Topic: Windows CDs / Licencing

[Simon]

A friend has asked me to reinstall Windows XP onto his machine.  He only has an SP1 CD, but I have an SP3 CD.  To save downloading tons of Windows Updates, can I use my SP3 CD with his SP1 licence (product key)?

[Sandra]

I may have misread what you intend Simon, but if you mean can I install using the XP inc SP1 then use SP3 on a CD instead of downloading it then yes you can.
If however you mean to install XP inc SP3 using a licence from XP inc SP1 then I am unsure but think it would probably be OK as long as it was the same version, ie Home or Pro.

[Simon]

It was the second one, San.  His licence is from an XP SP1 Home Edition CD.  I want to reinstall Windows, using that original 'SP1' licence, but with my XP SP3 Home Edition CD, to save downloading all the updates again.

[sam]

I think you should be able to install his XP1 and then whack your CD in and get all the updates... well that would make sense to me but if it makes sense to microshaft is a different matter entirely.

[Simon]

 

I made a mistake, and my Windows disc is actually SP2, not SP3, so he would still need to download SP3 anyway.  Looks like this is what's going to happen.  I'm due to collect the machine tomorrow.

[Sandra]

I that case you may as well install from his CD and make a CD from a download of SP3 so that you have it for future use 

[Simon]

  

[davy51]

Im not positive but his sp1 product code is just that for sp1

SP3 would have a completely different code or it does on XP Pro

[Simon]

I'll soon find out, Dave. 

[Glenn]

If they are from different OEM's, then the key may not work.

[Simon]

Hi Glenn!    Nice to see you here. 

I do have an SP1 CD too, somewhere, so all will not be lost if the key won't work.

[Glenn]

Thanks, I had forgotten I had an account, until Martin asked me about his power problem.

[Simon]

Yes, Martin has registered and posted.  We're just waiting for Sandra to rise from the crypt.   

[Clive]