Using XP2 Install CD with XP1 Product Key

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Guest

I have two copies of Windows XP Pro. The first one is an earlier release that
does not contain Service Pack 2 embedded, the second one has Service Pack 2
built in.

Currently, the first version (without SP2) is not installed on any system. I
have the second version (the one with SP2 built in) installed on my active
computer. I am about to build a second system and am trying to figure out the
following:

Can I install from the disc with SP2 embedded and use the Product Key from
the package that did not have SP2 embedded? Reason being of course; I would
rather have SP2 loaded from the start instead of having to download it. I
understand I would have to reactivate via phone for the earlier version of XP
Pro, that doesn't worry me. I'm just hoping I can save some time when it
comes to getting the new system up and running.

Thanks in advance!
 
You cannot use the product key from the SP2 CD on a different system.
Period.

The thing to do is to downlaod the SP2 upgrade and slipstream it with the
SP1 CD and use the result to burn a new CD now with SP2 and it will still
have the same product number and you'll have two CDs with SP2 - just keep
them straight.

I've used AutoStream to accomplish the slipstreaming; see here:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showforum=89
 
arycogre said:
I have two copies of Windows XP Pro. The first one is an earlier release
that
does not contain Service Pack 2 embedded, the second one has Service Pack
2
built in.
Click to expand...

I assume you got two CD's one with sp1 (or whatever) the other with sp2.
Currently, the first version (without SP2) is not installed on any system.
I
have the second version (the one with SP2 built in) installed on my active
computer. I am about to build a second system and am trying to figure out
the
following:

Can I install from the disc with SP2 embedded and use the Product Key from
the package that did not have SP2 embedded? Reason being of course; I
would
rather have SP2 loaded from the start instead of having to download it. I
understand I would have to reactivate via phone for the earlier version of
XP
Pro, that doesn't worry me. I'm just hoping I can save some time when it
comes to getting the new system up and running.
Click to expand...

I had a dell sp2 and a dell sp1a and neither one would activate with the
others key. I dont think it is worth the hassle of calling in. That is just
one more strike against you ever upgrade or rebuild and need to call in
again.

I would take that cd that has sp1 (the older one) and merge it with service
pack 2. Then burn a cd with the merged stuff and install from it. Use
autostreamer to do that http://www.ubcd4win.com/downloads.htm
how to and movie http://www.ubcd4win.com/howto.htm

I have used this on several systems that were XP Pro "SP0". If you new
system uses SATA drives I think you will need SP2 as I recall.


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arycogre said:
I have two copies of Windows XP Pro. The first one is an earlier
release that does not contain Service Pack 2 embedded, the second one
has Service Pack 2 built in.

Currently, the first version (without SP2) is not installed on any
system. I have the second version (the one with SP2 built in)
installed on my active computer. I am about to build a second system
and am trying to figure out the following:

Can I install from the disc with SP2 embedded and use the Product Key
from the package that did not have SP2 embedded? Reason being of
course; I would rather have SP2 loaded from the start instead of
having to download it. I understand I would have to reactivate via
phone for the earlier version of XP Pro, that doesn't worry me. I'm
just hoping I can save some time when it comes to getting the new
system up and running.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

The difference would be if the versions were retail upgrade, retail full or
OEM. You need to use the specific PK for the version you use to install.
How to clean install XP.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
--
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(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
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