XP License Question

[Francis Harrison]

I have an IBM computer on which XP Pro came installed on it and the license
key is on a tag on the side of the case. For some reason the computer was
not shipped with the original XP install CD. The OS became corrupt and it
is necessary to reinstall the OS. So without the original CD I tried to use
a off the shelf XP Pro CD and the license key from the IBM. When I do this
I get the message that the license key is not correct.

Is there a legal work around for this problem.

Thanks.

FH

 

[Malke]

I have an IBM computer on which XP Pro came installed on it and the
license
key is on a tag on the side of the case. For some reason the computer was
not shipped with the original XP install CD. The OS became corrupt and it
is necessary to reinstall the OS. So without the original CD I tried to
use
a off the shelf XP Pro CD and the license key from the IBM. When I do
this I get the message that the license key is not correct.

Is there a legal work around for this problem.

The solution is to use the correct version of XP to do the clean install.
You need either a generic OEM disk (and use the Product Key on the case
sticker) or to call IBM/Lenovo and get replacement installation media.
IBM/Lenovo is usually very good about this.

Malke

 

[Bob Harris]

Contact IBM/Lenova for advice.

But, be aware that some PCs do NOT come with installation/repair CDs.
Instead, they come with hidden restoration partitions and some means to
access that partition, usually some special key combination you hit at
bootup. If the restoration option does not work (e.g., bad hard drive),
then the PC maker would need to send you an entire new hard drive, with the
restoration partition included. Or, they might request that you send them
the PC for a hard-drive swap.

Either will likely cost you something. Compare that to the price of buying
a new copy of XP Pro, one that has never been installed on any PC. It will
come with its own license key.

 

[VanguardLH]

I have an IBM computer on which XP Pro came installed on it and the license
key is on a tag on the side of the case. For some reason the computer was
not shipped with the original XP install CD. The OS became corrupt and it
is necessary to reinstall the OS. So without the original CD I tried to use
a off the shelf XP Pro CD and the license key from the IBM. When I do this
I get the message that the license key is not correct.

Is there a legal work around for this problem.

Thanks.

FH

Use the product key that came with the "off the shelf XP Pro CD".