How closely does Product ID (CD Key) need to match the CD-ROM ??

[HepDude]

Hi!

My well-intentioned friend who lent me the Win98 CD-ROM gave it to me in one of those CD album pages without the "Certificate of Authenticity" that has the Product ID number that is asked for during installation.

This same friend is now out of town. 🙁

Can I use a product ID number from a different friend's Win98 (someone who is too far to get me their CD)? And, if so, does it have to be the exact same edition, ie:

- OEM vs retail
- full vs upgrade
- first edition vs SE

Do all three have to match, or ?

UPDATE: I was able to reach my friend anyway (the one who lent me the CD-ROM) and he read me the ID over the phone, so everything is okay for the moment. But, I'm still interested in the answer for future reference.

 

[Cyph3r]

The Product ID is largely exchangeable across the entire line of MS products..I've personally used the SAME ID when installing a bunch of different apps which ask for a Product ID, in the same way I've use the same CD-KEY when asked for one. I have the MSDN kit and I just went and wrote down one version of each of the CD-KEY's and Product ID and use it all the time..works fine..Regards

 

[AndyHui]

I've noticed that OEM and Retail are NOT interchangeable.