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Installing XP with out manufacturers original XP restore disk, possible with OEM disk?

Installing XP with out manufacturers original XP restore disk, possible with OEM disk?

A client of mind has lost his XP home restore disk for his HP brand desktop. I need to reinstall windows for the client. I would like to know if a generic OEM install disk would work; by work I mean that when I put his CD key in windows will take it. I know I can order the cds but I need to get this done asap. I have read mixed things online and would like a definite answer if anyone has one.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 190
Total answers/comments: 2
Guest [Entry]

It's possible, but iffy. I found (having had an HP desktop a few years ago) that HP's OEM keys are sometimes set up to only work with their restore discs. They may have changed how they work, but that was my experience. In fact, with mine I was even unable to use my CD key with a different HP model's restore discs. If it works, great, but I'm thinking it's very possible it wont. It certainly won't work with a standard XP disc.
Guest [Entry]

"There are different license keys for XP for Corporate Volume Licensed, OEM purchased/retail, and OEM pre-installed machines, depending on 'how' OEM the CD you have is, his key may not work.

For instance a Corporate Volume License key for XP Pro won't work with a Dell provided OEM XP Pro CD, and that Dell CD key won't always work with a retail copy of XP Pro.

As with many things this does depend on a few different things, so sometimes will work, sometimes won't depending on the exact CD key and CD type you have."