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Microsoft Product Key question

B

Bacinator

Senior member
My co-workers and I are in a debate, and I am looking for proof of an answer to the following question:

Does a Microsoft Windows (XP Pro) Product Key only work with the specific disc it came with, or any Microsoft Windows (Same OS/version) disc?
 
Only the disc it came with - there's a little elf working around the clock at MS, burning CDs one at a time, each with a different product key algorithm.
 
Well it depends. Some product keys, such as a enterpise key, will not work on a non-enterprise CD and vice versa.
 
Originally posted by: sward666
Only the disc it came with - there's a little elf working around the clock at MS, burning CDs one at a time, each with a different product key algorithm.
Click to expand...

Those are the magic computer gnomes. Closely related to the ones that fix shoes.
 
Originally posted by: Winchester
Well it depends. Some product keys, such as a enterpise key, will not work on a non-enterprise CD and vice versa.
Click to expand...

Note that the orignal post says "same version" 😉.

Anyway, the latter.
 
Originally posted by: sward666
Only the disc it came with - there's a little elf working around the clock at MS, burning CDs one at a time, each with a different product key algorithm.
Click to expand...
Hahahah.

Your proof is common sense and the ability to reason.
 
Originally posted by: CTho9305
Originally posted by: Winchester
Well it depends. Some product keys, such as a enterpise key, will not work on a non-enterprise CD and vice versa.
Click to expand...

Note that the orignal post says "same version" 😉.

Anyway, the latter.
Click to expand...

Note that "same OS/version" means Home, Professional, Volume Licensing, etc.
 
Originally posted by: Ynog
Originally posted by: sward666
Only the disc it came with - there's a little elf working around the clock at MS, burning CDs one at a time, each with a different product key algorithm.
Click to expand...

Those are the magic computer gnomes. Closely related to the ones that fix shoes.
Click to expand...


don't forget about the ones that steal your underpants!!!
 
Each key works within a class:

XP Home
  • OEM
    Retail
    Upgrade
XP Pro
  • OEM
    Retail
    Upgrade
XP Pro Corp (Volume License Key)

Service pack level doesn't matter.

- M4H
 
The upgrade keys work with the full/OEM versions?

[johnny carson]
I.Did.Not.Know.That.
[/johnny carson]

Next time I buy a HD, I'll buy an OEM but keep the key virgin.
 
Originally posted by: bernse
The upgrade keys work with the full/OEM versions?

[johnny carson]
I.Did.Not.Know.That.
[/johnny carson]

Next time I buy a HD, I'll buy an OEM but keep the key virgin.
Click to expand...

No, which was why I split them up into OEM/Upgrade/Retail ... at least that's how it works IIRC.

- M4H
 
Thanks for the help.

The issue was I brought my Windows XP Home Retail CD in, because the person didn't have their OEM CD, but they had a product key sticker on their machine for Windows XP Home OEM. Without asking they installed windows home using my key, because their key would not work. So now I'm trying to get them to wipe their disk, and that is what sparked the debate.

Thanks again all.
 
Originally posted by: Bacinator
Thanks for the help.

The issue was I brought my Windows XP Home Retail CD in, because the person didn't have their OEM CD, but they had a product key sticker on their machine for Windows XP Home OEM. Without asking they installed windows home using my key, because their key would not work. So now I'm trying to get them to wipe their disk, and that is what sparked the debate.

Thanks again all.
Click to expand...
Correct..An XP home OEM key will not work with an XP home retail cd. I would basically remind them that they just ripped you off and that you will be over to format thier machine later. Don't take thier word for it that they formatted..See it happen with your own eyes.

 
She is clueless like a moo-cow...

and it's too late... the computer is already back in her families hands. I'm going to try and get her word that she fixed it though. She wouldn't lie, she just didnt know any better.
 
I have a question. I lost my WinXP box and cd case in a move and was wondering how I can find my product key if I need to reinstall Windows?
 
Hehe.. This thread was dead for over 2 weeks, and someone brought it back! Weee!!!!

Windows, and Windows OEM come with a little sticker. If you built your comp yourself and lost all the goodies, then you should keep lookin for an answer, or try the link above.

If you bought your system pre-built from someone reputable (best buy, circuit city, etc...), or if you had fore-sight enough to do it yourself, Window's OS's come with a little sticker you're supposed to stick on your Computer Case for just this reason. So if you look all around on it, and see a white sticker with a colored border (mine are usually pinkish/purple) and a code in there center... That should be your key. =)
 
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