windows cd question

[baseballplayer217]

im sure im not the first person asking this question but i have been looking for sometime and find different answers. i have a dell with xp pro on it. i was having some problems with it and i brought it to the campus computer place they just made matters worse so i am looking to reformat. if i use my friends xp pro disc will it work with the code on the bottem of my computer? when it comes to reinstalling the operating system? or should i just call microsoft and tell them my situation.
btw i didnt get a xp disc with my computer i didnt even get the right owners manuel i got a different models owners manuel.

 

[Xycron]

It should work as long as you use your number(the one on the bottom of your PC, just make sure thats the window's number, and not for somethign else)

 

[baseballplayer217]

the sticker says genuine xp professional it has 25 numbers and letters

 

[red onion]

It was my understanding that real CD #s would not work with OEM pre-installed copies of XP and vice-versa.

 

[baseballplayer217]

so what i have is a oem?

 

[Xycron]

oem=original equipment manucactorer..

oem and non oem cd keys will work togther, and all pre installed means is osmeone else installed it for you before you bought it

 

[baseballplayer217]

so i have oem if my friend has the non oem would his cd work?