Dimarrco said:
I had a virus and had to reinstall xp pro. I do not have a recovery
disk to do so. But I have another copy that will install xp pro,
but I am unable to use the key that is on the laptop's sticker(
key, serial#, prod.#,ect). How can I make this install use this key
so that I can have proper updates as before this virus shut it down
and made me reinstall. Dimarrco
You cannot 'make' the unmodified CD you are attempting to utilize use the
key that is on the sticker on your computer because the CD you are trying to
utilize is obviously not of the same type as the sticker is for.
You mentioned the sticker on your computer - we can easily assume that the
copy would have to be an OEM copy to utilize said product key. If you are
trying to utilize a retail copy (full or upgrade) to install Windows XP - it
is not going to work.
Also - I assume you had Windows XP Professional on the machine previously -
and the sticker on the machine specifies Windows XP Professional?
Assuming - however - you have a product key that goes with that 'other' CD
you have - you could theoretically use it to install - change the product
key to the one on the sticker using a Microsoft tool and have your product
key legitimately attached to your PC again.
The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for
users attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key
to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a
reinstall!
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409