Can you install windows xp with any oem xp disk and then activate it with a different key (genuine)?

Question

I have three pcs running xp and want reinstall xp on one but can't find the gateway xp cd and am hoping that I can just use the dell xp cd and enter the gateway key. I genuinely own three keys

Answer 1

You can't install a Dell CD OS on a Gateway. . . . Cuz i've tried doin the same way. I suggest goin to Wal-Mart and buying a Windows XP CD. .. it will cost a tad over 100 dollars.

Answer 2

The type of XP CD used makes a huge difference. For example, you can't use an OEM disk that comes packaged with Dell or HP workstations to install Windows XP using a retail key. This is because the OEM disk has embedded a search mechanism to check the BIOS to make sure it is being installed on a Dell or HP workstation.

Then there are the "generic" OEM disks. As far as I know, you are still limited to using an OEM key and not a retail. The upgrade disks are a different story, however. As long as the upgrade version you have is retail, you can use a key from any other retail full version and it will work.

In your situation, it would just be best to contact Gateway. The key that you have is not supported directly by Microsoft, hence the definition of OEM (JUSTIN W below apparently doesn't realize that). Unless you can get your hands on a generic OEM disk, call Gateway...

Answer 3

If you have a genuine key from Microsoft. Installation CD does not matter. However it depends on the CD. You can use an OEM activation number with a Upgrade Cd vice versa.

Answer 4

First, make certain no count number interior the experience that your CD is an finished reproduction or in elementary words an develop reproduction. in case you do not have WinOS on the computer now, you'll not be able to video reveal an develop reproduction for an finished installation. yet you're waiting to favor to installation Win95 first. 2d, you in elementary words get a large number of installs (3 or 5) on WinXP beforehand Microsoft blocks you from activating yet another reproduction, so relying on what number circumstances you've put in / re-put in on your diverse pc you're waiting to or received't be able to video reveal it. also, you're restricted from downloading patches (though they have lengthy gone decrease to and fro on that one). Vista receives a lot more beneficial restrictive with the help of utilizing a hardware hash key to really link the OS installation to the computer so as that you're waiting to not use it everywhere else. they retain the fantastic to do all of this because of truth technically you at the on the spot are not determining to purchase from them the software yet truly a license to position interior the software on a unmarried pc. So the technologies is basically catching as a lot because the position the EULA (end shopper License settlement) has been for years.

Answer 5

alot of times on newer pcs they stamp the xp key on a sticker on the case somewhere by the serial number and model number

Answer 6

yes you can do that, but if you experience any problems you will need to contact microsoft at 1 800 microsoft because in some cases you will need a code from them...