Re: Question about WinXP and OEM install...

Franz Bruyere Jr. wrote:
Greetings...

I have a couple of questions regarding Windows XP installation and activation.

1) If I have a Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade Ver 2002 (legal with COA and Prod Key sticker), can I legally get a 'copy' of the Windows XP Home Upgrade with SP2 cd? It would make it easier than having to do all the SP2 upgrades after installing the original version.



No, but you can easily create one of your own by slipstreaming the service pack into the installation files.

For slip-streaming the service pack and subsequent updates to WinXP:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm



2) I received a Compaq computer from a client of mine after working on a new computer she bought. The (original) hard drive was dead, and I couldn't recover anything off of it.

The case has the Windows XP Home Edition COA with the Prod Key. Since I have this COA, does this mean I can install WinXP Home on this computer with this Key?



If you have a copy of a generic, unbranded OEM WinXP Home CD, yes. That Product Key could not be used with anything other than an OEM WinXP Home CD.



I put a new hard drive in the system and tried to do this, but it told me that the Key was invalid.


This is because Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD and/or license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) 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. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.


Is there another way that I can do this? Or do I have to try to get the Restore CD from Compaq?


I rather doubt that HP/Compaq would be willing to provide such support to anyone but the original purchaser of the PC (and then only whilst within the warranty period), but it certainly can't hurt to ask. Otherwise, you should be able to use a generic, unbranded OEM installation CD with that Product Key. You might be able to borrow such a CD from an acquaintance, or pick one up quite inexpensively at a computer swap meet or second-hand shop.



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