Can I use XP PRO before I have a CD-key?

AndeeG

Member
Oct 18, 2006
188
0
0
It appears that a friend of a friend should be able to get me a copy of XP Pro for around $20. The only problem is that it won't arrive until after thanksgiving and I've been waiting to use my new computer long enough. When I installed my Dell XP Home I noticed that you don't have to activate the OS for a month. Is this possible with Pro? If I do this, will I be able to get windows updates? If so, it would be fantastic if I could simply borrow an XP Pro cd from someone to use until I get the $20 copy and activate it.

Thanks in advance! (Sorry if this is a noob question)
 

Bluefront

Golden Member
Apr 20, 2002
1,466
0
0
Well don't quote me....but. I think you could install the OS using the cd key that came with the disk. Then when you actually get your own installation cd, use an available utility to change the installed key to the new one. Then you could activate the OS with MS..legally. Not sure how much time you have to do this.

You could always reinstall if the time ran out before you got your own key.....
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
11,586
0
0
With both XP Home and XP Pro, as long as the Key type matches the CD type (Retail, OEM, etc.), you can use a key for less than 30 days. To change the Key before Activation, use the "Activate over the Telephone" option, where you are allowed to change the Key.

Note that you won't be able to do "manual" Windows Updates until you've Activated XP. But you can do "Automatic Updates", as well as manual patching to SP2 if necessary.
 

ForumMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2005
7,792
1
0
you can install with a key from the net and then replace it. just make sure that the version of your key and OS are identical.
 

AndeeG

Member
Oct 18, 2006
188
0
0
If I install using another CD Key, will there be any notable problems or will I be able to run everything fine?

I'm not sure what "type" he's getting. All I know is that it is through some sort of educational discount (he's a computer science major at Cal Poly). My friend said that part of the deal is that one may use the provided key as many times as he wants but that seems kind of fishy.
 

John

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
33,944
4
81
Originally posted by: AndeeG
If I install using another CD Key, will there be any notable problems or will I be able to run everything fine?

As previously stated CD keys aren't universal. Unless you "borrow" the same type of XP Pro that your friend is sending you'll most likely have to do a repair install. You stated in your OP that you have XP Home. Is this what you are using now? If so why are you wanting to upgrade to Pro?
 

AndeeG

Member
Oct 18, 2006
188
0
0
Originally posted by: John
Originally posted by: AndeeG
If I install using another CD Key, will there be any notable problems or will I be able to run everything fine?

As previously stated CD keys aren't universal. Unless you "borrow" the same type of XP Pro that your friend is sending you'll most likely have to do a repair install. You stated in your OP that you have XP Home. Is this what you are using now? If so why are you wanting to upgrade to Pro?

I meant assuming the CD keys are the same type. Sorry it wasn't clear.

Right now I have XP Home on my 4 year old Dell. I currently have no OS for my new computer. XP Pro is what's available for the discount so that's what I'm planning on getting. Now I'm thinking that I should just install XP Home from my Dell disk and use it until I get Pro from my friend.
 

TTM77

Golden Member
Dec 21, 2002
1,280
0
0
I am not sure if XP is similar to Office. But with Office they allow you to active the same key twice. After that they accuse you of a victim bla bla...
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
1
0
Originally posted by: AndeeG
Originally posted by: John
Originally posted by: AndeeG
If I install using another CD Key, will there be any notable problems or will I be able to run everything fine?

As previously stated CD keys aren't universal. Unless you "borrow" the same type of XP Pro that your friend is sending you'll most likely have to do a repair install. You stated in your OP that you have XP Home. Is this what you are using now? If so why are you wanting to upgrade to Pro?

I meant assuming the CD keys are the same type. Sorry it wasn't clear.

Right now I have XP Home on my 4 year old Dell. I currently have no OS for my new computer. XP Pro is what's available for the discount so that's what I'm planning on getting. Now I'm thinking that I should just install XP Home from my Dell disk and use it until I get Pro from my friend.
Just wait for your XP Pro. If you're dying to try out your new ride RIGHT TEH AWAYS, then "borrow" WindowsXP Pro x64 Edition from teh Microsoft ;) 120 days free.

I am not sure if XP is similar to Office. But with Office they allow you to active the same key twice. After that they accuse you of a victim bla bla...
It's a different system for Windows. One license for one PC evar, if it's an OEM license (which the Dell's is). If it's a retail license, then one license can be used on one computer at a time.