Windows XP Product key update

[OilSheikh]

I thought I would share something with my fellow Hexites.

Many of us have bought laptops but the Windows XP CD doesn't come with the laptop. In some cases, you have the recovery CD's but you don't want all the bundled junk from the manufacturer.

Now, you can download a copy of Windows ( same edition that you have ) and install it using the dodgy Product key that you got with the download. But, you want to use the Genuine Product Key at the bottom of your laptop/netbook. ( Btw During installation, your Genuine key is refused )

So, what do you do ?

Go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...ne/product-key

and follow instructions for Win XP to use your Genuine product key.

[GoNz0]

not much use unless you have the identical OEM version of windows though

[OilSheikh]

not much use unless you have the identical OEM version of windows though

Like I said, you need an identical edition of Windows. Obviously, XP Pro key wont work with XP Home.
You do not need a DELL XP CD for your DELL laptop though.

[redddraggon]

Whenever I have needed to install windows onto a laptop, I never use the recovery disks. You can download the ISOs direct from MS/Digitalriver for free.

http://www.windows7hacker.com/index....icial-website/

Never had a problem with my OEM key being accepted when installing from a retail copy.

[Splash]

Windows 7 you can download, Windows XP I didn't think you could without resorting to sources that Hexus would frown on.

[redddraggon]

Windows 7 you can download, Windows XP I didn't think you could without resorting to sources that Hexus would frown on.

I just used the MSDN versions when I used XP, no problem with them either. Haven't had XP on one of my computers for nearly 4 years now though.

[Splash]

Aye, but most mortals don't have an MSDN account at their disposal (also the OP was specifically about WinXP)

[g8ina]

all useful stuff that I wasnt aware of, thanks guys

Was about to start a full 12 DVD backup of Sally's new Acer laptop, as per Acer's built in system, but with a legal source of an iso for win7 home prem 64bit, I dont need to now

[Behemoth]

Would love to know if there is a download like that for Vista 32 Bit (thinking of selling my laptop and have lost my recovery DVD)

[watercooled]

Interestingly, I was playing around with an older system a few days ago and out of interest I had a look through the advanced options on the recovery discs and much to my surprise, there was an option to install only Windows XP and the PB Smart Restore thing. Sure enough, it did what it said and gave a nearly clean XP install. I mean there is a custom wallpaper, an outdated version of shockwave and a few OEM folders but nothing really to worry about. Have a look - you never know!

[watercooled]

Oh and something I forgot to mention, since the Windows 7 .iso images are all very similar, you can use this tool to turn one into another to save bandwidth/storage space - just keep that program with any 32 and 64 bit images (it cant change architecture) and you're done.

[GoNz0]

Would love to know if there is a download like that for Vista 32 Bit (thinking of selling my laptop and have lost my recovery DVD)

if you have a key why not grab a all in 1 windows iso from a file sharing site.

[Behemoth]

if you have a key why not grab a all in 1 windows iso from a file sharing site.

I've always found them to be a bit dodgy.