Reinstalling Windows XP

[dreamspinner3]

I have a PC which had Windows XP Home Edition installed on it. I lost
my CD-ROM for Windows XP but was able to get my CD key for my install
off of my machine. I tried reinstalling Windows XP using a friend's
copy of the program & when it got the the screen to type in the CD key
I used mine & it didn't work.

Are the CD keys unique to the original CD-ROM?

Thanks.

 

[Harry Ohrn]

I have a PC which had Windows XP Home Edition installed on it. I lost
my CD-ROM for Windows XP but was able to get my CD key for my install
off of my machine. I tried reinstalling Windows XP using a friend's
copy of the program & when it got the the screen to type in the CD key
I used mine & it didn't work.

Are the CD keys unique to the original CD-ROM?

Thanks.

Product Keys are unique to a specific CD-Rom however a key that came with an
OEM install generally will not work with a Retail version of XP. Some OEM
keys are not compatible with other OEM's either. And different versions of
XP aren't compatible such as trying to use an XP Home key with an XP Pro
disc.

However sometimes when entering Product Keys people make an error reading
the number. For example a "B" gets entered as an "8". or a "Q" as a "O" or
"0" and so forth. So recheck the number if you can.

If XP came preinstalled on your computer then try contacting your PC
manufacturer for a replacement They will often do so at a minimal charge.
If this was a Retail version of XP then Microsoft has a policy regarding
this http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

 

[dreamspinner3]

Thanks for the help. I bought my original copy of XP as an upgrade
from Compaq several years ago & I no longer have the receipt or any
other proof of purchase for it except for the Product key that I wrote
down. I feel very foolish now.

 

[Guest]

Hey,
You dont have to repent for what you have done some years before.
As a Tech Support Exec in MS Support i get many calls with the same issue as
yours.
Normally when u get any new computers say from Dell, HP etc., it is
pre-installed with the OS and the CD key without the CD.
Coz, in future without the CD, u cannot fix some issues.
Any ways, do get a full version XPP or XPH CD which will help u now and also
in furute.

My advice would be as such that if in future if u were to get any OEM
machines ask for the appropriate CD. (Unlike Microsoft The free support they
give is just for 1 year ). So get the XP CD along with your new machine.

Thanks for the help. I bought my original copy of XP as an upgrade
from Compaq several years ago & I no longer have the receipt or any
other proof of purchase for it except for the Product key that I wrote
down. I feel very foolish now.