Installing XP & Key code question

[James]

Hello,

I have a legal license's copy of XP which came loaded on my HP Desktop
computer. The XP software for doing a re-install is part of the whole
software package that came with the computer and is not a separate disc. I
was wondering if I bought a new full version XP disc and used it to load XP
on my HP desktop computer in the future. Would the new XP disc continue to
load if I use the key code that came with my HP computer instead of using
the key code that came with the disc? In other words; could I use the new
disc just for installing XP on my desktop and then use the new disc and the
licenses that came with it to install on another computer? I don't like how
the recovery disc that came with the computer installs on my HP computer and
I was wondering if I could share the disc. That is why I am asking this
question.

Any information would be appreciated. I hope everyone has a Safe & Happy
Memorial Day!

Thanks,
James

 

[JS]

Not likely as HP uses OEM factory key code.
Retail product needs the key that came with it.

JS

 

[Daave]

I have a legal license's copy of XP which came loaded on my HP Desktop
computer. The XP software for doing a re-install is part of the whole
software package that came with the computer and is not a separate
disc. I was wondering if I bought a new full version XP disc and used
it to load XP on my HP desktop computer in the future. Would the new
XP disc continue to load if I use the key code that came with my HP
computer instead of using the key code that came with the disc? In
other words; could I use the new disc just for installing XP on my
desktop and then use the new disc and the licenses that came with it
to install on another computer? I don't like how the recovery disc
that came with the computer installs on my HP computer and I was
wondering if I could share the disc. That is why I am asking this
question.

Since you already paid for your license, there is no need to give any
more money to Microsoft! Hopefully a friend, neighbor, relative, or
co-worker has a generic OEM XP Home disc you may borrow. If so, make a
copy for yourself (this is not piracy because owning the *license* is
what's important). Then you may use the disk to perform a clean install.
The product key on your Certificate of Authenticity sticker will work.
If you ever need to perform a repair install down the road, you can also
use that disk.

If you are unable to obtain a generic OEM XP Home disk, you might be
able to make your own, provided you have access to the I386 folder.
Instructions can be found at:

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

(Some people have had success downloading XP via P2P, but I don't
recommend this method since there's no guarantee you won't also be
downloading viruses, etc.)

If for some reason you wish to pay for a *retail* CD of XP Home, you can
use it on your HP, of course, but you would also *eventually* be able to
use it on another PC if you wish. Unlike OEM licenses (which are forever
tied to the one PC on which they are installed), retail licenses are
transferable. (That's one reason they are more expensive; another reason
is that you are entitled to limited support from Microsoft.) You just
need to know that you cannot use your license on more than one PC *at a
time*. So if you ever get another PC, you could remove XP from your HP
(reformatting the hard drive would accomplish this) and then install it
on the new PC. But if it were me, I'd just stick with the license you
already have -- chances are your next PC will have Vista.

 

[James]

Hi JS,

Thank you for responding to me question and for your input. It is greatly
appreciated. I hope you are enjoying the Memorial Day weekend. Stay safe!

Thanks again,
James

 

[James]

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for replying to my question and for covering the issue in
such detail. You are very kind to take so much time to explain all this to
me. I do want to make sure of one thing though. You know what happens when
you assume.

First; as you read I want the disc for myself in case I have to do a fresh
install and also for the reason you stated; "a repair install" or for
startup repair, etc. I also want a second licenses for my dad. Right now he
is still running win98 and may some time in the future want to go to XP.
Since XP is not going to be out on the shelves much longer I wanted to have
a disc in case he ever wanted to update. Since I wanted a disc anyway I am
trying to save him money by me buying a disc and giving him the licenses.
Now with you knowing what I am trying to accomplish could I do this using a
new XP OEM discs? I see them on eBay for sale here and there. Could I buy
one of them and use it the way I explained? I believe I can from your
explanation, but I don't want to assume. It has got me into trouble before.

Thanks again for all your help. It is very kind of you and I appreciate it.
I hope you are having a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Best regards,
James

 

[JS]

You're welcome.

JS

Hi JS,

Thank you for responding to me question and for your input. It is greatly
appreciated. I hope you are enjoying the Memorial Day weekend. Stay safe!

Thanks again,
James

 

[Daave]

I follow.

First of all, stay away from Ebay. Although I'm sure there are some
reputable sellers there, I know there are many who aren't; there have
been a good number of posts here from people who have been ripped off.

Now that SP3 is out, I would recommend purchasing an OEM CD that has SP3
integrated from a merchant such as New Egg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511&Tpk=32-116-511

You can also compare prices using sites such as NexTag.com and
PriceGrabber.com .

This is not only an affordable option, but it will allow you to use it
on your HP (just use the product key on your HP's COA sticker) *and* you
can use it on your father's PC (use the product key that comes with the
CD). Of course, your father's PC's specs will have to be adequate to
warrant installing XP; older PCs are better off running 98SE.

Hope this helps, and happy Memorial Day to you, too!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello,

I have a legal license's copy of XP which came loaded on my HP Desktop
computer. The XP software for doing a re-install is part of the whole
software package that came with the computer and is not a separate disc.
I was wondering if I bought a new full version XP disc and used it to
load XP on my HP desktop computer in the future. Would the new XP disc
continue to load if I use the key code that came with my HP computer
instead of using the key code that came with the disc? In other words;
could I use the new disc just for installing XP on my desktop and then
use the new disc and the licenses that came with it to install on
another computer? I don't like how the recovery disc that came with the
computer installs on my HP computer and I was wondering if I could share
the disc. That is why I am asking this question.

Any information would be appreciated. I hope everyone has a Safe & Happy
Memorial Day!

