP "folder" with orange CD-Key label = Retail.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

It's not an issue of Service Pack, it's an issue of license type,
you MUST use the same type of installation media that your product
key is for, OEM, retail or upgrade product keys are not
interchangeable between license types or installation media.

*caveat: SP2b

 

[David B.]

Thanks for adding that, I keep forgetting about 2B

 

[amccombs]

I have OEM license. What did they do for SP2B? Does this caveat SP2B still
apply for OEM's?

Thanks,

Thanks for adding that, I keep forgetting about 2B

 

[David B.]

Whoops, change 3, modification 6, adjustment 2, it's SP2c, not 2b. Unlike
older versions, where you could use your product key to install from any SP
level media, and SP2c product key will only work with SP2c installation
media. SP2c was to remedy the problem of dwindling availability of product
keys.

http://www.crn.com/software/201500199;jsessionid=ACYKWRVG1TZE1QE1GHPSKHWATMY32JVN

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I have OEM license. What did they do for SP2B? Does this caveat SP2B still
apply for OEM's?

Thanks,