Format + Windows reinstall from a different CD, but same product key

[abc]

I am at home from college for the weekend. My computer has been acting up and I want to format the C drive and install Windows anew. Problem is that i left my Windows CD at college (2hrs away) (yes it's legal). This program supposedly can tell me my CD key, and even change it. So my question is: Would it work if i installed Windows from my dad's CD, then changed the CD key to mine and activated then? I don't know how the Windows activation works, but it seems like it should work to me. Thanks for any help

 

[poertner_1274]

I can't see why that would be a problem. You just need to make sure you contact M$ if you are putting it onto a different system with different hardware. But if it is just a format and reinstall on the current system, all should be ok.

 

[Nodsu]

Your Windows license is not tied to any specific medium. It doesn't matter if you install the thing from a network drive, from a hard drive, from a CD or 3.5" floppies.

Also, the CD key is not tied to a specific CD, so you can just use your own CD key to install using the dad's CD. No need to go through the key changing thing.

 

[abc]

alright, thanks. For some reason I thought you had to install Windows with its CD key, but whatever. Time for a format.