Finding the right XP CD for my CD key

[ibiris]

I'm not sure what the legalities of doing it this way are, but you could try as follows...

Use a Windows XP Pro Oem or retail disc with a different CD key to install on your computer, but before activation, change the cd key using the microsoft cd key changer and then activate. Although you will have used a different key to get the install going it will be registered with your cd key.

Like I said, I'm not sure if this is illegal or not because you are installing a copy that is likely to be already installed on another system. But seeing as you change the cd key to your cd key, i can't see the problem.

[rosandjoe]

The laptop that I bought second hand unfortunately did not come with the original installation disks. Although it did come with the CD key certificate stuck to the bottom of it. I tried borrowing my friend's XP cd but it will not accept my CD key.

How do I go about finding which Windows XP CD will work for my key?

I HAVE A PROBLEM MY COMPUTER
IT WILL NOT LOAD UP I AM ON XP BUT WHAEN I TRY TO REBOOT MY KEY IS INVALIED
ANY HELP WOULD BE GOOD AS I AM A BEGINNER!!!!

[alsenior]

firstly stop typing with the caps lock on. it looks very annoying.

secondly

is the machine a large oem machine I.E (dell , hp, advent )
or a local shop / self build

also when does this message occur I.E ( before , during or after ogin)

And do you have a C.O.A on the base of the machine or the side of the tower

And what version is installed (home or Professional)

[Stringent]

What make of laptop is it? Sometimes other OEM Install disks will work with the key you have. I understand your frustration though. Did you total the hard drive because sometimes there are recovery partitions on the laptops which you can do a restore from.

[Phillikon]

I think I know what your problem is going to be.
If your computer was at any time in a corporate environment it would have probably been rebuilt from a corporate licence key, even if the machine was brand new, it is common practice to put a company standard build on pc's even when they come brand new from the OEM.
What this means is you'll find an OEM licence key on the bottom or side of your machine but this won’t be the copy of windows that is actually on it.
The only way round this is to purchase another copy of windows, or to reinstall from an OEM CD from scratch using the sticker on your PC, because to use the corporate copy that is on it now would actually be illegal.

I could be wrong but this is what it looks like has happened.

[Stevo3000]

Not sure if I've missed out where someone else has already stated this, but an original XP CD key will not work with an XP SP2 CD! So make sure that you are using the correct CD for the key!

[Phillikon]

Not sure if I've missed out where someone else has already stated this, but an original XP CD key will not work with an XP SP2 CD! So make sure that you are using the correct CD for the key!

I don't know about the retail version of XP but I am running a Pro Enterprise licence and all the builds work with the same key, the key is not interchangeable with other types of licensed discs however.
IE I can't use it to install an OEM build.

[2Cold Scorpio]

I've never had this problem myself (yet), but its nice to know it can be done if I ever need it. At least Vista made it easier (use any disk, as long as its the same bits (32- or 64-) and simply use your key and tell it which version your key is for, unless I'm remembering wrong). Point is, at least with Vista you don't have to change files on the disk.

[Steve B]