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Installing windows XP original license

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by mdlnet

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My questions is about the following cituation;
I have an IBM think Centre with a valid windows XP pro license (windows Sticker on tower) but I do not have the original cd, how do I go about re installing windows xp using the license on the sticker?
also I would like to understan a little bit more about windows xp diferent releases, I would apreciate if someone can point me to a link were I could get some info on that issue.
Thanks guys!

3 replies

by thechas

If your tower did not come with a restore CD, it might have a hidden recovery partition. Many OEM systems like your IBM do not come with the actual software CDs. The come with a restore image that wipes the hard drive and takes you back to the way the system was when you first opened the box.

As to Windows XP, there have been 3 releases. Often referred to as Gold, with Service Pack 1, and with Service Pack 2.

There are 4 versions of XP. Home, Professional, Media Center, and a 64 bit version of Professional.

For all of the above, there are various iterations and permutations.
Full retail.
Retail Upgrade.
OEM upgrade. (this version is very limited as to how many copies were distributed)
OEM.
Corporate Edition.

Finally, within each of the above are distributions. On the OEM level, you cannot use a Key on an IBM system with a CD from a Dell. On all levels, on a periodic basis, Microsoft creates a new algorithm for the key code and starts a new run of CDs. You cannot mix key codes and CDs from different batches.

Do I have you confused enough yet?

Chas

by hal 9000

You'll need an OEM copy of the version of XP that the COA is for you have 2 options really either Home or Pro.

If you use the correct Install CD it should accept the Product Key on the COA though with the IBM series of machines it's possible that they used a Volume License Copy of the XP product in which case you would need either the correct Install CD's from IBM or a Volume License Version of the version of XP.

Generally speaking in a situation like this it's cheaper to buy a replacement Recovery Set of CD's from the Original Maker. As they will not only have all the necessary drivers but all the software that came preinstalled on the machine when it was new.

The only link that I know of for how to work out which Version of XP was used is within a restricted are of the M$ Web Site Reserved for M$ Certified Partners. So that will be unavailable to you.

Col

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