Reinstalling XP

[Guest]

I need to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. I can not find my original
XP disc. I have received, from Microsoft, the XP2 disc.

My question is, can I use ANY original XP install disc, as long as I have my
registration number available?

 

[--Alias--]

I need to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. I can not find my original
XP disc. I have received, from Microsoft, the XP2 disc.

My question is, can I use ANY original XP install disc, as long as I have my
registration number available?

No, but you can use any XP install disc that is the same type as yours,
i.e., OEM pro if you have that, retail pro if you have that, etc. If you
originally had retail Pro, you cannot use OEM Pro, OEM Home or retail Home.

Alias

 

[Mark Ritchie]

I've never had a problem with XP home, but I have had issues with XP Pro
because there is Volume Licensing and Retail licensing. It's a real pain
when you go through the process and you find out you have the wrong media
when you try to enter your key.

--
Regards,

Mark Ritchie


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[Ken Blake, MVP]

I need to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. I can not find my
original XP disc. I have received, from Microsoft, the XP2 disc.

My question is, can I use ANY original XP install disc, as long as I
have my registration number available?

No, not any one. You have to use a CD that matches with respect to whether
its Professional vs. Home, Full vs. Upgrade, and Retail vs. OEM. If it
matches in *all* those respects, yes.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I need to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. I can not find my original
XP disc. I have received, from Microsoft, the XP2 disc.

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer.

My question is, can I use ANY original XP install disc, as long as I have my
registration number available?

No, you have to use the correct type of installation CD for the
specific type of license you own.

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

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