Installing clean XP Home using OEM number on computer case?

[bmacd]

I purchased a cheap computer that came pre-installed with XP Home. Normally, I'm an avid Pro user, but for the price of this computer, I couldn't pass it up.

I have a copy of XP Home on CD, but do not intend on using the CD Key assigned to that CD. Will XP Home allow me to use the number printed on the side of my case?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

OK, I'm confused. The computer has XP Home installed but you want to install XP Home again?

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: bmacd
I purchased a cheap computer that came pre-installed with XP Home. Normally, I'm an avid Pro user, but for the price of this computer, I couldn't pass it up.

I have a copy of XP Home on CD, but do not intend on using the CD Key assigned to that CD. Will XP Home allow me to use the number printed on the side of my case?

So, basically, you have 2 licenses/coa's for Windows XP Home. You want to use the COA on the side of the case. As long as that COA type is of the type, from which the CD you are installing from; OEM, Retail, etc..

OEM CD = OEM COA/Install Key
Retail CD = Retail COA/Install Key

etc.. etc.. etc..

 

[QueZart]

You can or should if they are they Same type as explained above. How do you check?

Look for a Install folder on the HDD Most OEMs place the XP files on the HDD for adding Hardware and such.
Search for a folder named i386 of the HDD,
/windowsoptions/cabs - is another folder I've found them in

theres 3 files your looking for
winnt.sif - not needed but if its there it has a key that would automatically be used
UNATTEND.TXT - This file has what appears to be a product key in it, setup uses this to determine what range of keys are accepted
setupp.ini - has the PID in it, determines wether its an OEM or retail version

if the numbers in these file Match whats on your CD in the i386 folder then it will accept the Key on the sticker just fine.
If they are not Use NLite to build a new Setup disc replacing these files from the HDD over the ones on your CD

1. Copy entire CD to a folder on your HDD
2. copy UNATTEND.TXT and setupp.ini from wherever you found them on the computer over the ones that came from the CD. Delete winnt.sif from this folder if it exists
3. Load NLite select Compile ISO. Then Burn it.

 

[bmacd]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
OK, I'm confused. The computer has XP Home installed but you want to install XP Home again?

Roger. There is so much junk software installed that I'd like to start fresh. I have a genuine CD from another computer, but do not want to jeopardize that CD key for this computer.

 

[CaptainGoodnight]

If the copy of the WinXP CD is a retail copy (or from another OEM) then no.

edit: Unless what QueZart said works. Otherwise a straight install will not work.