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    Acer Windows version?

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by gecko, Jun 21, 2005.

  1. gecko

    gecko Notebook Evangelist

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    Does anybody know which version of windows xp will the acer cd key work on?
    I formated my laptop, and I want to do a clean install without using the reovery cd and the bundled software. The laptop comes with a coa on the bottom with the cd key for xp pro. So I borrowed a copy of xp pro installed and tried to put my key in.
    It didn't work, so does anybody know which copy of xp pro I need for this?

    =======================================
    One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
    My advice is based on personal experience. Effectiveness will vary.
     
    gecko, Jun 21, 2005
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  2. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    I believe the versions of the OS that is provided by Acer is an OEM version. They CD Key used in this OS is different than the one that is on the COA label. I know you can't use a Corp version or VLK version with the COA on your unit. It's either gonna be a retail version or possibly a specific version modified for Acer.

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Jun 21, 2005
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  3. deopee

    deopee Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    how about...i buy a oem version from a store...then install it with ITS key. Or do i really need a RETAIL version? plan to buy my computer in another country so different language, but i want to keep that too.
     
    deopee, Jun 22, 2005
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  4. gecko

    gecko Notebook Evangelist

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    Interesing. I'll do recovery and and copy down that cd key. But the next part is the hard part, finding someone with a retail version. [ :D]

    =======================================
    One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
    My advice is based on personal experience. Effectiveness will vary.
     
    gecko, Jun 22, 2005
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  5. mludwig

    mludwig Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was experiencing the same issue: trying to get an English XP Home version accept my German Acer OEM XP Home Key. And it worked. I got an ISO off the internet (file sharing network) and installed it with my key. I believe it is a retail version, but it works.
     
    mludwig, Jun 22, 2005
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  6. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can't get an OEM version of the OS. The one you're talking about is different than the one I'm talking about. The OEM version I'm talking about is a version specifically modified by Microsoft for that particular manufacturer. It will make reference to specific iinformation in the BIOS that allows the OS to be installed without the Activation requirement. They use this OS for mass image loads to their units on the production line.

    The OEM version you're talking about is the one without all the "Retail" packaging. This is generally a "retail" version without the fancy packaging. These versions are usually sold with a PC (or at least a CPU, MB, Ram & HDD combo), or at least they should. You're CD Key should work with the version of the OS, but make sure you get a similar XP type (XP Home/XP Pro). If you're COA is for XP Home, you MUST use it on another version of XP Home. You can't use an XP Home COA on XP Pro.

    -Vb-

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Jun 22, 2005
    #6