Rebuild of a Laptop (licensing query)

BertieMeldrew

I have a Laptop running Windows XP Professional. I was given the Laptop by my employer when I retired... the Operating System was installed by them (and so my Laptop does have a valid license).

I need to rebuild the Laptop but have no software distribution with which to do this. What options are available to me?

A pal of mine has an XP build CD. Is it permissable (possible?) to use that distribution CD and enter the license number of my Laptop that my Laptop currently has? I do wish to stay legal with this

Thanks

Omertron

You will need to find the sticker on your PC that lists your product key. This is what costs the money, the CD is a copy of the software that you use with the product key (if that makes sense) so you are perfectly within your rights to use your friends CD to reinstall your laptop, as long as you use your product key when prompted during the installation.

Having said that, you will need to install the same version of windows XP (Home/Pro) that you currently have otherwise the product key will not work!

BertieMeldrew

Many thanks for that... it is as I thought...

When you say "sticker" I presume you can also find this by right-clicking "My Computer" and selecting "Properties" and then finding the license key in the "General" tab ("Registered To")

sandroad

No, the "sticker" that he is referring to is the one that should be at the bottom of your laptop that says something like:

"Windows XP Professional
TGDUI-56HKD-HDJF98-ABEHW-JFHE0"

Tallymanjohn

No, if it's Windows XP the licence key isn't shown anywhere on the system as it's encrypted. You can use a small free program called MagicJellyBean available here: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml which can display the key - this should match the key on the COA sticker.

Also note that there are different versions of XP pro (OEM, retail, original, SP1, SP2) & you need to install the same one which matches the key.

albertross_2

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

if they have installed xp pro, then your friends xp home key may not work.

The machine would have come with a Microsoft operating system installed, so they have got the money for it, but your employer may have installed their own volume license over the top.

Tallymanjohn

No, the "sticker" that he is referring to is the one that should be at the bottom of your laptop that says something like:

"Windows XP Professional
TGDUI-56HKD-HDJF98-ABEHW-JFHE0"

I hope that isn't your own CDKey:rolleyes:

amcluesent

The process desribed here (http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm) covers a re-install of a legit copy of XP without having to reactivate.

superscaper

Tallymanjohn wrote:

I hope that isn't your own CDKey:rolleyes:

If it is I'm sure MS will soon blacklist it :rolleyes:

alanrowell

Belarc Advisor will tell you the key for your copy of Windows & a lot more, run it before starting to rebuild

The key will be next to a line beginning "Microsoft - Windows XP"


BTW you may have a problem with the key as it will probably be a corporate one & technically you don't own it.

sandroad

Tallymanjohn wrote:

I hope that isn't your own CDKey:rolleyes:

HAHA. Nope. I just know how long the Key is and punched in random numbers