[davef]

I have inserted a boot CD into many of PC's and the CD key on the side of the computer does not work..
I run the correct software, E.G

it said Windows Home edition.

I re-installed with windows home edition and enterd the key, and it didnt work =/ i was stuck. i didnt know what to do.

Can any1 please help me on this situation.

what ive been doing instead.
Ive been finding random keys on internet and using em to install. then i been using XP activator hack.

I want to stp doing this is do the correct way. Why does this happen?

[philthomas]

You cant just insert any Windows CD and use the Key from the sticker on your PC.
When the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) install an OEM version of Windows, the key on their sticker will only work with their OEM version of Windows.
If you put in a Retail disk or a different version of Windows, you will not be able to use the OEM key.

[davef]

ah rite, i have downloaded now all service packs for all windows por home, vista sp 1 2 3, home premium and ultimate and business.

Will one of these work?
I mean one of the windows restore CD's must work with the Key?

My computer is compaq presario. Vista home premium,
So if i try all service packs of home premium, will it work? if not what do i need please bud.

[4D(Fordy(Ford) Ollie]

What Phil said is only the case if your PC came with OEM version pre installed.

If you put it on yourself from a retail disk you can use that key over and over (Although only 1 PC can be registered at any one time - due to this it is sometimes necessary, with software in general, to deactivate it first.)

And I don't think the restore discs are bootable, I think they just do a driver rollback etc. from within a Windows GUI.

[davef]

Can ya answer in simple terms mate please lol

Wil ANY of the CD's i have downloaded (OEM - windows Cd's) Restore my PC and use the same Key that was on the side?

If they wont what can please.

[davef]

Anyone answer this for me please

[davef]

please?.....

[philthomas]

If your PC came with Windows installed and the key sticker affixed, you will need the OEM disk from the manufacturer of your PC .... i.e. Dell. HP etc.
If the PC came with Vista Home Premium, you will not be able to install Vista Ultimate, with the key you have.

If you are downloading OEM disks, we have no idea of what you have or whether they are reliable and you are leaving yourself wide open to all sorts of Malware, not to mention possible infringement of the M$ licensing agreement. Forum rules do not allow folks here to give you specific advice on this I'm afraid.

[davef]

I cant find no HP/Dell or Compaq - OEM disks. only windows OEM.

[philthomas]

Well .... all you can do is try the ones you have, failing that you may need to talk to Compaq to see if they will sipply you with a replacement Recovery Disk.