are windows xp installation cd's tied to a certain cd key?

[kcthomas]

I came across 2 compaq laptops which needed windows reinstalled (with 2 separate installation cd's). when i try to activate windows it says the cd key is wrong. could i maybe have mixed the 2 installation cd's? it happened with the other one too but my dad got past it somehow (maybe he called in)

 

[Ricemarine]

As long as they are the same OS, yes you can.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: kcthomas
I came across 2 compaq laptops which needed windows reinstalled (with 2 separate installation cd's). when i try to activate windows it says the cd key is wrong. could i maybe have mixed the 2 installation cd's? it happened with the other one too but my dad got past it somehow (maybe he called in)

The actual key number is not tied to the CD except for the TYPE of the CD and the TYPE of the CD Key. By type I mean OEM, Retail, VLK, If the CD is OEM you have to use an any OEM CD Key. Although some manufacturers have the installation written on their OEM Cd's to check the BIOS for the PC type ( Dell, HP ) before it will continue.

pcgeek11

 

[kcthomas]

hmm they are the same laptop with the same cd. wierd that both of them have had problems. thanks for the info

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: kcthomas
hmm they are the same laptop with the same cd. wierd that both of them have had problems. thanks for the info

It's more than likely that they're BIOS-locked versions of XP that remove the need for activation.

Just as long as the laptop's DMI information and hard disk tag match the four encrypted files that are sent to the manufacturer by Microsoft, then no activation is needed.

 

[sevenal]

A couple links to look at

http://www.techimo.com/forum/t148783.html

http://www.techimo.com/forum/t150787.html

one of those will wort if the magic jelly bean don't

An old thread but good current info

sev