Product Key question

[Guest]

I had to replace the hard drive in my laptop, but when I went to re-install
XP, I found that my recovery discs were damaged and wouldn't work and can't
be replaced. My retail XP disc won't work with my OEM product key,
obviously. Can I use someone else's OEM disc to re-install XP with my OEM
product key, or will that not work either?

--Dave

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dave;
If it is OEM for a different brand of computer it probably will not work.
If it is a generic OEM CD, it may or may not work with the Product Key on
your computer.

 

[Guest]

If you have a genuine Microsoft Retail Product, call them.

If you are lucky you may find that a replacement Product ID may be made
available for your use.

 

[Guest]

I did call Microsoft. I wasn't lucky. I was told flat out to call HP
because it came pre-installed.

--Dave

 

[Rattleon]

You need to contact the Manufacturer (HP), as it is their OEM, Microsoft
won't help at all with HP-OEM Versions

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Luck will have nothing to do with it.
The OP has OEM, not retail.
Microsoft will not provide a Product Key for OEM, that is the responsibility
of the OEM.
However if appropriate warranty is ended, there may be nothing from anyone.

Replacements are possible with retail..
One of the many reasons OEM is cheaper than retail.