Jacques said:
I have lost my windows xp home edition cd, but I still have the sticker with
the serial number on the PC. Also I have XP home edition xp cd's for other
computers (with their own serial numbers). Question is: can I use one of
those CD's with the number on the sticker of my laptop to re-install windows
XP?
If those other CDs are the same version/type as the one you lost, yes.
Otherwise, no.
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.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD/license types cannot be mixed & matched.
However, within its class/type, each CD is not unique. Therefore;
a retail full WinXP Pro product key will work with any retail full WinXP
Pro CD. A WinXP Home Upgrade product key will work with any WinXP Home
Upgrade CD. I think you get the picture, now....
If not can I download something, all my versions are kosher, and I do
know the serial numbers for each installation.
There's no "download" that would solve the issue; you'll need to
replace the missing CD.
If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:
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 the computer's
manufacturer.
--
Bruce Chambers
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