Install Windows with Key different than CD

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicnat
  • Start date Start date
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nicnat

I've read this can be done but I haven't actually seen it done and now I
have the need to do so myself. I want to rebuild my aging desktop which I
built a few years ago (single core CPU, pre 2.x USB, relatively small HDs)
but I don't have the XP Pro Retail installation CDs any longer. I can get
the product key via several utilities. If I'm able to borrow or download XP
Pro Retail CDs, can I install windows using the key I purchased already?
Will this work? If so, has anyone got ideas on where I might obtain the XP
Pro retail CDs? I totally want to avoid having to purchase the OS again and
I'm not interested in going to Vista at this time. XP Pro is fine with me.
Thanks in advance.
 
using the product key that you now have you can install any XP
pro...retail.........not OEM.
Check with your friends to see if they have a retail version of XP Pro...
Having no friends or them not having a Retail version of XP Pro leaves you
no choice but to purchase one...
Silly of you to have "lost" the original........
peter
 
peter said:
using the product key that you now have you can install any XP
pro...retail.........not OEM.
Check with your friends to see if they have a retail version of XP
Pro... Having no friends or them not having a Retail version of XP
Pro leaves you no choice but to purchase one...
Silly of you to have "lost" the original........
peter
Click to expand...

Thanks for your post. I didn't lose the original CDs. My lovely ex-wife
through them away. I have no friends with XP Pro Retail. I have been
searching for downloads via torrent or eMule. Do I have to get a version
with no SPs included? The version I originally purchased was without SP.
If I use an updated SP3 version will my key still work? Again, thanks.
 
Thanks for your post. I didn't lose the original CDs. My lovely ex-wife
through them away. I have no friends with XP Pro Retail. I have been
searching for downloads via torrent or eMule. Do I have to get a version
with no SPs included? The version I originally purchased was without SP.
If I use an updated SP3 version will my key still work? Again, thanks.
Click to expand...
Service Packs 1-3 can be slipstreamed and burned onto a CD and used just
like the original with the valid key. I have a CD slipstreamed up to SP3
with my OEM XP Pro and it will install just fine and activate online with my
original key with no problem.


Ed
 
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