Thinkpad X30 OS question

[jediphx]

I just bought a used Thinkpad X30 that came with no OS or recovery cds. It does of course have the legit winxp pro cdkey on the case. Will that cd key work with any version of winxp pro or only a ibm specific one? also I cant tell if the cdkey is for sp1 or sp2 or regular xp

 

[Ionizer86]

The key is the same for any service pack version you install. You need an OEM WinXP Pro (preferably with SP2 slipstreamed). I think it's legal to get an image off torrent as long as you're using the key underneath the laptop. You may need to call to activate afterwards.

 

[jediphx]

well every version of win xp pro i have tried says that the cdkey is invalid. i dont know what to do Any ideas?

 

[WackyDan]

You can't use the OEM specific hardware key with a store bought copy of the OS.

You can try contacting IBM/Lenovo, and pay the $45 for the recovery CD set, or look for it on eBay.

 

[jediphx]

whats the advantage of using the recovery cd other than being able to use the legit cd key on the bottom of the laptop case?

 

[BigJimbo]

Recovery cds contain all the preloaded software the OEMs packaged with their systems...

 

[fbrdphreak]

I've heard you can call MS with your OEM key and they'll send you a CD or something...

 

[jediphx]

i just went and bout the x30 recovery cd off ebay. thanks for the advice