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    XP license key (under notebook).

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by MYK, Dec 24, 2007.

  1. MYK

    MYK Newbie NBR Reviewer

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    I just upgrade my hdd and planning to fresh install XP. I have a win xp dvd without a serial key, could I use the one under the notebook (that came with the laptop)?
     
    MYK, Dec 24, 2007
    #1
  2. MegaMan X

    MegaMan X Notebook Evangelist

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    you can, but you might end up calling Microsoft to confirm your serial key
     
    MegaMan X, Dec 24, 2007
    #2
  3. zakaluka

    zakaluka Notebook Consultant

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    Use the one on the bottom. You shouldn't have to contact MS unless you've done a lot of reactivations with the same key in the past.

    Regards,

    z.
     
    zakaluka, Dec 24, 2007
    #3
  4. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    The COA number, the number printed on the glittering label that came with your machine, will only work for the specific version of Windows supplied with your computer, on that very same computer. Other versions will not work.
     
    Budding, Dec 24, 2007
    #4
  5. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    It won't work. I tried it with mine.

    But if you have a Vista notebook, you can use the key under the notebook to install from retail version of Vista.
     
    hendra, Dec 24, 2007
    #5
  6. zakaluka

    zakaluka Notebook Consultant

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    I guess the first questions that should have been asked is:

    (1) What version of XP do you have on the DVD (Home, MCE, Pro)?
    (2) What version is the key for under your laptop? It should say right next to the key.

    Regards,

    z.
     
    zakaluka, Dec 24, 2007
    #6
  7. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    It doesn't matter which version he has. Even if the key and the CD are the same version, it won't work, not with XP.
     
    hendra, Dec 24, 2007
    #7
  8. MYK

    MYK Newbie NBR Reviewer

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    XP Pro on XP Pro. A lot of different opinions here, I'll let you know what happens tonight :)
     
    MYK, Dec 25, 2007
    #8
  9. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    In all reality it should not be an issue, there is no reason for there to be. But something not-so-nice might happen...not sure. Do let us know!
     
    Greg, Dec 25, 2007
    #9
  10. andyasselin

    andyasselin Notebook Deity

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    it will work but you need use oem media volume or retail disk will not work
     
    andyasselin, Dec 25, 2007
    #10
  11. glyons

    glyons Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can modify a retail cd's setupp.ini to be able to install XP with your OEM key.
     
    glyons, Dec 25, 2007
    #11
  12. andyasselin

    andyasselin Notebook Deity

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    Yes as Glyons Say you can use util called power packer mod that file too

    but it just easy to find oem disk
     
    andyasselin, Dec 25, 2007
    #12
  13. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    It won't work with just any OEM disk. The COA licence contains information about your the hardware setup on your computer. If your copy of Windows XP, may it be OEM or not, does not contain the settings described on the COA licence, your installation will not be successful.
     
    Budding, Dec 25, 2007
    #13