windows XP CD key

[Guest]

I bought a used computer. It came with a windows XP CD key stuck to the
bottom of the case. The problem is which kind of XP is this for. I have tried
to install a few differant kinds of xp including some OEM versions and it
keeps saying invalid cd key.

Is there a program out there some where that I can put this key into and it
could tell me which product it is for?

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[NewScience]

Control Panel | System | General tab. tells you what Windows XP OR
msinfo32.exe OR
Belarc Advisor (www.belarc.com)

You didn't mention exactly what you are looking for. Type of Windows XP
(Home, Pro, Media Center) or Retail, OEM, MSDN, Volume, ...?

 

[Ron Martell]

I bought a used computer. It came with a windows XP CD key stuck to the
bottom of the case. The problem is which kind of XP is this for. I have tried
to install a few differant kinds of xp including some OEM versions and it
keeps saying invalid cd key.

Is there a program out there some where that I can put this key into and it
could tell me which product it is for?

Any suggestions would be great.

A label with a CD key indicates that this would be an OEM version.

It should therefore work with an OEM installation CD for installing
but may not activate, depending on the specific type of OEM CD (e.g.
from which OEM) you were using.

Note that the label should indicate whether the key is for an OEM
version of XP Pro or XP Home. They are not interchangeable - a
product key for an OEM version of XP Pro will not work with an OEM CD
for XP Home and vice versa.

Your best bet would be to determine the make and model of the computer
and contact the manufacturer/assembler regarding a replacement CD.

I recently obtained a replacement CD for XP Pro on an IBM ThinkPad. It
cost me $49CDN including shipping and worked perfectly.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply but thats not going to do it. This computer that I am
wanting to install it on has been wiped and has no operating system on it
right now.

I took another look at the stick on the bottom and it says windows XP
professional.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply it is for the Pro version. I will try and see if I can
get a hold of an OEM version of XP pro and see if that helps.

 

[LVTravel]

It may also have to be a version of OEM XP Pro shipped with
the computer from the manufacturer. Dell may not work with
Gateway, etc. version of Pro

message

 

[Guest]

It is a mind computer - if that matters. I'm begining to think this cd key is
not worth much.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ron Martell]

It is a mind computer - if that matters. I'm begining to think this cd key is
not worth much.

If the sticker is a generic Microsoft OEM one, with no manufacturer's
name on the sticker itself, then it is very likely that it is a
generic OEM version. These are used by the smaller manufacturers and
assemblers who do not have the sales volume to justify the added
expense of having their own custom installation CDs produced.

As you have the CD Key you have the most valuable part of the license,
and an XP Pro OEM CD should install okay.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."