Windows Xp product keys ... I have a question about windows xp product keys. Is the key code specific to a cd? Or can any good key code work with any windows ...

Turbogn · 11-02-2009, 05:38 PM

I have a question about windows xp product keys. Is the key code specific to a cd? Or can any good key code work with any windows xp CD? Reason I ask is my cd is broken but I can get a copy of the software. I want to know if I can use a different cd with my code?

qhn · 11-02-2009, 05:52 PM

Yes you can.

cheers ...

sRc · 11-03-2009, 12:34 AM

well, its not quite that simple, Q.

there's 3 different categories the keys fit into: OEM, Retail, and Upgrade. you would need a matching version disc in order for it to recognize that key (i.e. a Retail key won't work with an OEM disc, a OEM key won't work with an Upgrade disc, etc)

qhn · 11-03-2009, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sRc

well, its not quite that simple, Q.

there's 3 different categories the keys fit into: OEM, Retail, and Upgrade. you would need a matching version disc in order for it to recognize that key (i.e. a Retail key won't work with an OEM disc, a OEM key won't work with an Upgrade disc, etc)

Correct.

But other than with the upgrade disk or some specific OEM disks (like Dell), I personally have (had) no issue with using OEM or Retail disk to activate my official COA, be it OEM or retail. A phone call is all it takes to sort this out with Microsoft agents.

Thanks for making some distinctions.

cheers ...

11-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#1
Turbogn Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 109 Credits: 33	Windows Xp product keys I have a question about windows xp product keys. Is the key code specific to a cd? Or can any good key code work with any windows xp CD? Reason I ask is my cd is broken but I can get a copy of the software. I want to know if I can use a different cd with my code?

11-02-2009, 05:52 PM	#2
qhn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 20,059 Reviews: 8 Benchmarks: 18 Credits: 54,594	Yes you can. cheers ... __________________ m6805@3700; SZ71WN/C ; Macbook 2ghz/4gig/250gb/superdrive; 7811FX are u Folding@Home? - Firefox Beta - MediaPortal "the" Media Centre/HTPC!

11-03-2009, 12:34 AM	#3
sRc We Do It Live! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 41,166 Reviews: 2 Benchmarks: 12 Credits: 16,456	well, its not quite that simple, Q. there's 3 different categories the keys fit into: OEM, Retail, and Upgrade. you would need a matching version disc in order for it to recognize that key (i.e. a Retail key won't work with an OEM disc, a OEM key won't work with an Upgrade disc, etc) __________________ 'Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for--because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.'- Peter Marshall 'I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.'William Wordsworth

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