Installing WindowsXP from different CD

[Al M. Enopi]

Is it possible to install Windows XP from one CD and use the CD key code
from another?
If so, how?

Here's the situation:
I'm working on a compter that has "issues" (short for - it was screwed up
royally). I tried doing a fresh install with the original CD. As it turns
out, I can only get part way through the installation, then it fails because
it can't find certain files and folders. Checking the CD, I see that about
1/8" all the way around the edge is marred (don't ask me how) or something
is well stuck to it.

I have another copy of Windows XP, but it is already installed on another
computer. Obviously, I can't use it as is, or I'll run into activation
problems or invalidate the installation on the second computer..
Is there some way I can install from the second CD, but use the key code
from the first CD so it will be accepted during activation?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Is it possible to install Windows XP from one CD and use the CD key
code from another?
If so, how?

There is no association between a particular (individual) UNMODIFIED Windows
XP CD and the key used to install it. There is a link between the TYPE of
CD and the license code... OEM, Retail, Upgrade, volume license and MSDN...

Here's the situation:
I'm working on a compter that has "issues" (short for - it was
screwed up royally). I tried doing a fresh install with the
original CD. As it turns out, I can only get part way through the
installation, then it fails because it can't find certain files and
folders. Checking the CD, I see that about 1/8" all the way around
the edge is marred (don't ask me how) or something is well stuck to
it.
Suck.

I have another copy of Windows XP, but it is already installed on
another computer. Obviously, I can't use it as is, or I'll run
into activation problems or invalidate the installation on the
second computer..

The activation is not determined by what CD you installed from - but the
Product Key and a bunch of hardware hashes.
In other words - if your good cd is the same type (OEM, Retail, Volume,
Upgrade, MSDN) as the one failing - it'll work with the bad cds product
code.

Is there some way I can install from the second CD, but use the key
code from the first CD so it will be accepted during activation?

See above.