Lost Windows XP Pro CD, Have Licence Key

[davsl]

I am having trouble with my PC and I am thinking of doing a re-install. The problem is that I have lost the install disc. The disc that I had was Windows XP Pro OEM SP2. I was under the impression that when you installed XP licence numbers were allocated to the particular disc type. i.e Retail or OEM, SP1 or SP2. Then again I haven't got a clue. Or would I be better off using the key code that came with the borrowed disc and then using a key changing program or something to enter my licence number then activating Windows. My other problem is that I was also thinking of changing my mobo as issues with Nforce 4 drivers are really annoying me. But then again if I do this I will have to get in-touch with MS I guess, as I was under the impression that OEM XP versions were registered to particular PC's. Thanks for any advise.

[john ranger]

This might help.

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very important if you are changing mother board

Before shutting down, open Device Manager. Open up the IDE controllers, you will see one or two busmaster controllers. Double click on them and find the Update Driver tab. Do not search, select pick from a list. You will see Standard Dual IDE Controller. Use that one. Doing this will allow the system to boot without getting the usual INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE bluescreen.

This is the key to get it to boot. Of course, it would be a very good idea to uninstall the drivers for all components that will not be making the move."

[sdkfz]

An OEM copy of Windows is licensed to the actual machine.

Assuming you do NOT change the motherboard, you have the key which is the most important part: so a copy of another install disk of the same type... Dell OEM.. NewEgg purchased OEM, Compaq OEM etc is all you need to install Windows again. A home made copy of this disk would also is also fine and would be within your rights to have as it would be the back up copy of your original disk now miss placed.

Changing the motherboard... by the EULA you need another purchase of Windows.

[glc]

Changing the motherboard... by the EULA you need another purchase of Windows.

This is a gray area. If you borrow another generic OEM XP Pro with SP2 CD, you can use your key to install it and the key will be accepted. As long as that key has not been through an activation in the past 120 days, it should reactivate online.

[davsl]

Thanks for the advice, getting hold of a Windows XP Pro SP2 disc may be a problem though. Any that I have access to seem to be married to a manufacturer like Dell, or Compaq and I think the one I have is neither as I got it off Ebay

[Negeva]

Originally Posted by davsl Thanks for the advice, getting hold of a Windows XP Pro SP2 disc may be a problem though. Any that I have access to seem to be married to a manufacturer like Dell, or Compaq and I think the one I have is neither as I got it off Ebay

Shouldn't make any difference if it's a Dell or other OEM disk, it will still install using that key. The disks just 'bypass' the key check when installed on their own machines via a BIOS check.