Will this work?

[Gamingphreek]

My Windows XP CD key has become scratched and i cannot reliably install windows XP. I have to install 2000 and then upgrade to XP to have any sort of success.

My friend has a CD. Is it possible for him to copy the entire CD to the HDD and maybe zip those files. Once that is done, is it possible to send it over Gmail, and then have me download the attachment and burn it to a CD.

Or instead of zipping is it possible to burn the disc to an image and then send the image file to me?

Finally, he can just give me the CD rather than all of that.

IN all of those circumstances i can use his CD but my CD-Key right?

-Kevin

 

[Taz480]

Only if it is the same version. OEM keys only work with OEM versions. Retail Keys only work with retail versions, etc. Im lost is it the CD or the product key(COA label) that is scratched? Also, your friend has the right to make a back up copy of his own original holographic Windows disc but technically(I think) is not allowed to give it to you. But you aren't trying to pirate anything cuz you are gonna use ur own license, I should dare think it would be alright. Have you tried to get the disc replaced by M$?

 

[Taz480]

Here's M$'s actual policy on software copying....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT
SOFTWARE


1.6 Back-up Copy. YOU MAY MAKE A SINGLE
BACK-UP COPY OF THE SOFTWARE.
YOU MAY USE ONE (1) BACK-UP
COPY SOLELY FOR YOUR ARCHIVAL
PURPOSES AND TO REINSTALL THE
SOFTWARE ON THE COMPUTER.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED
IN THIS EULA OR BY LOCAL LAW,
YOU MAY NOT OTHERWISE MAKE
COPIES OF THE SOFTWARE, INCLUDING
THE PRINTED MATERIALS ACCOMPANYING
THE SOFTWARE. YOU MAY NOT
LOAN, RENT, LEASE, LEND OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE CD OR
BACK-UP COPY TO ANOTHER USER.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Im lost is it the CD or the product key(COA label) that is scratched?

The actual CD itself is scratched enough that some of the data doesn't get copied, i cannot format through the XP install etc...

I wasn't aware that MS would replace the disc. BUt i can try. Unfortunately my new RAM will be here soon, and my PSU replacement (Died so i RMAed it) will be here soon. I want to have a nice fresh new system to run everything on.

At anyrate, you dont see any reason why i cant use his CD, but my CD/Product Key?

-Kevin

 

[Atheus]

Try a bit of toothpaste on the CD, it worked for me a few times. If you get it working just once, you could copy your own CD.

 

[Taz480]

See if this helps.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
At anyrate, you dont see any reason why i cant use his CD, but my CD/Product Key?

-Kevin

Like Taz said, you have to have the same type/version. I mean, if I order 10 Dell PC's with 10 different OEM keys I can use the same physical CD with the individual OEM keys on each PC. If yours is retail and his OEM or vice versa then it's not going to work. Worst case is you'll get up to the part with the key and it will fail.