cd key question for installing XP pro

[drum]

I am formatting and installing xp pro on my laptop but i lost my product info since i got it. I have an XP pro upgrade cd that i got through my university. Can i install xp pro with my pro cd and use the cd key from my xp pro upgrade cd? i really don't want to install 2000 so i can use my upgrade cd to reinstall pro.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I don't think so, but you don't need to install 2k. Boot from the XP disk, it will ask you for another Windows disk. Just insert the 2k cd, push the button it tells you to, and you should be able to install it just fine. It might also install just fine if you have a windows version installed on the hard drive already.

 

[KF]

I believe they use the same keys, if they are both Pro. Home, Pro, and Corp keys don't mix. But as n0cmonkey points out, there is not much to be gained by using the full CD instead of the upgrade. The only difference between the installs will be the check for a previous version. If one CD is has the sp1 patches, that would be the better to one use, for security reasons.

 

[Twista]

I think you can burn a copy of that disk but before you burn it you have to change some text in one file in the i386 folder. Im not going to say how but you get what im saying.

[edit: now that i think, this is not legal :/ b/c it changes it from updgrade to full. (no intructions from me though)]

 

[straubs]

My "xp pro upgrade" disk from my university is actually a full install disc. It says "upgrade" on it, but it never asks for a CD or any other proof of prior ownership. I would bet yours doesn't either.

 

[drum]

Originally posted by: straubs
My "xp pro upgrade" disk from my university is actually a full install disc. It says "upgrade" on it, but it never asks for a CD or any other proof of prior ownership. I would bet yours doesn't either.

yeah, i tried it and didn't get a prompt. cool.
thanks for the input guys