Windows XP CD Key

Dropkickmurphys

Dropkickmurphys

New Member
hey, i have been given a laptop that is now several years old. it currently has windows xp installed, i would like to reformat it but have no disks with it.

the laptop has the windows xp key on the bottom.

would i be able to use an exisiting CD and use the key from the bottom of the laptop?
is there any way of finding if the key is still valid?
is the first question legal?

thanks

dave
 
I believe it it legal, and just about any disk should do... as long as it's the same version (PRO, Home,...) & SP (Releases w/different service packs usually come with a new set of keys).
 
Are you sure it's the same version? The CD Key's are different for OS's with and without various service packs.
 
It is legal and it will work. I installed XP SP2 with a key from XP SP1 with no issue. You did not purchase the install disk, you purchased the key. Microsoft does not care what media you use to install it as long as your key is valid.
 
It will work, and the service pack doesn't make any difference. I have a reference disk with several different versions of XP, oem and retail. I can use it provided the client has one of those license keys. Just make sure you install the OEM version or the key won't work.
 
SirKenin said:
It will work, and the service pack doesn't make any difference. I have a reference disk with several different versions of XP, oem and retail. I can use it provided the client has one of those license keys. Just make sure you install the OEM version or the key won't work.
Click to expand...
I believe it does make a difference. I have CD Keys that were included with version of XP Home w/SP1 and one with SP2, and I can not use the key for the SP1 with the SP2 installation disc, and vice versa. The same goes with Windows XP, and also 32 vs 64 bit version of XP and Vista. Perhaps the CD Key you have is one that can be used on various version of Windows.
 
The SP1/SP2 difference may be valid.
It also matters if you use an upgrade disk, retail disk, or OEM disk.
You will more than likely need an OEM disk.
 
[-0MEGA-];949079 said:
I believe it does make a difference. I have CD Keys that were included with version of XP Home w/SP1 and one with SP2, and I can not use the key for the SP1 with the SP2 installation disc, and vice versa. The same goes with Windows XP, and also 32 vs 64 bit version of XP and Vista. Perhaps the CD Key you have is one that can be used on various version of Windows.
Click to expand...

I only use keys provided by the client.
 
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