Does OEM XP key work on Retail XP?

[4537256]

my laptop shows the oem xp key, i still have my xp sp1 disk.
i wanted to Nlite the retail xp and use it on laptop but was hoping i can use OEM key.
would it work the same?

i used up all the activations of my xp retail disk which forced me to call them each time i wanted to activate so would be easier to use oem key if it works.

 

[Dahak]

not by default. there is a file that has to be edited to say what keys are allowed to be accepted

 

[corkyg]

OEM keys are tied to specific hardware. If it is the hardware it is tied to, then the hash should work.

 

[ed21x]

OEM are also all home editions, so make sure you are using xp home to nlite.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: ed21x
OEM are also all home editions, so make sure you are using xp home to nlite.

Actually, no. XP Professional and XP Media Center Edition were also made in OEM versions. In fact, XP MCE is ONLY available in OEM.

 

[Bozo Galora]

Originally posted by: Dahak
not by default. there is a file that has to be edited to say what keys are allowed to be accepted

Correct
the file on XP CD to edit is setupp.ini
there is an 8 digit PID number
The first 5 digits are the MPC, last 3 class of lic

You can make any key work with any vers OEM Corp Ret MSN, or platform X86 X64
You will have to get correct MPC and Vol label for install type

You can google all this for more info

 

[n7]

Unless you do what Bozo is explaining, you will need an OEM disc to make your OEM key work.

Otherwise it'll come up as invalid.

There are ways to acquire perfectly clean versions of XP OEM images...