WIN XP installation

[civic976]

ok i have a valid key for xp home but not the real disk would it still work?? oh and its for my lap top thanks

 

[civic976]

any one?.....

 

[RealBlackStuff]

The key may be valid, but is it yours?
You can install XP even with a wrong key. As long as you register with M$ within 30 or 60 days, you are fine.
An XP-key is independent of the CD, so yes, you can use any XP-cd of the same home or pro version as your key is for.

 

[civic976]

kool thanks .. i tried activating it and it they said that it was a wrong key even tho that it's from my lap top with the key sticker on the bottom...

 

[RealBlackStuff]

You sure you typed the key correct?
Are you the original owner of that laptop, and was the original XP registered/activated to/by you?
Are there any major hardware changes on that laptop?
If so, a call to M$ should solve the problem.

 

[poertner_1274]

I'd suggest a call to M$ anyway. Especially since you are trying to install with no CD. They will definately be able to give you more answers.

BTW
:wave:Welcome to TechSpot:wave:

 

[Greeno]

You can install with any CD (so long as it's a Home CD for Home license etc).

If you can't activate it, either you've (or someone) has activated it already in the last 3 months or it's an illegal serial number.

EDIT: I'm assuming you've not got a CD, because the laptop came with a crappy restore CD?