I have a Dell computer with a Microsoft XP Pro Validiation Key on the side.
The hard drive crashed. I wanted to reinstall the OS software using a
Windows XP Pro SP2 CD to alleviate the additional hours of updates. But when
it gets to the registration key it won't take the one on the Dell Optiplex.

I do have a legitimate license. Can I use the license key that came with
the CD instead of the one that's on the computer or will this cause me a
problem with Windows Validation?

I don't want any trouble but I'd like so save several hours doing all the
Windows Updates and SP2.

Thanks,
--
Terri

Terri wrote:
> I have a Dell computer with a Microsoft XP Pro Validiation Key on the
> side.

Wrong term. It is the Product Key, not the Validation Key.

> The hard drive crashed. I wanted to reinstall the OS software
> using a Windows XP Pro SP2 CD to alleviate the additional hours of
> updates. But when it gets to the registration key it won't take the
> one on the Dell Optiplex.
>
> I do have a legitimate license. Can I use the license key that came
> with the CD instead of the one that's on the computer or will this
> cause me a problem with Windows Validation?

You should use the reinstall solution that came with the computer.

> I don't want any trouble but I'd like so save several hours doing all
> the Windows Updates and SP2.

If you got a pre-SP2 reinstall CD, then use it to create a slipstreamed
SP2 CD.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

The OEM Product Key affixed to your Dell PC will only work
with a Dell Windows XP Reinstallation CD. It will not
work with a conventional "Retail Version" of Windows XP.

As long as you have not installed Windows XP on another PC,
you can use your conventional Windows XP CD (assuming it is
a 'Retail Version') with the Product Key it came with.
Otherwise, you'll need to purchase a new license for the second
installation on a different PC.

If you already have a retail copy of Windows XP, you can obtain
additional licenses for another computer or laptop by visiting the
following Microsoft Web site:
http://shop.microsoft.com/special/wal/walinfo.asp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Terri" wrote:

| I have a Dell computer with a Microsoft XP Pro Validiation Key on the side.
| The hard drive crashed. I wanted to reinstall the OS software using a
| Windows XP Pro SP2 CD to alleviate the additional hours of updates. But when
| it gets to the registration key it won't take the one on the Dell Optiplex.
|
| I do have a legitimate license. Can I use the license key that came with
| the CD instead of the one that's on the computer or will this cause me a
| problem with Windows Validation?
|
| I don't want any trouble but I'd like so save several hours doing all the
| Windows Updates and SP2.
|
| Thanks,
| --
| Terri

Terri wrote:
> I have a Dell computer with a Microsoft XP Pro Validiation Key on the side.
> The hard drive crashed. I wanted to reinstall the OS software using a
> Windows XP Pro SP2 CD to alleviate the additional hours of updates. But when
> it gets to the registration key it won't take the one on the Dell Optiplex.
>


That's as it should be.


> I do have a legitimate license. Can I use the license key that came with
> the CD instead of the one that's on the computer or will this cause me a
> problem with Windows Validation?
>


You can use the second CD with your OEM Product Key *only* if that
second CD is an OEM version. Product Keys are bound to the specific
type and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade)
with which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key
won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of
WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with
a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an
English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed &
matched.


> I don't want any trouble but I'd like so save several hours doing all the
> Windows Updates and SP2.
>


Use your original Dell OEM CD to create a slip-streamed installation CD
of your own.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp


--

Bruce Chambers

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