Installing xp with one disk but using the key of another?

[ingeborgdot]

I am waiting on my xp disk to arrive in the mail. The computer is finished and would really like to get it up and running. Could I use my xp pro disk to install and when the new disk comes use the key off of it or would that be too much of a hassle? Any ideas on this?

 

[gbhall]

should be ok, but....

As long as you do not register the copy installed, the source of the code does not matter until your 'grace' period expires, when it will stop working until you properly register with MS.

The exception is a CD supplied by big OEM manufacturers like Dell, Compaq, sony etc, where the CD is built to only work on their own hardware. So what is your existing XP pro ? if it is OEM it will not install anyway.....

 

[mailpup]

Registering is not the same as activating. Registering is not mandatory but activating is. When you install XP, you will have to enter the product key which will be set into the registry. When you try to activate, the previous activation of this key with another PC should give you a problem. I say "should" because I have never put this to the test. When activating, you do not manually enter any product key but, rather, if the key is involved, it is detected automatically.

 

[ingeborgdot]

Both are full version retail.

 

[pipeman]

I believe you can do what you are asking. You will need a program that will allow you to change the key when the new one comes in the mail. You can find the program here, it is called RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html

 

[tifc8lraz]

Both are full version retail.

I have had to format my computer multiple times and re-install Windows XP. The product key had been used too many times (I formated and installed a lot), so I called up Microsoft and they gave me no issues and supplied me with another key.