but if it didn'tcome with a serial number / key... can i use the serial number off the sticker that is on the bottom of my laptop to intall it with?
thanx
2007-07-22 03:33:08 · 13 answers · asked by Matt 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Hi Sparky,
If your laptop has a Windows XP product key on the bottom of it then you shouldn't need to buy a new copy of Windows.
If you don't have a disk yourself, you could borrow one and simply use your own key to install.
2007-07-22 03:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your Windows Disc didnt come with a Serial Number then you can probably ask you seller for a complete refund or ask him to exchange the disc for a new disc with a serial number. There is a possibility that your CD might not work with the Serial number that is at the bottom of your laptop. But you can try it out
2007-07-22 03:37:11 · answer #2 · answered by fforfunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The sticker on the bottom is for the OEM version of Windows, specifically sold to your laptop manufacturer... so it will NOT work on any retail version of Windows.... nor will it work with a OEM disk from another laptop.
You own a legal version of Windows... why dont you try to find your install disk, or try to get a replacement?
2007-07-22 03:37:08 · answer #3 · answered by Mike 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the version that is pre-installed will almost certainly be an OEM version, therefore the serial number will relate to an OEM version. if the version installed is not an OEM version then the key you have will probably be ok, as long as of course it is a genuine key number and not just been purchased from one of the 'scam' sites. take care and good luck.
2007-07-22 05:23:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
This might work but not guaranteed "You will use the product serial". Laptops come with recovery CD, or similar. If you lost it the best way is to contact the laptop vendor for replacement disc.
Regards
2007-07-22 03:37:59 · answer #5 · answered by Prince Of Sahara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only if the version of win xp is the same as the version of the serial key. in other words xp home keys won't work with xp pro or xp media center and viseversa.
2007-07-22 03:38:12 · answer #6 · answered by james B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. It has to be an OEM disk, not a retail one and has to be the version of XP that is referred to on the sticker, such as Home or Professional.
Be careful not to buy a branded disk such as HP or Dell, they will not work.
2007-07-22 03:46:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think so.All discs are individual.You can put whatever you like on your machine and it will work.
But you won't be able to get updates and support.
microsoft checks if your version of windows is legal every time you try and update.( the computer may do this automatically). So beware.
2007-07-22 08:07:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to be honest i dont no if you can as far as im aware each code is unique to the individual disk however if youre xp didnt come with a code take it back and change it thay are not allowed to sell it without the code since the code is generaly inside the package i would deam it to have been tampered with
2007-07-22 03:39:40 · answer #9 · answered by wh1tewolf8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it would work as long as it's the same exact version that's installed on your laptop.
2007-07-22 03:37:45 · answer #10 · answered by plumerjr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