Re: A Warning to WinXP Users Who Re-install a Lot.


Jesse wrote:
What about using an OEM key to install a retail copy? I need to reinstall
Win XP on my computer. But the OEM install media is ancient -- pre-SP1. I've
got a brand-new retail CD with SP2 here; can I use that CD with my OEM
serial number to reinstall?

THanks!


"Brian Wescombe" <brian.wescombeSODOFF@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:WBGhg.15203$x53.8273@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"1 of 1" <the.cube@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4483a399$0$16922$afc38c87@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I have a legal version of WinXP which until a few months ago I had fun
installing/playing with new soft/hardware that seriously compromised WinXP
& I had to re-install.
I've since found out that I can't re-install as often as I want. I don't
know how many re-installs I did but I now have to ring the MS Help desk
every time I want to re-install.
You do not have standard rights for the installation of (some) Microsoft
software.

Retail licences can be re-installed as many times as you want, as long as
it's only on one PC at a time. Activation will succeed if it's been more
than 120 days since last activation.
Did you re-install by formatting the HDD? Every time that's done, the
volume serial number changes - activation server will pick that up
eventually.



An OEM key will, most likely, NOT work with a retail version. You say
you have a brand new retail CD then use the product key that came with
that.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP Pro CD - Retail or OEM?
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
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    ... the retail CD was better to have for certain repairs and things that the OEM ... At least I was able to use my friend's CD to run the Windows XP Upgrade ... >> Windows Me) or a clean install. ...
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  • Re: Activation stinks because I cant reinstall....
    ... The OEM versions are exactly what ... the OP should have been provided from the vendor and the retail versions ... >> Slipstream a release CD to SP2 and use release key - OK ... >> Install or repair with SP2 CD and use retail key - FAIL ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: OEM system builder license
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: retail license
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
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