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XP keys only work with certain discs/versions?

B

butch84

Golden Member
I've borrowed an older laptop from work (I killed mine, it's a long story) and I reinstalled XP pro because I wanted to start fresh. I don't have the WinXP pro install disc that came with the laptop (Dell D600) so I just used one of my XP pro SP1 discs. However, when I install it won't accept the key from the COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop. It says the key is "invalid or mistyped" or something like that. So, that leads me to my question:

Do XP serial numbers only work with particular XP install cds or certain XP versions? I don't have an extra key, so I really need to get this working!

Any help would be appreciated,
Dave
 
Ok, I've found this link that seems to shed some light on things:
http://www.technibble.com/how-...-license-key-you-have/

To summarize, it says that OEM keys do not work with retail discs and vice versa. So, to use this key I need to somehow get my hands on an OEM xp pro disc. I don't have one, so what should I do? I do have an OEM XP home install disc, but I'd rather use XP pro if possible.

Am I forced to try to download an OEM XP pro disc? Suggestions?
Dave
 
Have you tried calling Dell and asking for a disk? Have the original purchaser call and politely ask, and they'll likely send you one.
 
Thanks for the replies everybody. I ended up just downloading an XP pro OEM iso. After I installed using the downloaded image, I used the legit key and activated with MS over the internet like normal, and I'm good to go. I'm not sure if I broke any laws obtaining the iso this way, but I don't feel too guilty about it since I'm using a valid key and I activated with MS.

Cheers,
Dave
 
Originally posted by: butch84
Thanks for the replies everybody. I ended up just downloading an XP pro OEM iso. After I installed using the downloaded image, I used the legit key and activated with MS over the internet like normal, and I'm good to go. I'm not sure if I broke any laws obtaining the iso this way, but I don't feel too guilty about it since I'm using a valid key and I activated with MS.

Cheers,
Dave
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