Windows XP Key

[TwoSugars]

Hi people,
I recently bought a laptop from Dell with Windows XP Home SP2 on it. I never received a Windows XP CD with it as it's stored on a hidden partition on the harddrive. However, if I want to delete this partition to free up space and then reinstall windows, can I use a regular (non-dell) Windows CD and just use the Product Key that is on the back of my laptop (on the Windows genuine sticker thing).

Cheers,
-TS

 

[Lee]

Yes, the media isn't important. As long as you have the correct key you can use any XP Home CD.

 

[TwoSugars]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

Not questioning your expertise, but is that a fact or asumption? I only ask because I thought windows was very heavy on copy protection (WGA, WPA etc). What is to stop someone from handing out copies of a genuine WinXP CD and just letting them all use my product key? Or does MS recognise that the key is already in use (on my laptop) and block any other access?

Cheers,
-TS

 

[Timmay]

as far as i am aware its a fact - you can use another windows xp disc with the correct key number.

the way it stops from multiple use is that you have to ring microsft and input your cd key (if you have no net access) to register it otheriwse windows uninstalls itself within 40 days - Dell had prob set this up for you already

 

[Lee]

It's a fact. All the CDs are the same, except for some coming with the service pack slipstreamed into the install. It's the Product key that matters.

I used the same XP/2000/2003 Server/Exhange 2003 CDs for all my installations, just a different key.

The product key you have can only be activated 3 times before it will require you to call Microsoft for a new one.

 

[TwoSugars]

3 times!!! Thats a buck on!

Anyway, thanks for the advice fella's.

I have reinstalled XP on this machine a few times (desktop) with the CD that came from Dell, it never once has asked for a CD Key, must be already reg'd or summit.

 

[fungusman]

you can use any windows windows xp key on any windows xp disk providing it is the same build - for instance sp 1..

edit - appears i should read all replies b4 postigng

 

[Woodentop]

The media is important as there are different product codes for example and multi license user the product code of the media would be different to that of a single user.

Best way to find out is to try it

 

[dk]

It's a fact. All the CDs are the same, except for some coming with the service pack slipstreamed into the install. It's the Product key that matters.

I used the same XP/2000/2003 Server/Exhange 2003 CDs for all my installations, just a different key.

The product key you have can only be activated 3 times before it will require you to call Microsoft for a new one.

not strictly true i don't think Lee, OEM, FPP and WWF (for open license and Select etc.) media are all different, the WWF doesn't require activation whereas the other two do but are also activated in different ways from memory.

 

[Lee]

He's using XP Home, there aren't different versions of that, although I think HP have a slightly messed with installation which requires a HP supplied CD also.

It's only those used in a corporate enviroment where there are. Stuff in the MSDN doesn't even require a product key for example. I've yet to come across different versions of the actual CDs, just the licensing methods, most of which is only really relevent when buying it as that dictates what you pay and which group they stick you in.

 

[McBunny]

icould send you a dell windows xp (pro) cd that just installs due to the fact dell just buy a certain number of licenses from microsoft to cover all the pc's they sell with xp so they ship cd's that only install on dells so dont require activation

 

[M1TCH]

It's a fact. All the CDs are the same, except for some coming with the service pack slipstreamed into the install. It's the Product key that matters.

I used the same XP/2000/2003 Server/Exhange 2003 CDs for all my installations, just a different key.

The product key you have can only be activated 3 times before it will require you to call Microsoft for a new one.

ohhhhh thats why I had to call them then...

I wiped the home pc a couple of times because it wasnt working right on the board set up I had, and on the 3rd go it said the key had expired please call this number....

got straight through to a very helpful indian ladie and she gave me a new key, happy days

 

[aaronc]

If it doesnt come with XP cds then look for a Recovery facility on your laptop. This will require either 1 Blank DVD or 3 CDs.

 

[TwoSugars]

Thanks for all the replies people. I found an application on the laptop called "Dell OS Recovery". I had a read in the online help manual and it stated that this app will let me burn ONE copy of my OS onto CD for backup purposes. So I ran it, it created a CD and then uninstalled itself! I had a look at the new CD and its basically just a Win XP Home CD with an added folder called Dell with a few bits and bobs in it. So it's looking good

Cheers for all the help people, just wished I had found this app before I asked...lol

-TS

 

[Woodentop]

sounds good.