Lost XP Pro install disk still have Key can I use my other XP pro disk using second key

[Tim]

Hi there,

Hopefully the subject says it all I have a Toshiba Portege 4000 with no
Recovery disk but with it's original XP Pro licence key. I also have a
retail version of XP Pro for my desktop can I use the retail version to
install on my Portege and change the licence key somewhere in the process or
do I have to fork out a small fortune to Toshiba for a recovery disk.

Many thanks, Tim.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Tim,

How to Change the Product ID in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;321636

 

[CWatters]

Hi Tim,

How to Change the Product ID in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;321636

That link takes me to...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-GB;KBERROR&style=error

 

[Kelly]

Sorry about that. Try a cached copy:
http://labmice.techtarget.com/windowsxp/articles/changeID.htm

 

[Tim]

Hi there,

Many thanks sorry I should have done a MS Knowledgebase search first before
asking the question anyway sorted.

Again many thanks, Tim.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Hopefully the subject says it all I have a Toshiba Portege 4000 with no
Recovery disk but with it's original XP Pro licence key. I also have a
retail version of XP Pro for my desktop can I use the retail version to
install on my Portege and change the licence key somewhere in the process or
do I have to fork out a small fortune to Toshiba for a recovery disk.

The CD with the Toshiba would be from a different 'series' of CDs which
will need a Key taken from their own set. So it is unlikely that it
will work with the desktop disk (but the check is made at a very early
stage, so you could try - just don't format the system first). Toshiba
though should be able to supply a replacement of the physical CD - to
use with your existing key - for only a modest charge

 

[Tim]

Hi there,

No this isn't the case, have loaded XP Pro retail version which I use on my
desktop and then there is an activation procedure you have to use to insert
the Toshiba MS XP Pro Key which is on the laptop, then phone MS activation
line and all is sorted it means I've used a retail version of XP Pro but
using a different key.

As for saving the system, no just formatted and clean reinstall, activation
and then load SP1 and all the XP updates and then the Toshiba drivers hey
presto all up and running.

The Toshiba Recovery Disks do a full install including the Toshiba drivers
and software but a replacement costs quite a lot.

Many thanks for your input, Tim.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

No, you can't. 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. Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed & matched.

You'll need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement CD.

Bruce Chambers
--
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having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Tim]

Hi there,

You are wrong I have done what I said I did so how can you say 'no I can't'
the answer in this case is 'yes I can'.

Sorry to have to prove you wrong on this occasion.

Tim.

 

[Ralph Malph]

If the source CD revision matches the CD revision of the CD Key it
will work, other wise it will not. But you can just use the other CD
key and if tells you, you have to call MS to activate it, go ahead,
just tell them that it is only installed on one PC, they cant tell if
it is or is not, and they will give you the activation number. As long
as you have the TWO official license keys you are legally allowed to
have two copies installed. And as long as that is ALL you have
installed, the software police can't take you to jail.

Ralph Malph