Using xp windows key with different cd

C

Chip

Hi ppl, I was wondering if anyone knows if I can use any xp cd if I have the
windows key sticker on computer. The original xp home cd got broke but I have
one (xp home) from my other computer, but the key is being used. The
harddrive was replaced so I'm just dealing with a blank drive, just not sure
how to get windows back in if i still have the key, but not the original cd.
 
M

Malke

Chip said:
Hi ppl, I was wondering if anyone knows if I can use any xp cd if I have
the windows key sticker on computer. The original xp home cd got broke but
I have
one (xp home) from my other computer, but the key is being used. The
harddrive was replaced so I'm just dealing with a blank drive, just not
sure how to get windows back in if i still have the key, but not the
original cd.

The physical install disk is not your license to use Windows XP; the Product
Key is. As long as the XP Home you have is the same version - retail,
generic OEM, branded OEM for the same system (if you have two Dells for
example or two HPs) - then it will work. The install disk must match the
installation version to which the Product Key belongs.

If you don't have a match:

a. If a friend has a matching install CD, make a copy of it.

b. If this is a branded OEM (Dell, HP, etc.) contact the OEM for replacement
media.

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

Malke
 
C

Chip

ty,


Malke said:
The physical install disk is not your license to use Windows XP; the Product
Key is. As long as the XP Home you have is the same version - retail,
generic OEM, branded OEM for the same system (if you have two Dells for
example or two HPs) - then it will work. The install disk must match the
installation version to which the Product Key belongs.

If you don't have a match:

a. If a friend has a matching install CD, make a copy of it.

b. If this is a branded OEM (Dell, HP, etc.) contact the OEM for replacement
media.

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

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!
 

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