Install windows from one CD and using pin of another.

[hsriat]

Is it possible that I install windows XP home from one CD (original one) and use genuine key code to activate it which actually didn't come with the same CD, but another one?

[AmberJain]

Hello,

Is it possible that I install windows XP home from one CD (original one) and use genuine key code to activate it which actually didn't come with the same CD, but another one?

Yeah........that's possible (if I remember correctly). For more details you may refer to Microsoft documentation here.

As the link says:

To modify the product key at the time of activation, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate Windows.
2. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
3. Click Change Product Key, type the new product key, and then click Update.
4. Click Telephone, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

More on google here.

Hope this helps.......
AmbrNewlearner

[jg007]

Product keys can only be used on ONE pc as a microsoft security measure

the XP CD can be used multiple times for installing software and is not tied to a specific computer or product key


if you try to use a product key to install windows that has already been used to activate another copy on a completely different pc it will probably not activate and you will be prompted to telephone microsoft for an activation number which they may not provide unless you can persuade them that the previous PC no longer has XP installed or has broken etc.

[AmberJain]

Product keys can only be used on ONE........................... previous PC no longer has XP installed or has broken etc.

Ohhh no...... I almost forgot to mention that ;).

Thanks......
AmbrNewlearner

[Nepomuk]

if you try to use a product key to install windows that has already been used to activate another copy on a completely different pc it will probably not activate and you will be prompted to telephone microsoft for an activation number which they may not provide unless you can persuade them that the previous PC no longer has XP installed or has broken etc.

This is correct, but you should be able to get it working, if you just tell them, that you've removed Windows from that other PC (or of course that you're reinstalling it on the same PC - that's quite common with Windows ^^). I would be very surprised if they are problematic about it.

Oh, and as far as I know, the key is not bound to the disc, so it should be possible to install it with that other CD and your key.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[hsriat]

Thanks for all the suggestions mates. I am doing this as my friend got an extra CD of XP with him which he's not going to use. But he's far away from me, so the only thing I can do is install windows from another CD, and use the activation key of the one my friend have. So I think that's possible as all you have said. So will give it a try.

Thanks and regards :)