Can I install XP Home SP2 using key from older XP disc?

[bgc99]

I'm going to build myself a new maching and give my existing system to my parents. Before doing so I will install a new hard disk and wipe any other I leave in it. I will then make a clean install of the OS.

I bought a new upgrade copy of XP Home SP2 so I would have one copy per machine. Can I use the SP2 version to install on both machines, using the key that came with it for the new machine and using the key from my existing disc (original release version) on the old machine?

If I can use the SP2 copy for both machines it would save the hassle of having to do all the updates to the original version and possibly avoid large hard disk compatibility issues.

Thanks,
BGC

 

[mechBgon]

To use a WinXP Home Upgrade license, you need to be licensed for a qualifying older Windows version like Win98 or WinME, to upgrade from. Do you have that all lined up? Otherwise you should probably return your WinXP Home Upgrade and get WinXP Home OEM Full Version instead.

 

[bgc99]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
To use a WinXP Home Upgrade license, you need to be licensed for a qualifying older Windows version like Win98 or WinME, to upgrade from. Do you have that all lined up? .

Yes, I just want to install the sp2 disc to both machines to avoid all the updating if I install the original disc to one of them.

BGC

 

[mechBgon]

If you have an Upgrade license, you should use the Upgrade CD in combination with your qualifying previous-version Windows CD & license, then install SP2 afterwards. Trying to use your Upgrade license key with a Full-Version OEM CD is probably not going to work. It might work with a Full-Version Retail CD, since they have the capability to do upgrades...

Why are you so worried about "all the updating?" It doesn't take that long to install SP2... I'd say about the same amount of time that it takes to bake a large frozen pizza If you have dial-up, and you have to download SP2 manually, then consider just ordering it from Microsoft on CD at no charge. Or I hear you can get it at major computer retailers like Frys, Best Buy, probably Dabs...

 

[bgc99]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Trying to use your Upgrade license key with a Full-Version OEM CD is probably not going to work. It might work with a Full-Version Retail CD, since they have the capability to do upgrades...

I have 2 retail upgrade versions, one is sp2 and one was the original release version (pre sp1).

Why are you so worried about "all the updating?" It doesn't take that long to install SP2

I read somewhere that the original release version didn't have the ability to 'see' all of the space on large hard drives. So you would run into trouble doing an install on a large hard disk. The large hd problem can apparently be avoided by creating a slipstreamed install disc, but that seems like a big pain in the ass when I have a new XP Home SP2 upgrade sitting here.

BGC