Windows XP and CD Keys

[wizard5233]

I was wondering if this is possible, I have a Hewlett Packard Laptop but it did not come with a full install Windows XP CD. It came with Recovery CDs. The problem that I have with it is for some reason HP installs way too much junk and actually installs two programs that are corrupt and uninstallable when I format and use the Recovery CDs.

I have a legit copy of Windows XP CD for my Desktop. The CD Key is of course being used already by my desktop computer. My question is: Is it possible to use that Windows XP CD to do a clean install on my laptop, then type in the CD Key printed on the bottom of my laptop? Will I have a problem with the Windows Geniune Advantage stuff?

Both use Windows XP Home Edition.

 

[thebigdude]

You should be able to use the cd and key that came with your desktop then change to the HP key using this process.

 

[wizard5233]

Is the Windows XP CD locked to a certain key? making it impossible to install using a different key? otherwise would it not be easier to just install right away using the HP key?

 

[thebigdude]

I'm not really sure if it is locked or not. You could try to install directly using the HP key. That would give you that answer. If that fails you could then just use the desktop disk and key and change it to the HP key.

 

[wizard5233]

Thank you very much

 

[deLouis]

I think you should still use the hp disc because there are hp softwares you need for your laptop.
Just try to uninstall the extra programs after you recover it.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

yes, you will have a problem with that way of Xp installation, you need the actual disc that came with the exact cd key for it to work, tried and failed

 

[TG2]

Is your desktop an OEM version of XP Home? if it is an OEM version, then that CD will work on the laptop, using the key on the bottom of the laptop, if its not, youll have an OEM version of XP Home to install with, lemme know if you need the XP Home CD.

 

[corkyg]

When doing a Repair type reinstall of Windows XP, (or a full format/install for that matter) it is not necessary to have the same disk that installed the OS originally as long as you have the same type. In other words, if it was XP Pro OEM (as noted on the Microsoft sticker on the side of the case) then any other OEM XPP disk would do as long as you use the CD key from the sticker on the computer.

The install routine looks at the classification of disk you are installing from, and sends that through a secret formula to decide if the key you typed is within that formula. Activation is not an issue, as if it is less than 120 days since it was activated, no hardware is likely to have been changed, and thus the hash will be the same. If it is over 120 days, then it doesn't make any difference as it will re-activate without a problem.

 

[warbean]

I have a Windows XP SP1 CD OEM (Home) that came with my ABS computer. I have since copied the files to it and slip streamed Service Pack 2 along with other security updates, added a boot file, and burned the image onto a new CD.

DOes anyone know if the original CD key will still be valid on a subsequent installation? I hgavent tried yet, but if it doesn't work then I just wasted a bunch of time...

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: warbean
I have a Windows XP SP1 CD OEM (Home) that came with my ABS computer. I have since copied the files to it and slip streamed Service Pack 2 along with other security updates, added a boot file, and burned the image onto a new CD.

DOes anyone know if the original CD key will still be valid on a subsequent installation? I hgavent tried yet, but if it doesn't work then I just wasted a bunch of time...

Yes, it should be fine. Adding updates does not invalidate the original CD key.

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
yes, you will have a problem with that way of Xp installation, you need the actual disc that came with the exact cd key for it to work, tried and failed

Well, you haven't exactly tried enough situations yet.

I have copies of XP Home & XP Pro OEM that were purchased from Newegg. I can use those cds to reinstall & activate XP, and pass WGA on any Dell, HP, eMachines, Compaq, Gateway, etc. desktop or laptop computer using the proper cd key that belongs to those computers.

 

[Tsuwamono]

If you have a WGA problem.. PM me, i had a problem with my XP because i modded it(its a legit copy so dont even start guys) and they kept telling me to buy a new copy so i found a program to remove the WGA crap. Like i said.. PM me if you want it

 

[wizard5233]

I seem to have gotten it to work properly. I used the Windows XP CD from my desktop and it worked. It was the OEM version of course. Thanks again for all the help folks.

 

[warbean]

Can anyone comment on how if at all product keys are different for laptops? I too have a HP Pav Ze4900 that comes with a WIndows installation CD w Service Pack 2 (OEM). The label on the disc is an HP one. Is this version directly tied to my laptop or the BIOS such that I can not use it to install on another computer? (that's not a problem actually) THe real question is, can I use the Product Key to activate Windows on my desktop?

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: warbean
Can anyone comment on how if at all product keys are different for laptops? I too have a HP Pav Ze4900 that comes with a WIndows installation CD w Service Pack 2 (OEM). The label on the disc is an HP one. Is this version directly tied to my laptop or the BIOS such that I can not use it to install on another computer? (that's not a problem actually) THe real question is, can I use the Product Key to activate Windows on my desktop?

Will the CD install windows (assuming full version) on other machines: Yes

will the product key activate on other machines: Probably not (and legally no)