Win XP OEM COA Key Question

[TC10284]

Hey all,

Basically, the title and summary says it all. I have two systems that are an eMachine and a Dell. Both have OEM versions of Win XP Home and the COA stickers are on the case. However, I cannot find the restore CDs for either of the systems (each system has the original hardware in them).

Is there anyway to restore the OS using those keys?

Thanks!

 

[Zugzwang152]

Getting a replacement CD from the vendor is the recommended and most "legal" option.

 

[bruceb]

The replacement cd is the best route as it will likely have
all your drivers on it ... this willl not be on the XP CD Dell
or eMachines sends you, they would be on a seperate cd
which you should also ask for ... some machine makers
send a Restore CD Set and not an Operating System CD
Using a restore cd will put the machine back to as delivered
with all the associated extra garbage software

As to just the OS ... if you have an XP Home OEM CD
then, yes, you could use that to reinstall your OS with
the Proper Key that is on the Target Computer

 

[TG2]

Yes, if you had an XP Home OEM CD, you could reinstall onto bnothof those using the CDKey on the case.
Do you have an XP Home OEM CD?

 

[TC10284]

Yes, I do have an XP Home OEM CD. But I could swear I tried that on the Dell originally and it refused the key. =/

 

[V00D00]

Then it is not an OEM cd.

I've done it with a dell and an different oem cd, it worked fine.

It's also a good idea to use a program that will suck the drivers out for you.