lost disk - have key

[s]

I used to have an XP Home disk that I could use to install on computers that
had a key on them, but I have lost the disk. I would use this disk on HP
computers, Dell computers, etc, and when it would ask for the key, I would
use the key that is affixed to the computer.

What version of XP was this disk that I had? Retail, OEM? Any idea?

 

[Big_Al]

s said this on 1/8/2009 2:43 PM:

I used to have an XP Home disk that I could use to install on computers that
had a key on them, but I have lost the disk. I would use this disk on HP
computers, Dell computers, etc, and when it would ask for the key, I would
use the key that is affixed to the computer.

What version of XP was this disk that I had? Retail, OEM? Any idea?

What car do I have....??


Okay, sarcasm over. Since you say 'had a key on them' I'm assuming
key means sticker. And sticker usually means OEM. If you bought a
retail copy of XP it would be in the jacket with the CD not on the
computer.

 

[RobertVA]

I used to have an XP Home disk that I could use to install on computers that
had a key on them, but I have lost the disk. I would use this disk on HP
computers, Dell computers, etc, and when it would ask for the key, I would
use the key that is affixed to the computer.

What version of XP was this disk that I had? Retail, OEM? Any idea?

Keys on branded computers often work exclusively with installation media
from the computer manufacturer. Sometimes that key/media version is
further restricted to SOME of that manufacturer's computer model
numbers. While that arrangement may also serve to direct customers to
the manufacturer supported (and revenue generating) service network, it
also insures the availability and proper installation of device drivers
for the computer's hardware components.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I used to have an XP Home disk that I could use to install on computers that
had a key on them, but I have lost the disk. I would use this disk on HP
computers, Dell computers, etc, and when it would ask for the key, I would
use the key that is affixed to the computer.

What version of XP was this disk that I had? Retail, OEM? Any idea?

If it accepted the key that was on stickers on the computers, I can
tell you with certainty that it was an OEM version.

 

[Daave]

I used to have an XP Home disk that I could use to install on computers
that had a key on them, but I have lost the disk. I would use this disk
on HP computers, Dell computers, etc, and when it would ask for the
key, I would use the key that is affixed to the computer.

What version of XP was this disk that I had? Retail, OEM? Any idea?

What you are describing is a generic OEM installation CD.