Windows XP - CD Keys

[Logan09]

Yep, I've installed XP Home on 2 lapops with their own product key - an old sony vaio and a new acer, so you should be able to install it with the pro CD.

 

[VeNT]

just make sure it IS a OEM/Retail install CD and not just one of those that boots up a hidden partiton on the drive (bain of my life, what you supposed to do when the drive fails?)

 

[Jonny69]

NO NO NO NO NO NO, you're all wrong.

You can use any OEM version of XP Pro on CD, ie bare, with SP1, SP1a or SP2. They will all work with the key on the bottom and you'll have to activate it over the phone. The only CD's that won't work are the full retail versions which come with a box, presentation folder etc. Sony's keys are no different to anyone elses.

 

[bledd]

so a dell xphome key will work on any xp disc?

 

[lordedmond]

maybe but not guaranteed

 

[Caged]

your wrong, sorry

Which would be why my OEM Acer key doesn't work with a standard OEM XP Professional CD. Look at the PID of the version of Windows which came with the Sony, and compare it to an OEM XP Professional PID. They will be different.

 

[VeNT]

then why have I never encontered this issue with any of the sony, dell, IBM or acer laptops I've installed windows on in the last 4 years?

 

[VeNT]

NO NO NO NO NO NO, you're all wrong.

You can use any OEM version of XP Pro on CD, ie bare, with SP1, SP1a or SP2. They will all work with the key on the bottom and you'll have to activate it over the phone. The only CD's that won't work are the full retail versions which come with a box, presentation folder etc. Sony's keys are no different to anyone elses.

I'm not sure about retail, I've only ever used the retail ver once, but I know OEM works fine, would have thought if OEM works then retail would too.

 

[Jonny69]

Retail keys don't work on OEM and vice versa. I've been installing and reinstalling for years now and I've never found an XP key on a preinstalled machine that won't work with any of my OEM disks, whatever the service pack level, brand or colour.

 

[Caged]

then why have I never encontered this issue with any of the sony, dell, IBM or acer laptops I've installed windows on in the last 4 years?

I've no idea, but it doesn't mean either of us is wrong. Why can't I install XP Pro OEM on my Acer using the key on the sticker on the bottom?

 

[crashuk]

i have lots of serials for xp and xp pro cant find a cd that works with them.all of these serials havent been registered.