Thanks,
James

It is the Product Key that represents the license, not the physical CD.
One can use the same Cd on many computers, provided that one has a
separate Product Key for each installation.

If you were to purchase an unbranded, generic OEM WinXP license (the
same edition - Home or Pro - as is installed on the HP), you should be
able to install that on the HP using the OEM Product Key. Then you
could use the Product Key that came with the unbranded, generic OEM CD
on a second computer. You'd have two Product Keys, so you'd have two
licenses.

Bear in mind, though, that for this to work, the unbranded, generic OEM
license that you purchase *must* be of the same WinXP Edition as came
pre-installed on the HP.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) 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 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/license types cannot usually (it's been reported
that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be
mixed & matched.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

James wrote:

Snipped ....

I see them on eBay for sale
here and there. Could I buy one of them and use it the way I explained?

Snipped....


Getting a legitimate license of any kind from eBay is something of a
crap shoot. One should be very careful buying any software on eBay,
as eBay makes no prior effort to ensure that such sales are legitimate.
The problems stem from two completely different sources, but have the
same results: the buyer gets ripped off. A great many people don't fully
understand the terms of the license they own, and don't understand that
they cannot legitimately resell it, and - worse still - there are a
great many sellers who do know that they're selling bogus licenses. eBay
reacts only when someone files a complaint, and then all that really
happens, especially in the case of the many deliberate fraudsters, is
the seller of the pirated software returns using a different alias, to
continue selling illegitimate licenses.

It might cost a bit more, but you'd be sure of getting a legitimate
license by going to a reputable on-line vendor, such as NewEgg or Amazon.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Win..._1_2?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1211822627&sr=1-2



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[James]

Hello Bruce,

Thank you for replying to my questions. You and Dave have been a big help
and I completely understand what I need to do. Thank you so much, I really
appreciate the time you took to help me out. You and Dave are big assets to
this message board. I am glad nice guys like you take the time to help
others out.

I hope you are having a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Thanks again,
James

 

[James]

Hello Dave,

Thank you! You are a very big help! I really appreciate it and will follow
everything you said. Oh; My dad's computer is only about 2 or 3 years old
and is very capable of evening running Vista, with a RAM upgrade. He had the
computer built with Windows 98 SE installed because he does a lot of work
using Dos and did not want to lose that capability. I told him about setting
up a dual boot with XP and 98. This way he could still do dos on 98 and then
use XP for everything else. He has had trouble with his computer running
win98 since he got it, but stuck with it to run dos. I worked on his
computer the past week and he is pretty happy with it right now (knock on
wood). I told him he will still have trouble because of win98 and explained
the dual boot would be best. I think he wants to wait until he has trouble
again.

I just needed to find out what I asked now so I could buy an XP Disc before
they are no longer for sale. You are a big asset to this message board!

Thanks again,
James

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello Bruce,

Thank you for replying to my questions. You and Dave have been a big
help and I completely understand what I need to do. Thank you so much, I
really appreciate the time you took to help me out. You and Dave are big
assets to this message board. I am glad nice guys like you take the time
to help others out.

You're welcome.

I hope you are having a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

And the same to you.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Daave]

Glad I could help, James.

Hello Dave,

Thank you! You are a very big help! I really appreciate it and will
follow
everything you said. Oh; My dad's computer is only about 2 or 3 years
old
and is very capable of evening running Vista, with a RAM upgrade. He
had the
computer built with Windows 98 SE installed because he does a lot of
work
using Dos and did not want to lose that capability. I told him about
setting
up a dual boot with XP and 98. This way he could still do dos on 98
and then
use XP for everything else. He has had trouble with his computer
running
win98 since he got it, but stuck with it to run dos. I worked on his
computer the past week and he is pretty happy with it right now (knock
on
wood). I told him he will still have trouble because of win98 and
explained
the dual boot would be best. I think he wants to wait until he has
trouble
again.

I just needed to find out what I asked now so I could buy an XP Disc
before
they are no longer for sale. You are a big asset to this message
board!

Thanks again,
James

 

[crazyal]

yes it worked for me when i used a seperate xp disc on my acer laptop
when i had to reinstall xp (i didn't what to got throught the hastle
of removing all the preinstalled software including nortan, which i
hate!)

 

[James]

Hi Al,

Thank you for adding to my question. I am glad to hear that this was
actually done. I really appreciate that you and all the others took the time
to to respond. It is good to know there are still great people in this
world.

Thanks again everyone and I hope you all are having a Safe and Happy
Holiday!

Take care,
James

 

[HeyBub]

Hi JS,

Thank you for responding to me question and for your input. It is
greatly appreciated. I hope you are enjoying the Memorial Day
weekend. Stay safe!

Memorial Day is a remembrance of why we ARE safe:

"We sleep safe at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on
those who would do us harm."

 

[ANONYMOUS]

You can create an Install CD from your existing system provided you have
Windows Serial number (at the back of your system or at the bottom of
Laptop). and a folder called i386 on your HD drive. this folder should
be at the root of the HD.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

DAAVE,

He can create an install CD (SP3 version) for himself without forking
out any more money. He can slipstream SP3 to his files in i386 folder.
He should give a try before spending any money.

hth

 

[Daave]

DAAVE,

He can create an install CD (SP3 version) for himself without forking
out any more money. He can slipstream SP3 to his files in i386
folder. He should give a try before spending any money.

hth

That advice sounds familiar for some reason. Oh that's right, it was my
initial advice:

But if you read James's other post, he indicated he wanted to purchase
*another* license *for his father*. So that is why I wrote the
following:

You should really read the posts before you respond to them!