XP Retail vs OEM

[John Mead]

I need to perform a Repair on my XP Pro. Can I use a retail version (I
happen to have an extra copy) for my repair, or must I use the same copy as
the original install. Does the system check to see if it's the same serial
number?

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

I need to perform a Repair on my XP Pro. Can I use a retail version (I
happen to have an extra copy) for my repair, or must I use the same copy as
the original install. Does the system check to see if it's the same serial
number?

Your OEM key will most probably NOT work with your Retail CD, here are
a couple of links that may be of some use :-

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Ron Martell]

I need to perform a Repair on my XP Pro. Can I use a retail version (I
happen to have an extra copy) for my repair, or must I use the same copy as
the original install. Does the system check to see if it's the same serial
number?

If you use a Retail CD to do a Repair Install then you must enter the
product key for the retail version and not the OEM product key. This
will effectively transfer the retail license to that computer and
render the OEM license useless because it is permanently locked to
that computer and cannot be legitimately transferred to another
computer under any circumstances.

Good luck

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

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