Reload OEM Windows XP

Reload OEM Windows XP

I have a computer that came with Windows XP Home (with the sticker on it that has the product key). I used it for some time with a (legally obtained) copy of Windows. Now I want to reload the original Windows version and product key to give it to a relative. I can't give them my copy of Windows, since it came from my MSDN subscription and is only usable by me for software development/testing. When I load the machine from my Windows disk, it does not accept the product key on the sticker.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 204

Total answers/comments: 5

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Guest [Entry]

"If this is from a small / local company, the chances are they bought a ""off the shelf"" OEM product and you can use any other unbranded OEM cd that is the same edition of Windows and the same service pack.

If this is from a big company with their logo on the OEM cd, you will need to use the recovery CD / DVD or method they provide to reinstall your Windows, and typically these are pre activated and do not need a serial key.

extra info--

Typically (and not always) I find that the ""consumer"" big brands such as Sony, Acer e.t.c. do not provide raw Windows installations and you need to use a recovery cd that is locked for your model, where as if you can obtain a HP or Dell Windows CD, these are usually just standard installs that will work on any machine from that company (maybe requiring a few drivers)."

Guest [Entry]

MSDN XP CDs cannot be used with OEM CD Keys.

Guest [Entry]

One thing that I've run into is that the license key on the Dells we get is just a license. It doesn't activate windows at all, at least any of the versions I've tried. However, the Dell Windows install CDs are pre-pidded never prompt for a key. If you can, try to locate the original restore disks. While vendor specific, they are still fairly generic. A restore disc that came from that vendor with a different computer may also work.

Guest [Entry]

Given the circumstances, and assuming you can trust your relative to be discreet, I'd just use one of your MSDN keys to install it. You can always use the machine for development work next time you visit.

Guest [Entry]

"You doubled checked the product key, can I suggest that you triple check! I recently searched a bunch of ways around a similar issue, turned out that I had misread an 8 as a B! A bit dim of me, but easily done.

Otherwise (with Vista, maybe with XP), there are legal ways of extending the 30 or 90 day trial period."