Title says it all. I lost my Windows XP disc and I really need a reformat. My question is if I "acquire" a copy of XP but use my product key, will that work? Is it even legal?
As long as you have the sticker and use its key it doesn't matter what cd you use it's still legal since that is your actual license. At work we also have a program that will get the windows key and the office key off of any machine in case something goes horribly wrong and we need to reload a machine without them.
One warning, not all XP CD's are created equal. An OEM key will not work with a Retail, Select or VLK disk that I am aware of.
pol wrote:
Yep...that's why they started putting the stickers on the machines.
Actually, that was so that I couldn't hand you my CD and the accompanying booklet with key. Back in my retail days, I sold a lot of Windows 98 to folks who needed a reinstall, but didn't have, "um, I kind of borrowed my brother's disk, is that okay?" on hand.
Grenn wrote:
I like dissenting opinions. I'm trying to save money by keeping the thermostat low and righteous indignation keeps me warm at night.
If you really want a challenge you can call up microsoft and get them to send you a new disc . I've seen it done but it was a battle of epic proportions between one of our techs and the microsoft rep.
It works fine as long as it's the same version. My XP disc actually stopped being read by my drive some time ago, so I "came across" a copy. It was also Home and OEM, but it was a more recent release, so not only did my serial work fine with it, but I also didn't have to go through the hassle of downloading and rebooting through five years worth of updates, patches and service packs.
I would think the first rule of PR is to ignore forum people, because they vacillate between crazy and liar. - Elysium
Vista finally gets rid of the version specific install media, your key will work on any media.
I love that, but it's not entirely true. Some of the OEM DVD's have machine lock-ins to keep you from moving the OS to another box. The retail, upgrade, etc. disks though are a beautiful thing.
Grenn wrote:
I like dissenting opinions. I'm trying to save money by keeping the thermostat low and righteous indignation keeps me warm at night.
Yep...that's why they started putting the stickers on the machines.
Also if worse comes to worst you should be able to call the company that sold you the machine and request a replacement.
Keep in mind though, that if you are using Office you'll be out of luck there as the sticker is on the media.
Warrior Asherr
Hunter Ghorin
As long as you have the sticker and use its key it doesn't matter what cd you use it's still legal since that is your actual license. At work we also have a program that will get the windows key and the office key off of any machine in case something goes horribly wrong and we need to reload a machine without them.
One warning, not all XP CD's are created equal. An OEM key will not work with a Retail, Select or VLK disk that I am aware of.
Actually, that was so that I couldn't hand you my CD and the accompanying booklet with key. Back in my retail days, I sold a lot of Windows 98 to folks who needed a reinstall, but didn't have, "um, I kind of borrowed my brother's disk, is that okay?" on hand.
Grenn wrote:
If you really want a challenge you can call up microsoft and get them to send you a new disc
. I've seen it done but it was a battle of epic proportions between one of our techs and the microsoft rep.
It works fine as long as it's the same version. My XP disc actually stopped being read by my drive some time ago, so I "came across" a copy. It was also Home and OEM, but it was a more recent release, so not only did my serial work fine with it, but I also didn't have to go through the hassle of downloading and rebooting through five years worth of updates, patches and service packs.
I would think the first rule of PR is to ignore forum people, because they vacillate between crazy and liar. - Elysium
Vista finally gets rid of the version specific install media, your key will work on any media.
Do you ever walk alone like a drifter in the dark?
I love that, but it's not entirely true. Some of the OEM DVD's have machine lock-ins to keep you from moving the OS to another box. The retail, upgrade, etc. disks though are a beautiful thing.
Grenn wrote:
It'll work, it just won't automatically activate over the internet. You'll need to do it over the automated phone system.
I do it in my tech room on a daily basis.
My days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle.
Whoa!
My Gamercard