Re Install XP

[Guest]

Probablly an easy question. I am just trying to reinstall
XP on my fairly new computer. It has a XP product key
sticker on the top of the cpu, but I lost the original XP
Reinstall cd that came with the PC. So, I am using
another store bought XP CD to re install, however when I
enter the product key on my cpu, it tells me its not a
valid product key. So, can I not use my original product
key with different XP CD? If so, what can I do? Any help
would be appreciated.

 

[David Woodward]

Are you reinstalling Windows XP over itself (repair) or
are you reinstalling after formatting the drive or
something to that effect?

I think there may be a difference between the OEM keys and
the retail keys. Why don't you use the key that came with
your retail copy?

--David

 

[Guest]

I am re formatting the drive, and I would use the retail
product key, however when I go to register, it tells me
that this product key has been registered already, and
may not be used.