Re: Product Key problem

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

zebedoo wrote:
Yes, at the moment Windows is working fine and the key is the same
as the one emailed to me by Microsoft. So, if I reinstall, using a
legit CD (but differerent to the one that installed the current
version) the same key will work?

The product key you have is likely retail - given the way you got it.

If you use ANY retail (unmodified retail) Windows XP (same flavor you have)
CD to install Windows at a later date - the product key you have should
allow it to install and activate. The product key is NOT attached to a
certain CD - but a type of CD.

That key will not work on OEM, upgrade, MSDN and other types of CDs given it
is a retail license product key.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: WinXP retail CD + oem XP key = invalid????
    ... installed a copy of Linux - wiping out my Windows install partition. ... Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased. ... For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: How to change activation code from retail to OEM?
    ... CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are ... An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full ... I couldn't get the OEM CD to install the OS ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: How to change activation code from retail to OEM?
    ... CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are ... An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full ... I couldn't get the OEM CD to install the OS ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: CD Key & Install
    ... they all have their Genuine Sticker with the Windows XP or Windows 2000 Professional CD key. ... When we try to install using a retail version of Windows or the version that comes with our Action Pack Subscription we get an invalid CD Key message if we use the key that is on the sticker at the bottom of the computer or the side. ... For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: How to change activation code from retail to OEM?
    ... > CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are ... a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for ... I couldn't get the OEM CD to install the OS ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)