Product Key

[Guest]

I have a computer with the fulll version and one with the upgrade version of
XP. I am planning on installing new HDs in both computers. Can I use my
product key from the upgrade version with the full version software? I do
not have the 98 disc so the upgrade software is useless to me.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jackie;
No, the keys are not interchangeable.
You will need a qualifying media.
Windows 95, 98, ME etc will work.

 

[Guest]

So even though I own two XPs, one is only good for upgrading? Is there any
way around having the disks if the software was already registered with
Microsoft? I mean to install it I obviously had to have had a previous
version. I just want to replace the hard drive in the same computer it is
already installed on.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a computer with the fulll version and one with the upgrade version of
XP. I am planning on installing new HDs in both computers. Can I use my
product key from the upgrade version with the full version software? I do
not have the 98 disc so the upgrade software is useless to me.

No. 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.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Bruce Chambers]

So even though I own two XPs, one is only good for upgrading? Is there any
way around having the disks if the software was already registered with
Microsoft? I mean to install it I obviously had to have had a previous
version. I just want to replace the hard drive in the same computer it is
already installed on.

If you want to use an Upgrade license, you *have* to have a license and
installation CD for the qualifying OS.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jackie;
You bought an upgrade at a significant savings and an upgrade is what you
got.
You will need qualifying media to install the upgrade.
You will need to locate the CD.