re-install XP from

[Eddie G]

I have a new hard drive and have a Windows XP Pro disc from Dell that
says it is a "reinstallation CD". There is no product key on the disc
or booklet that came with it. I have not tried to install it yet but
am curious how I can do this without a key.

Thanks!!

Eddie G

 

[Eddie G]

Another question...

Will the product key from an XP home upgrade work with an XP
professional full install disc?

 

[R. McCarty]

Your key will be found on the COA (Certificate of Authenticity). On
notebooks it is on the bottom panel. On desktops it is usually found
on one of the side panels.

 

[R. McCarty]

No, keys are coded against the unique identifier string found in
the i386 folder in a file Setupp.Ini. As part of the Key validation
it will test to see if the key used is designed for the specific XP
disk being used.

 

[Eddie G]

Can I assume that it would be illegal for someone to email me a copy of
their key code?
(hint, hint, wink, wink).

 

[R. McCarty]

Coming here ( A Microsoft hosted Newsgroup ) and asking for a
Product Key is like "Breaking-&-Entering" the Police Station. Yep,
your chances of getting a Validation Key here are Zero, Nada.

 

[Bob I]

Not to mention stupid on their part. (wink-wink)

Can I assume that it would be illegal for someone to email me a copy of
their key code?
(hint, hint, wink, wink).

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Another question...

Will the product key from an XP home upgrade work with an XP
professional full install disc?

No. On both counts (Hone vs Professional and Full vs. Upgrade).

 

[Eddie G]

I was being purely hypothetical, of course.
;-)

Coming here ( A Microsoft hosted Newsgroup ) and asking for a
Product Key is like "Breaking-&-Entering" the Police Station. Yep,
your chances of getting a Validation Key here are Zero, Nada.

 

[Eddie G]

I was being purely hypothetical, of course.
;-)

Coming here ( A Microsoft hosted Newsgroup ) and asking for a
Product Key is like "Breaking-&-Entering" the Police Station. Yep,
your chances of getting a Validation Key here are Zero, Nada.

 

[Paul Knudsen]

I have a new hard drive and have a Windows XP Pro disc from Dell that
says it is a "reinstallation CD". There is no product key on the disc
or booklet that came with it. I have not tried to install it yet but
am curious how I can do this without a key.

Does the CD say "Operating System" on it? If so you won't need a key
(if this is the machine it came with). Just boot it.

 

[q_q_anonymous]

I have a new hard drive and have a Windows XP Pro disc from Dell that
says it is a "reinstallation CD". There is no product key on the disc
or booklet that came with it. I have not tried to install it yet but
am curious how I can do this without a key.

Thanks!!

Eddie G

I think Dell CDs have Dell keys. And Regular MS keys won't work with
them. The Dell computer always has the Dell key written on it -
*somewhere* on the outside of the computer case on a label.

Seek and you should find. If you can't, Call Dell and they may have a
better idea of where on the outside of the case it is! Wind them up a
bit, they deserve it.
It might be under a flap or something. Ask a sibling or spouse that is
good at finding things, and finds it easy to do, to help you find it.
The type of person that can find a pair of glasses. They'll find it
easily

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a new hard drive and have a Windows XP Pro disc from Dell that
says it is a "reinstallation CD". There is no product key on the disc
or booklet that came with it. I have not tried to install it yet but
am curious how I can do this without a key.

Thanks!!

Eddie G

You can't. The Product Key is affixed to the side of the Dell computer
with which that OEM Dell CD left the factory, for the simple reason that
that license is valid *only* on that one Dell computer. I hope that you
can get your money. Also, if you used a credit card to buy that useless
CD, you'd better contact your bank and cancel that credit card account;
you've given the account number to a proven thief.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Another question...

Will the product key from an XP home upgrade work with an XP
professional full install disc?

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:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

 

[Asher_N]

Hogwash.

Keys a first validated for internal consistency using a modulus-like
method, then they are validated against the TYPE of disk used.