WIN XP CD and key compatibility

[HomeSA]

I just bought a used Compaq laptop for wife. The hard drive is wiped clean. It has the shinny MS sticker on the bottom with a WIN XP Pro key number. Can I use the retail CD of an XP Pro I have with this key number to install XP Pro? I suspect not, but want to make sure.

Thanks ... HomeSA

[Fruss Tray Ted]

You're not necessarily suspecting correctly ;)

[HomeSA]

Hummmm ......... Smells like my question falls in the "gray area." :eek:

[HomeSA]

Just to try, I borrowed an original XP Pro OEM disk and tried to install using the product key on the MS sticker. The install would not accept it. I went ahead and installed with the CD key. I then tried to change the key to the sticker key using Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.51. I got an error that said something about an invalid key number. So this experiment failed.

I haven't tried with the retail version of the XP Pro thinking that if OEM didn't work, retail surly won't, right?

Since Device Manager told me that there are bunch of drivers missing I wanted to try the Compaq QuickRestore CD route which should have all the right drivers.

I did some googling on buying QuickRestore CD from HP and read that since I am not the original owner of the laptop, I can't buy QuickRestore CDs.

So I am SOL on my options except forking out for yet another copy of the XP and pray that I can find all the right drivers.

My question; is there anything left that I can try? What's my best option?

TIA

[123456]

Keys for XP Home and Pro are different. A Home key will not work on a Pro installation and vice versa.

[HomeSA]

Guys, I understand the difference between Pro and Home and the lack of compatibility between them. I am not mixing them up.

[mjc]

Actually, try the retail, I believe it is more 'flexible' that way...

As to drivers, they should be available from HP/Compaq...the install files for the drivers don't care if it is the original HP installed version of Windows or not...also, depending on how new the machine is, you may be better off getting the driver updates from the 'device' manufacturer rather than HP (like if it has nVidia video...get the driver from nVidia).

[HomeSA]

Actually, try the retail, I believe it is more 'flexible' that way...

Well, I just went through reformat and install of the retail verion. No dice.

The XP didn't like the product key off the laptop. Bummer

Next?

[mjc]

Other than buying a copy...there's always some flavor of Linux.

If it/nothing worked, then that probably also means that if you needed to do a 'repair' install with that key you may have had problems too...

[deddard]

simple rule - oem codes/disks and retail codes/disks are not compatible with each other.

[HomeSA]

After some research, I learned that OEM versions of OS coming from name brand manufacturers like Dell, HP, etc., are different than OEM version of an OS that one buys from a store. That probably explains why the key number off the case didn't work.

The good news is that I gave it a try and called HP. Much to my surprise, I was able to order the QuickRestore CDs (2) for only $10 + $15 for overnight delivery (yes, I can be impatient).

FYI, for those who may end up in the same boat.

The number I called was 1-800-952-7689