Lost Windows XP disk, but have key

[Eddy]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this
question. My grandfather's hard disk failed, and I am
replacing it. He bought the computer with Windows XP
Home Edition preinstalled. He cannot find the disk (he
is 90 years old). However, the product key is attached
to the machine. I have a trial version of XP Home. Can
I install using that disk, and use the aforementioned
product key to activate it permanently? My mother has an
OEM disk from when she bought her computer. If I can't
use the trial version, can I use hers (again with the
activation key on my grandfathers computer). Thank you
for your help.

 

[Guest]

using her disk would be ok. you can run this and activate
it with his key.

http://ryan.ript.net/xppid/

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll have to purchase a "Full Version" of Windows XP
and install it. Your grandfather's Product Key will not work
with any other Windows XP CD except with the one that came
with his computer originally.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this
| question. My grandfather's hard disk failed, and I am
| replacing it. He bought the computer with Windows XP
| Home Edition preinstalled. He cannot find the disk (he
| is 90 years old). However, the product key is attached
| to the machine. I have a trial version of XP Home. Can
| I install using that disk, and use the aforementioned
| product key to activate it permanently? My mother has an
| OEM disk from when she bought her computer. If I can't
| use the trial version, can I use hers (again with the
| activation key on my grandfathers computer). Thank you
| for your help.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

If you use the same type of CD (most definitely _not_ your "trial"
version), yes.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for
any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and
vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full
version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with
an English CD. Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed & matched.

You should also make an effort to get a replacement CD:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold your
father the computer; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep
records of the Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you
have to buy a new license. T he OEM would also be the only one who
could issue you a replacement CD.



Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Eddy]

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a try with my
mother's OEM version. I'll let you know if it works.
Thanks again.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You're welcome.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH