Urgent - Window XP Serial Number

Zrl201

Member
Nov 12, 2003
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I'm going to format the my desktop HDD which contains a factory version of WinXP Pro (no CD). I have a XP Home CD that came along with a HP laptop.I was wondering if I can use my XP home serial and CD? I already used the serial once to format my laptop about half a year ago ( I didn't like all the crap they load my laptop with)


I remember reading that if six months passes, I can use the number again.
Thanks
 

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
Originally posted by: Zrl201
I'm going to format the my desktop HDD which contains a factory version of WinXP Pro (no CD). I have a XP Home CD that came along with a HP laptop.I was wondering if I can use my XP home serial and CD? I already used the serial once to format my laptop about half a year ago ( I didn't like all the crap they load my laptop with)


I remember reading that if six months passes, I can use the number again.
Thanks

Legally, no, you cannot use your CD-key again. You have one license for XP Pro and one license for XP Home.
 

Zrl201

Member
Nov 12, 2003
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Hmm. I didn't realize that. I was going to use my XP Home cd again for my desktop but I guess that's not possible.
 

LeChuck59

Member
May 4, 2004
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It is possible, though I don't know that it's legal. I recently put together a new comp and I was able to use my old copy of XP Home and my old serial to install WinXP. It activated over the net without a problem.
 

Zrl201

Member
Nov 12, 2003
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Hmm. Anyone else who know if its ok for me to do it. I hate companies that install windows for you and refuse to give you a CD.
 

BFG10K

Lifer
Aug 14, 2000
22,709
3,002
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The length of time is about 3-4 months. As for your question, I wouldn't have a problem doing it since you legally own two copies of Windows. It's not your fault you didn't get a CD with your desktop like you should have.
 

Zrl201

Member
Nov 12, 2003
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Originally posted by: Need4Speed
borrow someone elses cd and use your key

I have a XP home CD but not a pro CD as I never got it when I got my system. I plan to install home and use home's key.