XP reinstallation question

[Kasturi]

This question was probably asked before. I have searched thru the forums but could not find exactly what I needed.

I purchased the upgrade version of Win XP Pro a while back & was getting ready to format & reinstall onto my computer. The problem is that in my recent move to a new house I have misplaced my disk. A friend of mine has the full version of Win XP Pro disk & I was wondering if my product key would work using his disk to reinstall onto my computer? I really do not want to go out and purchase another copy if I can help it. I am sure it will show up once all of the boxes are emptied.

So basically, can I use my prod key with someone elses copy of Win XP Pro?

[EzyStvy]

Using an upgrade cd to do a full install will prompt you to insert a qualifing cd as proof of purchase.

I would guess that your upgrade Key code won't work with a full version cd.

[Digitalic]

Unfortunately in my experience the full version will not accept the upgrade CD key.

[Kasturi]

EzyStvy,

After reading your post a couple of times I have come to the conclusion that you think I am trying to use the Upgrade CD for the installation of the full program.

It is actually the other way around a bit.

I want to use my product key (that I got with my upgrade version) with my friends full version of XP.

[Panama Red]

Either way won't work. You can only do one legit install per Product Key. And the Product Key is specific to each particular copy of XP. When you do find you own upgrade copy and get ready to use it, you'll need a qualifying copy of a previous OS. They can include 98se, ME, 2000 Pro, or XP Home.

[Kasturi]

Panama - thanxs

Lets say that I cannot locate my cd & I go out and purchase a new upgrade version of XP Pro. Could I use that prod key with my friends full version CD??

[Panama Red]

Nope, the Product Key is for that copy only. The install won't go past the Prod Key point cuz it won't recognize the key. There's no need to use his full version anyway, an upgrade disk is a "full version" also. Check your PM in a minute.

edit: You need to enable your PM.

[Kasturi]

lol - how do I do that?

edit - never mind I found out where to do it.

[Panama Red]

Click on the User CP on the top left of this page and edit your profile to enable receiving Private Messages.

[Kasturi]

ok

[kevinf]

not meaning to interupt but i know that a cd key is not lock to a particular cd, i have many cd keys and only use one cd (legit of course) sometimes i want to reinstall windows on my brother's computer i use that one cd and his product key and it works

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by kevinf not meaning to interupt but i know that a cd key is not lock to a particular cd, i have many cd keys and only use one cd (legit of course) sometimes i want to reinstall windows on my brother's computer i use that one cd and his product key and it works

Sounds like what you are doing is using a Corporate key that has unlimited installations. If so, what you are doing is illegal. You need permission from the license holder to use that key. Each disk has it's own product key and should be used appropriately. Indiscriminate use of Corporate Keys has the potential to get you in trouble.

[glc]

Actually, if you have a, say, XP Pro upgrade CD, you can install it using *any* XP Pro Upgrade key. The key is not locked to a specific CD, just a specific *type* and it's totally legal to use any media you want to install as long as you use a legal key to do so.

[Panama Red]

I learn again. Thanx, g.