new disk old key

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Guest

My question is this. If I buy and new win xpdisk do I have to use the key
that is on the box or can I use the key that came with the computer? I am
needing to wipe the hard drive and start anew. I have a HP computer that I
bought new and the key is on the side of the computer. So that is why I was
wondering if the old key would work or not, or is the actual key embeeded in
the cd.
Thanks
 
JT Purdy said:
My question is this. If I buy and new win xpdisk do I have to use the key
that is on the box or can I use the key that came with the computer? I am
needing to wipe the hard drive and start anew. I have a HP computer that I
bought new and the key is on the side of the computer. So that is why I
was
wondering if the old key would work or not, or is the actual key embeeded
in
the cd.
Thanks
Click to expand...

At a minimum, your key must match the edition, service pack level, and
distribution of the Windows XP medium. In other words, if the COA on the
side of your computer says "Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 OEM" or
something like that, just about any Windows XP Home Edition w/ SP2 for OEM
media will work with that key.

So, if you buy a copy of Windows off the shelf at a retail outlet, it will
NOT work with your COA key because it is a Retail version and your COA key
is for an OEM version. However, if you went to PC Club or some other store
that sells OEM versions, you can buy an OEM version from them. Assuming
your current COA is for Win XP SP2 OEM, you would now have two licenses for
Win XP SP2 OEM and you could use your ONE CD to install both copies, as long
as you entered the separate key for each installation.

Having said all that, if you've had your HP for quite a while and it says
something about SP1 or no SP at all (meaning RTM), then you would have to
beg or borrow an image for an OEM version of Windows XP that matched the
edition (Home or Pro) and service pack level (RTM, SP1, or SP2) in order to
re-install using your COA key.

I hope that makes it all crystal clear.

carl
 
At a minimum, your key must match the edition, service pack level, and
distribution of the Windows XP medium.
Click to expand...

Service pack level is not relevant. So long as the product key
matches with regards to edition (Home, Pro, Table, Media Center, 64
bit) and version (Retail full, Retail Upgrade, Generic OEM, Volume
License, etc) it should be okay, except with regard to some OEM
versions.

A key that came with an original release version of Windows XP can be
used with Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 CD with no problems
provided the edition and version are correct.

In other words, if the COA on the
side of your computer says "Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 OEM" or
something like that, just about any Windows XP Home Edition w/ SP2 for OEM
media will work with that key.
Click to expand...

Not quite correct with regards to BIOS Locked OEM versions. If the
computer's BIOS is from the same OEM as produced the installation
media then it will install and activate okay. However if the BIOS is
from a different computer manufacturer/assembler then it will not
activate.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
JT said:
My question is this. If I buy and new win xpdisk do I have to use the
key that is on the box or can I use the key that came with the
computer? I am needing to wipe the hard drive and start anew.
Click to expand...


Why?

And if you do, what makes you think you need a new CD? You should be able
to reinstall cleanly as often as you want to, using whatever method HP
provides (a restoration CD or a hidden restoration partition).
 
Use the new key. The difference is that the Windows version that "came with"
the computer is most likely an "OEM" version, whereas if you go out a local
business or electronics store and buy a boxed version of Windows it will be
"retail" version. OEM keys don't work with retail installation media, you
need to use a retail key.
 
=?Utf-8?B?SlQgUHVyZHk=?= said:
My question is this. If I buy and new win xpdisk do I have to use the key
that is on the box or can I use the key that came with the computer? I am
needing to wipe the hard drive and start anew. I have a HP computer that I
bought new and the key is on the side of the computer. So that is why I was
wondering if the old key would work or not, or is the actual key embeeded in
Click to expand...

Use the key that comes with the new CD.
 
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