DescentBB

So - trying to help out a buddy, his PC crashed, needed a Format/Reload.

Its an older system, and he does not have a backup CD for it. He got it from work when they were getting rid of some old hardware.

Anyway, he does have a Windows XP Pro sticker on the side of his case, but when we try to install XP, it says its not valid.

Does it matter if you use an OEM windows CD, or Retail? im thinking thats the problem, and if it is, anyway around it?

Thanks!

OEM sticker is not square and has a wavy border on 2 sides, blue green and yellow colors. That is an Microsoft OEM Issued Version and has a cryptic key program....embedded in the install routine. So without the M$OEM Disc and M$OEM COA it cannot be reinstalled without work

Dell/IBM/TOSHIBA/HP OEM and Retail discs will NOT work (Dell OEM discs are what is used in those All In One Install DVD's you find at torrent sites)... and a Keychanger is of absolutely no use.

I use these disks to do installs for that reason

What does the Sticker say... HP OEM , DELL OEM, \"Microsoft OEM\" under the Windows XP Professional line

ENJOY

Here is what I did do...

I used a hacked windows xp installer to install windows. Went to windows update, it of course said I had an invalid key. It asked for the CORRECT key, and I plugged in the key that was on the side of the case.

After a few seconds, it worked and I was able to download updates.

But - id much rather not go that route in the future, so.. your saying that with the link you provided, the CD key on the side of the case will work with that disk? or did I mis-read that?

if it says \"Microsoft OEM\" then the Answer is YES

BUBBALOU wrote:OEM sticker is not square and has a wavy border on 2 sides, blue green and yellow colors.

I think those are the new stickers. His machine is 5 years old or older and the sticker is a Square with rounded corners. Green at the top but blue everywhere else.

what kind of system? your being elusive here! what does the sticker say \"what type of OEM\" what is the X-code

lol - not trying to be \"elusive\"...

at any rate, OEM CD works. Thanks.

I can install any O/S for an end user... so I have been down this path myself on-site.
Try to make it a point to keep a few types of XP disks with me at all times.
As long as they have a Valid COA.... it's Golden

But you can actually make any type of XP install from the same media. see here good read

Yeah - Evidently I was not using an \"OEM\" cd, it was a Retail Disk and the key wouldn't work with it. Now I have an OEM, Retail, and Corp installers with me at all times.

Thanks for the help!

I keep KeyFinder 1.51 with me at all times, as soon as the OEM disk does it's job(on a Non DELL) I change the Key to match the COA on the machine and hit the Update Page. no Reason in installing anything else until WGA is done

Version 2.01 has some benefits also but 1.51 i used to change keys(do not use while antivirus is running or installed)