Re: OEM Product keys vs install media

Peter Bako wrote:
> Is there any way to tell if the XP Product Key on the sticker of a
> machine will only work with an OEM disk or any generic XP Install
> disk? I have a situation where I have a Compaq Evo with a blank
> drive (formatted to remove private data) and a valid Windows XP
> sticker on the bottom. I booted off a working XP Install CD
> (retail copy) but when I entered the serial number it rejected it.
>
> I've had this before and it is quite annoying to have to go through
> the whole pre-install process before finding out if your media and
> serial numbers match. Is there any way to determine to which media
> a given number will work for?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> If it is stuck on a machine like that - you have a 99-100% chance
> it is an OEM version.
>
> Especially if said machine is something like a Dell, Compaq, etc..
> It's that simple. They buy OEM because they are OEMs.. And it is
> cheaper for them to do so.

Peter Bako wrote:
> I understand that... However I have been in cases, such as now,
> where I purchased a used system that did not come with any of the
> original software. I already have valid XP install CD's, the
> drivers I can get from the web, so I do not really need the orignal
> disks - except for the OS one it seems.
> So does that mean that I am stuck and that I have to either
> purchase a brand-new copy of XP (even though I have a valid license
> on the bottom of the system), or somehow convince HP to send me a
> CD without the key? Isn't that a bit silly?

Shenan Stanley wrote
> Yes - it is a bit silly.
>
> The consumer falls for it everyday though.. You'd think word would
> have gotten around by now.

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
> Great answer.. can I have permission to borrow that sometimes?..

Of course. *grin*

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


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