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Windows 8 OEM with XP Product Key

A

aez5

Junior Member
Hi all,

I've built a computer and want to install Windows 8 on it. I have access to a friend's Windows 8 system builder DVD, as well as an old and never-used Windows xp product key. Will I be able to install Windows 8 on my computer using my friend's DVD and my product key? Will having used the install DVD on two different computers (but not the same product key) give my friend any problems?

Thanks.
 
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I'm confused. Are you trying to install Windows 8 with an XP key? If that's the case no that won't work. You'll need a legal Windows 8 key which means buying a copy of Windows 8 System Builder (OEM). The disc itself doesn't matter.
 
I also have access to a Windows 7 disk. Any way to use the XP key for that? If not, is there any way that I can save money on the Windows installation process by virtue of having the XP key, or am I out of luck? I do have the XP disk, so actually installing that is an option, though I'd like to avoid it if possible.
 
You have to use the product key for which it is specified for - Winxp = winxp, win7 = win7, etc.
 
So is my only option (other than buying a completely new copy of Windows) to install XP on my computer and then upgrade? Is it possible for hardware to be too advanced for XP?
 
aez5 said:
So is my only option (other than buying a completely new copy of Windows) to install XP on my computer and then upgrade? Is it possible for hardware to be too advanced for XP?
Click to expand...

You have two options:

Buy a totally new copy of either win 7 or 8.

or,

Buy an upgrade copy of either win 7 or 8 to use with your XP key. This is slightly cheaper than the first option, but requires that you install XP (using your XP key) before then upgrading to 7 or 8.

On its own your XP key is good for XP and nothing else.
 
Merad said:
You have two options:

Buy a totally new copy of either win 7 or 8.

or,

Buy an upgrade copy of either win 7 or 8 to use with your XP key. This is slightly cheaper than the first option, but requires that you install XP (using your XP key) before then upgrading to 7 or 8.

On its own your XP key is good for XP and nothing else.
Click to expand...

It sounds to me like the goal is to put windows 8 and the machine and he doesn't care if he has to do an in-place upgrade or clean install. If that's the case, there's no reason at all to purchase Win 7, so he should just install XP and then the Windows 8 upgrade for $40 by Jan. 31:
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...ferralID=91dc2945-5f6f-11e2-8751-001b2166c2c0

Then, either a dual boot XP with Windows 8 or have Windows 8 do a wipe and install during the upgrade process (I don't think the hardware will be too advanced to install Win XP though it's possible there are some devices that don't have XP drivers. But that doesn't matter as long as the OS gets installed).
 
Assuming the XP key isn't tied to a OEM platform (i.e. dell, etc). He didn't specify where the key originated. Considering his lack of understanding on how Windows product keys work in general I hope he's not trying to use the key that might have came with his old machine with his new built machine.

I just mention this in case he has key problems that he didn't forsee.
 
Anteaus said:
Assuming the XP key isn't tied to a OEM platform (i.e. dell, etc). He didn't specify where the key originated. Considering his lack of understanding on how Windows product keys work in general I hope he's not trying to use the key that might have came with his old machine with his new built machine.

I just mention this in case he has key problems that he didn't forsee.
Click to expand...

No, it is a retail copy of xp, not tied to any oem.
 
aez5 said:
No, it is a retail copy of xp, not tied to any oem.
Click to expand...
Then you're legitimate as far as a Win8 upgrade is concerned. Your original plan will work just fine; buy an upgrade copy of Win8 and use that key for yourself. You'll just need to do the upgrade install registry trick to get it to activate.
 
1. Install XP
2. Activate XP
3. Use the above MS link to download the Win8 upgrade assistant
4. Run the upgrade assistant and purchase an upgrade to Win8
5. Save your Win8 key
6. During the upgrade assistant purchase process (after paying) select to Upgrade by creating media
7. Create an .iso file
8. Burn the file to DVD or make a bootable USB stick (there's a free MS tool for that too)

You now have an install media from which you can make fresh installations. Use it to make a new installation of Win8 and use your new Wn8 key.

EDIT: Of course your Windows XP key will be no longer valid after point 4.
 
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You can use XP key only to use XP and in fact you can use it only on edition you own. Same goes with Vista, 7 and 8. If you have W8 pro, you need a W8 pro key to install, if you have W7 home prem, you need its own key as well. You can't use XP key on anything else.
 
Advocating fraud is a good way of getting thrown out of here. Don't do it.
-ViRGE
 
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