How to tell what version XP windows from key

LizardKing · 17 Sep 2007 at 08:29

Is there any way to tell what version of windows you have from the product key?
Basicle ive got 2 laptops with product keys on the base's but i dont have any windows media for them so need to find out what version they need from the product keys. There both running linux so any windows is long gone.

Meatball · 17 Sep 2007 at 09:24

The product key should state what version of XP the key is for, EG. "Windows XP Home Edition".

Butters · 17 Sep 2007 at 09:55

Yeah, the same sticker shows the version. Or should do

LizardKing · 17 Sep 2007 at 10:11

They do, but wasnt to sure if they could be OEM versions
Or can you use a normal home edition cd with a OEM key?

Meatball · 17 Sep 2007 at 14:09

LizardKing said:
They do, but wasnt to sure if they could be OEM versions
Or can you use a normal home edition cd with a OEM key?

The license has to match the CD exactly, eg. XP Home Retail key with a retail CD

. (Corrected by Marc2003)

BTW: You've got mail

marc2003 · 17 Sep 2007 at 14:33

Meatball said:
As long as the disc matches the version of XP you're licensed for (eg. Home, Professional) you'll be fine . It's the CD-Key that determines whether you get a retail or OEM license, the software is the same it's just the license.

BTW: You've got mail

nope that's wrong.. you can't use a home oem key with a home retail disk and vice versa. it simply won't accept it.

Meatball · 17 Sep 2007 at 15:12

marc2003 said:
nope that's wrong.. you can't use a home oem key with a home retail disk and vice versa. it simply won't accept it.

I stand corrected thanks, *edits post*