I have a Key, but no CD! What are my options?

[pioneerx01]

I just got my hands on an older PC that was not working. The reason was the HDD was fried. I want to get this PC working and then sell it, but I do not have the recovery CD that came with it. The PC has a legal key on the side of the case. What are my options?
Can I use one of my disks to install WinXP OS and use the key on the side? Is that legal? I want the sell it and do not want it to bite me in the ***** later.

 

[Didou]

If the CD you have is for the same edition of the OS key on the sticker, it should work. Most branded computers come with an OEM key so you would need an OEM install disc, the key will most likely not work with a retail install CD & it certainly will not work if it's a different edition (Home, Premium, Business, etc.).

It's perfectly legal as you're simply reinstalling software that is licensed to be used on that machine (you might not want to provide the burnt install disc once you sell the machine though).