xp install without original cd?

jonph · 5 Feb 2006 at 13:28

I've just picked up a pc which I had to re format the hd.The system originally had xp home installed,but I don't have the original install disc.THe case has the product key sticker on It.
Is it possible to install xp home from a different disc and use the original product key, or is there a way to get a copy of the original disc?
It would be nice if I could, as this pc should have a legit copy of xp home which has been bought and payed for.
I think I already know the answer,as we all know microsoft!!,but any input would be apprecieated.

lordedmond · 5 Feb 2006 at 13:30

yes if they are both the same flavour ie retail or OEM

the pid's are different so the key will not work

jonph · 5 Feb 2006 at 13:34

do you mean yes I can use the original product key if I have an oem copy of xp home(as originally on the pc)?

lordedmond · 5 Feb 2006 at 14:46

jonph · 5 Feb 2006 at 15:37

thanks lordedmond,just finnished re installing.
one more quick question. Will xp ask me to activate again in 30 days,and if so do I put the original owners details in or can I use my own?
PS microsoft not quite as stingey as I thought LOL

lordedmond · 6 Feb 2006 at 07:59

yes you will need to activate , note you do not need to register that is optional so no details needed

Have fun

jonph · 8 Feb 2006 at 01:29

Yep re-registered xp, but it wouldn't let me do it online. I had to ring them and after the third degree(why had I installed xp, where was the pc bought from was this copy on any other pc, etc) they activated for me. I suppose they're only trying to stop pirating,but if the software was a little cheaper..... Maybe thats for another thread

|Ric| · 8 Feb 2006 at 09:26

that is what they do with OEM software. 1 Online activation only and then you have to ring them.

Though you must have changed the hardware config as when I have formatted XP home OEM and reinstalled the hardware was the same so I guess it could check it online and as it matched the hardware spec they must store it was activated. But when the graphics drivers were uninstalled it wanted a reactivation and that had to be done on the phone

lordedmond · 8 Feb 2006 at 09:39

|Ric| said:
that is what they do with OEM software. 1 Online activation only and then you have to ring them.

Though you must have changed the hardware config as when I have formatted XP home OEM and reinstalled the hardware was the same so I guess it could check it online and as it matched the hardware spec they must store it was activated. But when the graphics drivers were uninstalled it wanted a reactivation and that had to be done on the phone

I have had the same changed a setting in the bios relating to sata and I got you need to reactivate your copy , claimed to many hardware changes. Infact i had not changed any hardware since the origdinal install just the bios change , very odd