Nope

I disagree...my daughter lost her CD and I had to do a re install..I used a friend's CD with no problem.

You got past the keycode?
They are usually fairly tight about that.

I'll rephrase my "nope"...you are not supposed to. You might have trouble later on with the "genuine" Windows copy protection business ... and that's a hassle.

Thanks, leslie. Good to know I'll be able to if ever needed. Sandy

matching versions will
but for example;
WindowsXP Home upgrade gold
WindowsXP Home upgrade SP1
WindowsXP Home upgrade SP2
WindowsXP Home full gold
WindowsXP home full SP1
WindowsXP home full SP2
WindowsXP home oem ... etc versions
Those CD's Wont interchange because they are all different versions and the keys are most likely different.

And of course Pro & Home CD's are totally different.

Not sure but Dell CD v/s say HP maybe have seperate keys too, plus the Dell, Hp and other CD will have only limited driver files just for thier own machine chip sets and graphic cards they actually use.

So if you have XP sp2 full, you certainly can use someone elses already used cd of that same version. Just use your own key.

Of course, MS only tracks key authorizations for 6 months... so if you havent had to reinstall for 6 months.. who would know but you if you used some other key.

Actually MS at one time would let you use one XP purchase on more than one machine in one home with a phone call. But you gotta be sweet when you call to get past the first key support person.

If you have your key Microsoft might supply you with an XP disc.

From their forum:

Subject: Re: repairing without the cd? 6/27/2006 1:15 PM PST
By: Jupiter Jones [MVP] In: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics

If the computer was bought used with no CD and not OEM, there is a high
probability it is pirated.
2nd hand computers are sold far to often with pirated Windows, almost always
without the buyers knowledge.
But for now there are insufficient facts posted by you to come to any
conclusion about this computer.

If your son bought the computer new with Windows installed, it is OEM and
legitimate as long as the source is legitimate.
Check the manual and/or contact the manufacturer for repair options.
Some OEMs provide few options with the only option often being a Clean
Installation.
Sometimes the OEM can provide a replacement CD.

If Windows XP is retail, Microsoft may be able to replace the CD:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

and

The product key is the constant. It enables the install (or repair
install). The serial number is generated randomly during the install
process. So, yes, they're connected but he needs the product key to install
or repair install.

If he install XP from a retail copy, the product key is included in the box
with the CD. If from an oem copy and Windows XP was preinstalled, there
should be a sticker with the prodcut key somewhere on the PC. The sticker
is placed somewhere on the PC tower for desktop units and found on the
bottom of laptops.

If a person has their product key, they can use that and any XP cd of the
same type (retail or generic oem) to reinstall.

If there's a specialized oem CD (HP, Compaq, etc) that has been bios locked
to one particular system - it gets tricky. Some of these will only install
on the original system. Some will install but require a phone call to
activate. Best practice here is to use what the OEM supplied and if a CD is
missing, contact the OEM about obtaining a replacement.

Some oem systems have recovery/restore procedures that are different or in
addition to the methods offered by just XP. For example- pressing F10
during boot time on an HP or Compaq system is likely to start their Oem
supplied recovery application.

If the system documentation is unavailable to your son, copies are most
likely downloadable from the oem. The documentation will inform about any
special recovery options that are available and how to use them.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
.............................................................

I had problems with XP when my hard drive failed and I had to have my product code key...to get help from Microsoft and they had all my info from 2 years back. They verified my copy of Windows and made sure there were no duplicated keys...it took about an hour of waiting. I stupidly assumed that meant the disc.

The big deal is the key. Mikie is probably right about active tracking, but they hold on to your registration information as long as the product is supported. The validation tool kinda backfired on them, I don't even know they still use it. Still, you do not want to see that balloon stating that your XP is not genuine.

So I'm error, you can use a similar disc if you have your own and enter your personal proof of purchased valid key.

My advise is don't get caught sharing keys...if you do... just don't get caught. Microsoft is a bit over the top when it comes to copy protection.

According to all of the above it looks like I can. Bought this machine new, XP home full sp2 installed. Hers is the same basic machine 4 months later.

"If from an oem copy and Windows XP was preinstalled, there
should be a sticker with the prodcut key somewhere on the PC The sticker
is placed somewhere on the PC tower for desktop units and found on the
bottom of laptops."

So evidently the product key is on my PC tower somewhere and I'll find it if I need it. Thanks, Sandy

"So if you have XP sp2 full, you certainly can use someone elses already used cd of that same version. Just use your own key."

This is even more concise. Thanks, mikie.

breenthumb,
"So if you have XP sp2 full, you certainly can use someone elses already used cd of that same version. Just use your own key."
You got it, in fact they could even burn a copy of their cd and you could use it.
XP keys are not tied to the individual discs that they are distributed with.
Your "Product Key" will be on a sticker somewhere on your case or use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to find it on your computer.

"XP keys are not tied to the individual discs that they are distributed with." That was my original question but I didn't quite know how to word it.

Good idea about burning it to a disc. I've always thought I should have one here, just in case. We'll do that. Thanks, Sandy

Breenthumb, check the manual that came with your computer. You should already have a copy of your XP install in a special place on your hardrive. The manual to your computer, should give you all the information to burn that copy to a cd, so you will have it when you need it. Most manuals advise this be done imediately. :-)Cat