Windows XP product key doesn't work

[danrok]

I have a friend's PC and I'm trying to repair install Win XP Home on it.

I have my own install CD and I'm trying to use the product key which is on a sticker on the side of the box. It doesn't work.

The PC is one of those shoddy Time/Tiny machines, the company has now fortunately gone bust.

[Chesso]

Are you trying to Upgrade(Recommended) install from the in windows launcher? as this may be the problem.

If you use the appropriate boot disks instead to do a repair install it should go along just fine this is how i got around it atleast and it's very annoying i'll tell ya.

[Gizmo]

The retail product key doesn't work with an OEM disk, or a volume license key disk. You have to use the key appropriate to the disk you are installing from.

Does he not have the original install disk, then?

[Chesso]

Iv'e found that trying to repair install(Upgrade option from in windows setup) will not accept the key that came with the disc for who know's what reason.

One of my mate's dads had the same problem, he had no troubl first using it but when some problems arised and he did not want to fresh install he attempted the upgrade option to repair the files and it wouldn't accept his product key.

At first i thought nothing of it till it happened on my brother's computer not too long ago and i found doing a repair install the boot disk way(not while in windows basically) worked without fail.

[danrok]

No install disk is supplied with these things. That's why I was hoping to use mine combined with the key from the sticker on his box. The original licensee was the worst PC retailer in the UK, they have now gone bust. So, I won't be getting any help from them!

I think I will try a fresh install. Do you reckon it might take the key with that, Chesso?

[Chesso]

It is worth a shot. Perhaps make a seperate partition to install it on to test to make sure your'e not wasting your time? and losing the data for nothing.

[noob]

Your disk wont work with his key - EVER.

The only time you can use a different key on a disk is when the key and the disk are the same type - eg volume license, OEM or retail. Using an OEM product key (which that computer will have), and a Retail or Volume licensed disk (which yours will be), will never work, no matter what, ever, no arguments.
The CD Key is the answer to a checksum on the disk - each product and style (eg OEM, retail, promo, etc) has a different checksum.

Most installs without the disk are on a HDD partition, and they have a system boot floppy.

Ring MS and ask how much a new disk is - it might cost as much as 50 pounds - but will be legit, have its own CD key, and will take at most 1 week to get to you. They will ask for verification, but if you state that you are doing it for a customer, and don't have all the documentation, they should (but might not) ask for some screenshots, via email, then send you the new disk once they receive payment, ie they will be a bit more lenient.

[Chesso]

But they key might match the Windows XP version and if so then my informtion above would be valid and if the one for that key isn't in use then it should be legit.

[noob]

If the disk matches the users key - there wont be a problem, and it is legit enough MS doesn't really care.

The problem M$ have would be using your disk and key onto another machine.
The problem users have (apart from not being able to install multiple running copies), is each different licence disk uses a diferent type of key.

Go and try - but do check you license first. The easiest way is to look at the disk, and see if it has the words "For distribution with a new machine only" Then it would definately be OEM. Otherwise probably either Retail or Volume license - but you would know if its volume licensed.

[Chesso]

The only identifiers i am aware of are Retail, Upgrade and some special OEM's though only a few different ones.

Then of course you have Home,Pro,SP1,SP2 etc.

[danrok]

OK, thanks.

I can get a new OEM copy of XP Home SP2 for £50 from a retailer.