Is each XP release disk unique (ie, numbered)?

[John]

I'm trying to resurrect a Packard Bell PC which has had a hard disk
crisis. Unfortunately, the owner didn't back up the xp and driver
software which is kept in a hidden partition on the HDD (Packard Bell
don't supply a release disk! )

The product code sticker is still on the machine.

Now, the question:

Can I use *any* XPHome release disk to reinstall the OS or does each
disk have an embedded number which must be identical to the product
key?

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

John

You should be able to use an genuine OEM XP CD.. it must be the same type as
is shown on the COA sticker.. try it..

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I'm trying to resurrect a Packard Bell PC which has had a hard disk
crisis. Unfortunately, the owner didn't back up the xp and driver
software which is kept in a hidden partition on the HDD (Packard Bell
don't supply a release disk! )

The product code sticker is still on the machine.

Now, the question:

Can I use *any* XPHome release disk to reinstall the OS

No. not with that product key.

or does each
disk have an embedded number which must be identical to the product
key?

Also no. The cost of making each CD individually would be prohibitive.

You have to use a CD of the same type: Home vs. Professional, Retail vs.OEM,
Full vs. Upgrade.

 

[John]

Thank you, both.

I'll assume that the Packard Bell recovery software would incorporate
an OEM, full version of the originally-installed XP home and see how I
get on.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank you, both.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I'm trying to resurrect a Packard Bell PC which has had a hard disk
crisis. Unfortunately, the owner didn't back up the xp and driver
software which is kept in a hidden partition on the HDD (Packard Bell
don't supply a release disk! )

The product code sticker is still on the machine.

Now, the question:

Can I use *any* XPHome release disk to reinstall the OS or does each
disk have an embedded number which must be identical to the product
key?

You can very probably use any generic OEM (but *not* retail) WinXP Home
installation CD with that Product Key, provided the language versions
are also the same.

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/license types cannot be mixed & matched.

However, within its class/type, each CD is not unique. Therefore;
a retail full WinXP Pro product key will work with any retail full WinXP
Pro CD. A WinXP Home Upgrade product key will work with any WinXP Home
Upgrade CD.


--

Bruce Chambers

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