Lost CD But Still Have Key...need serious help here

[Guest]

Alrighty...my friend has a spare (non-illegally-gained) CD key for Microsoft
Windows XP Home Edition (no SP's). We were trying to install it using the
Gateway Win XP CD (once again, no SP's) on an older computer, but it wouldn't
boot from CD. So I downloaded the app from MS's website that allows you to
make boot floppies (yes, I picked the right version). The floppies worked
(after they were formatted), but when it came time to use the CD, an error
occoured. After several attempts, all yielding the same error, I decided to
ask my dad to bring home his Win XP CD. It was from Dell, and came with his
computer at his office. So I re-downloaded the floppies ('cause his CD was
for Win XP Home SP2), and tried his CD. The floppy part still worked fine,
but when it got to the CD, it asked for the CD key. I confidently typed in
the key from my friend. It didn't work. I was confused, so I tried my own
key. It didn't work either. Puzzled, I looked at the CD sleeve; there it was:
you needed to use ONLY the key that came with the CD. So I asked my dad to
bring home the key, and then I'd change it to my friend's key using a
third-party application. He disagreed with this, saying that Dell and
Microsoft wouldn't like this. Any thoughts on either a.) explaining to my dad
that what I am doing is perfectly legal or b.) getting a (preferably free)
Windows XP install CD, whether SP'd or not? Thanks!

 

[Conor]

Alrighty...my friend has a spare (non-illegally-gained) CD key for Microsoft
Windows XP Home Edition (no SP's). We were trying to install it using the
Gateway Win XP CD (once again, no SP's) on an older computer, but it wouldn't
boot from CD. So I downloaded the app from MS's website that allows you to
make boot floppies (yes, I picked the right version). The floppies worked
(after they were formatted), but when it came time to use the CD, an error
occoured. After several attempts, all yielding the same error,

Its not that easy. Assuming you are using an XP Home CD and key, there
are several "classes" of key out there:


Pre SP1 OEM, Pre SP1 Retail, Pre SP1 Upgrade,Post SP1 OEM, Post SP1
retail, Post SP1 Upgrade and possibly some more.

You need to ensure you have the correct installation CD type, i.e pre
SP1 OEM CD for a Pre SP1 OEM CD Key, as each type uses a different
algorythm to validate the key.


--
Conor

If Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened
rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic
music.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Even if your dad said yes it would not work.
If the key is invalid for installation, it will be invalid to change.
You are attempting to use a dissimilar key and CD.

The tools you refer only work if they are the same type.

Is the Product Key retail?
If so contact Microsoft for replacement CD:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
Otherwise contact the seller for replacement.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Any thoughts on either a.) explaining to my dad
that what I am doing is perfectly legal

But that would be a lie.

or b.) getting a (preferably free)
Windows XP install CD, whether SP'd or not? Thanks!

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer.


--

Bruce Chambers

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