[Glaswegian]

Originally Posted by navnut

What was glaswegian referring to?

Sorry if I wasn't clear. If you can borrow an XP CD that matches your version then you can use that, but input your own key - as Dave said.

[navnut]

Please forgive me but i can't make of sense of this. Your version as in same XP flavour (Pro, Home) or as in HP Compaq dc7100 cd which no one is likely to have. And then if i match one of these i can use my own product key?
Also whats the diff between OEM and retail XP?

thank you

[redden137]

OEM xp you can only use the COA once on any pc and once only hence cheaper then the
RETAIL xp which you can use the COA multiple times on your pc (so allows you to re-install windows)

[sjb007]

Just to help clarify things a little more for you...

If your computer was originally purchased with Windows XP Home OEM SP2 installed then you can use any Windows XP Home OEM with SP2 to reinstall the system again and the serial will tie in. You would not be able to use Windows XP Home OEM SP2 if your original system was Windows XP Profressional OEM.

A HP Compaq dc7100 cd sounds to me that it is not an operating system as such, but a rescue disk supplied by the manufacturer. A quick google shows me that you can get certain replacement disc for Compaq computers from the manufacturers here - http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...cname=bph07143

Please notice however that they also do state.....

However, because of licensing restrictions, HP is only able to provide these recovery discs for a limited time

Hope this helps!

[navnut]

Thank you Sj that was avery helpful post.

[Hybr!d]

No, the Windows CDs are the same, although they come in different versions. ie: Pro, Home, Pro with service pack 1, home with service pack 3 etc. the version must match your product key version.

Restore CDs are a whole different kettle of snakes and are basically Windows CDs messed around with by the manufacturer and will in most cases only work on specific makes/models as they have specific drivers built in for ease to new users.

I thought that was pretty clear?

[pest79456]

You can ask for one for manufacturer it will automatically set the key thats is they still have your warranty on record they may give it to you for free.

[CodeFreakC]

most of the time, if you use an OEM you can't use a full windows key for it, you need a specialised key, supplied by the manafacturer

[pest79456]

I think I just said that, I could be wrong.