windows xp product code

tonyzero · 28 Mar 2008 at 13:12

Hi

someone has given me a laptop to clean and so i was going to reinstall windows xp but they don't have any discs, now i have one at home so what i want to know is can i use my disc to reinstall but use the xp product code that's on the underside of their the laptop ?

Tony

sorry i should have pointed out that on the product sticker it also says acer incorporated

MarcLister · 28 Mar 2008 at 13:37

I think you will need an OEM XP disc to get away with this. Even then it might not work as the XP key for Acer will be different in its identity to a general XP key.

I tried to do a repair install on my Acer laptop the other night and tried two XP discs with the CD key that is on the underneath of my laptop. Neither worked.

TheVoice · 28 Mar 2008 at 13:40

For what it's worth, I've used a Compaq XP Home key (pre-SP1) with an OEM XP Home SP2 disc, and it worked fine. It probably comes down to luck of the draw, really.

Smorgasbord · 28 Mar 2008 at 14:56

So long as the disc matches the license i.e. XP Home Edition OEM, or XP Pro retail, then you would be fine!

MarcLister · 28 Mar 2008 at 14:59

Smorgasbord said:
So long as the disc matches the license i.e. XP Home Edition OEM, or XP Pro retail, then you would be fine!

And the stars are in alignment.

Ethics · 28 Mar 2008 at 15:39

Failing that you could install it with a 'temporary' license, yours or something then use a program to change the product key to that which is licensed to the machine.

obviously you have to use the same license version

tonyzero · 28 Mar 2008 at 18:33

ok guys thanks for your help, the product code is for a windows xp home edition which is what i have on disc so i will give it a go later.

Thanks