Installing XP with old retail disc & new product key

[uneed2leave]

My sister lost her recovery disc & her comp is shot. I'd like to use my
old retail XP disc and activate it with the product key on the back of
her comp. I've loaded XP and I'm trying to activate it with her product
key. Its telling me the key is incorrect. Clearly, these discs only
respond to a certain range of keys. If I call MS will they give me a
product ID to use or are they going to insist I cant use my disc to
load her comp?

 

[paulmd]

My sister lost her recovery disc & her comp is shot. I'd like to use my
old retail XP disc and activate it with the product key on the back of
her comp. I've loaded XP and I'm trying to activate it with her product
key. Its telling me the key is incorrect. Clearly, these discs only
respond to a certain range of keys. If I call MS will they give me a
product ID to use or are they going to insist I cant use my disc to
load her comp?

You need to do the telephone activation. Tell them what you did, answer
their questions honestly. I've been through this many times before,
enough to have memorized the US number (1-888-571-2048). They have yet
to deny me.

You'll want the product key, and exact make and model of the old comp
handy.

You'll be fine.

 

[uneed2leave]

You'll want the product key, and exact make and model of the old comp
handy.

You'll be fine.

Thanks for the advice. I did call and activate with them. The
activation girl didnt even care. She asked "Is this your first time
activating?"
So I explained what happened.
She replied "Is this the only computer the software is installed?"
I said "um...you mean my copy?"
She said "Is this a retail version of Windows XP?"
I replied "MY copy, the one I loaded it with is a retail version but I
want to use her product key on her computer."
She said "I am going to read you an activation..."
I entered the number but before I hit the *next* button I said "Now
this isnt going to cause any problems with my copy of XP is it"
She said it wouldnt and thats where it ended.
I dont know exactly what the installation ID tells them but the next
time I call to activate my XP, you dont think this could cause any
problems, right?

 

[paulmd]

Thanks for the advice. I did call and activate with them. The
activation girl didnt even care. She asked "Is this your first time
activating?"
So I explained what happened.
She replied "Is this the only computer the software is installed?"
I said "um...you mean my copy?"
She said "Is this a retail version of Windows XP?"
I replied "MY copy, the one I loaded it with is a retail version but I
want to use her product key on her computer."
She said "I am going to read you an activation..."
I entered the number but before I hit the *next* button I said "Now
this isnt going to cause any problems with my copy of XP is it"
She said it wouldnt and thats where it ended.
I dont know exactly what the installation ID tells them but the next
time I call to activate my XP, you dont think this could cause any
problems, right?

If you use your key on your computer, you'll be fine. The very worst
thing that could possibly happen is you'll have to call India again.