[OT] A Warning to WinXP Users Who Re-install a Lot.

[1 of 1]

I have a legal version of WinXP which until a few months ago I had fun
installing/playing with new soft/hardware that seriously compromised
WinXP & I had to re-install.
I've since found out that I can't re-install as often as I want. I don't
know how many re-installs I did but I now have to ring the MS Help desk
every time I want to re-install.
You do not have standard rights for the installation of (some) Microsoft
software.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What do you mean by "standard rights for the installation"?

You can reinstall Windows XP an unlimited # of times on the same computer.
But depending on the frequency of installations and other items, you may
need to call for activation.
This is nothing new.
If you reinstall frequently, it may be a good idea not to activate until
necessary.

Also see:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

 

[Brian Wescombe]

I have a legal version of WinXP which until a few months ago I had fun
installing/playing with new soft/hardware that seriously compromised WinXP
& I had to re-install.
I've since found out that I can't re-install as often as I want. I don't
know how many re-installs I did but I now have to ring the MS Help desk
every time I want to re-install.
You do not have standard rights for the installation of (some) Microsoft
software.

Retail licences can be re-installed as many times as you want, as long as
it's only on one PC at a time. Activation will succeed if it's been more
than 120 days since last activation.
Did you re-install by formatting the HDD? Every time that's done, the volume
serial number changes - activation server will pick that up eventually.

 

[Jesse]

What about using an OEM key to install a retail copy? I need to reinstall
Win XP on my computer. But the OEM install media is ancient -- pre-SP1. I've
got a brand-new retail CD with SP2 here; can I use that CD with my OEM
serial number to reinstall?

THanks!

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

What about using an OEM key to install a retail copy? I need to reinstall
Win XP on my computer. But the OEM install media is ancient -- pre-SP1. I've
got a brand-new retail CD with SP2 here; can I use that CD with my OEM
serial number to reinstall?

THanks!

An OEM key will, most likely, NOT work with a retail version. You say
you have a brand new retail CD then use the product key that came with
that.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

What about using an OEM key to install a retail copy?

Wouldn't work. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and
language of CD and/or 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 types cannot be
mixed & matched.

I need to reinstall
Win XP on my computer. But the OEM install media is ancient -- pre-SP1.

It'd be quite easy to create an installation CD with the latest service
pack (SP2) slipstreamed into the installation files:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm

I've
got a brand-new retail CD with SP2 here; can I use that CD with my OEM
serial number to reinstall?

No.

--

Bruce Chambers

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