Treading the fine line of legality....

[freakitchen]

Hey guys

Wonder if someone can help me with the legalities of this issue.

I'm doing a spyware clean on a friend's PC, running a licenced version of XP. He has asked me to do a wipe/re-install, but cannot find his original XP disc that shipped with his Advent PC. He does, however, own a COA.

My question is whether I would be able to install XP Home on his system using my own OEM disc, but using his licence key for install and activation. Does anything 'tie' a particular disc to its own key?

Thanks for any help....if you mods think this is an unsuitable question, then delete away!!

Freakitchen

[Corky]

Since he has the valid license key, I wouldn't see a problem. IMHO, if the key were specific to a CD, you wouldn't have to enter the key during install.

[peekaboo]

many programs are available for download (free download) but if you want to use them you have to purchase a license.
It seems to me that you could theoretically do the same with XP.
as long as you are paying the legal fee (by purchasing a COA), what difference does it make where you got the software from?

[EzyStvy]

Pretty sure OEM cd's and Retail keys don't mix. Can't mix Pro cd's with Home keys for sure. But it is legal to do what you are wanting to do when you get the right combo of cd's and keys.