which key

[Gulper]

I have a compaq laptop 6 mths old which came new with XP pro
preinstalled.
When I use a keyfinder utility (various) the key I get
from the registry is different from the key on the label
on the bottom of the laptop.
I assume the key in the registry is one for OEM installation.
My questions are:
1. If I ever have to do a clean install, which
key should I use?
2. If the key in the registry is already activated does that mean
the key on the label has not?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Only use the Product Key found on the label affixed to your laptop.
The Product Key found using a keyfinder only works with the master
CD the manufacturer used to originally install Windows XP.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I have a compaq laptop 6 mths old which came new with XP pro
| preinstalled.
| When I use a keyfinder utility (various) the key I get
| from the registry is different from the key on the label
| on the bottom of the laptop.
| I assume the key in the registry is one for OEM installation.
| My questions are:
| 1. If I ever have to do a clean install, which
| key should I use?
| 2. If the key in the registry is already activated does that mean
| the key on the label has not?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation. Use the Product Key affixed to the
exterior of the PC; this is _your PC's_ Product Key.


Bruce Chambers

--
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Gulper]

My thanks to you both for the reply. My course of action
is now quite clear.

Regards
Gulper

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You're welcome.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH