XP Key

[Guest]

We have a small network with 25 PC’s all have XP pro OEM pre installed at
purchase. The CD’s where unpacked by a previous employee and placed into the
wrong sleeves and thrown into a drawer of a filing cabinet. I have been
charged with carrying out an inventory of IT hardware/software. Is their any
quick way of identifying which XP disc is associated with which Key or do I
have to insert the CD’s into each PC until I find the right one.

 

[BarryG]

The CDs should ALL be the same if they are from the same OEM. The difference
will be in the license key used to load each one. There should be a sticker
with the license key number stuck to the case of the computer.
OR, Belarc Advisor can retrieve it for you.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Good Luck.

BarryG

 

[David Candy]

If loaded by a large OEM they will have the OEM''s key used for install. Therefore Belarc Advisor will give the wrong key. Large OEM supply an installed OS using the OEM's key not the customer's key. You use your key on the label on the computer if reinstalling.

And, as you said, all CDs of a type accept all product keys for that type. EG All retail keys work with all retail CDs. The key isn't on the CD. The key used has to pass some math test.

 

[Chris Priede]

Hi,

Is their any quick way of identifying which XP disc is
associated with which Key or do I have to insert the CD's
into each PC until I find the right one.

There is a difference between full retail, upgrade, OEM, volume licensing,
and sometimes also large OEM branded media. There is no difference between
similar discs for the same product, so if yours are all the same, it doesn't
matter.

In fact, most people toss all but a couple -- it's the COA label with the
product key that matters.

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

We have a small network with 25 PC's all have XP pro OEM pre
installed at purchase. The CD's where unpacked by a previous employee
and placed into the wrong sleeves and thrown into a drawer of a > filing
cabinet. I have been charged with carrying out an inventory of
IT hardware/software. Is their any quick way of identifying which XP
disc is associated with which Key or do I have to insert the CD's
into each PC until I find the right one.

The Product Keys are not hard coded to each CD, the Product Key will be on
the outside of the case if the OEM followed Microsoft's specific
instructions. You can use any CD of the same version [i.e. Home, Pro] on any
of the computers. The important thing is the Product Key, not the CD.
As David said, the Product Key you would get from any Key Finding utility
would be the generic key used by the OEM to install.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
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[Guest]

Hi
Thanks to all contributors for your responses, looks like you have saved me
a heap of time.
Regards
Joe