Install XP Home SP2 on computer with SP1 Licence

Question

I have a Dimension 8200 that has an Windows XP Home license on it. It has a Reinstallation CD P/N 7K404 and asks for the product key to be punched in when reinstalled. My Dimension 4700 has a Windows XP Home Service Pack 2 Reinstallation CD P/N H8527 that does not ask for the product key to be punched in when reinstalled. I know the SP2 disk will install on the Dimension 8200 even if the SP2 install asked for a product key, but since it doesn't will I have problems later with Microsoft Update concerning multiple computers with the same product key?

mombodog · Answer

I think it is illegal to use the other CD, the OS is tied to the original hardware, not the user. Thats is why it is called OEM software.   I'm thinking it will fail when using WGA in windows.   You can change the key after installation. Using the legit key you have.   http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874     this is for VLK installations, but should work for OEM.   Do this first thing after reinstall.

Vezinar · Answer

Windows Update does not fail at least initially but I am thinking it may fail further down the road if and when a new Service Pack comes out. I will try the Volume Licencing change procedure you suggested.

rickmktg · Answer

mombodog wrote:

I think it is illegal to use the other CD, the OS is tied to the original hardware, not the user.

Thats is why it is called OEM software.

I'm thinking it will fail when using WGA in windows.

You can change the key after installation. Using the legit key you have.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874 this is for VLK installations, but should work for OEM.

Do this first thing after reinstall.

Since both are Dell computers and both came with Windows XP Home pre-installed, the CDs can be used interchangeably.

rickmktg · Answer

Vezinar wrote:

Windows Update does not fail at least initially but I am thinking it may fail further down the road if and when a new Service Pack comes out. I will try the Volume Licencing change procedure you suggested.

Your Dimension 8200 has a Windows XP license on it, not a pre-SP1 or an SP1 or an SP2. If you're doing a CLEAN install, no key should be requested. If a key was requested, it's on the side of your computer. No update issues later, no need to enter the other system's key.

Vezinar · Answer

Thanks I wasn't sure how Microsoft and Dell assigned the product keys when no key was asked for.

Hydralisk00222 · Answer

You do not have a VLK license so I don't know why that link was even posted. No need to change CDkey.   You have two Dells. The CDs are meant for Dells. As mentioned before, it can be used interchangeably so don't worry about it. Microsoft will not block your Windows because the prepopulated CDKey is a SLP CDkey used pretty much on every single machine they preinstall.   WGA will NOT block you so don't worry about that. Message Edited by Hydralisk00222 on 12-29-200612:53 AM

mombodog · Answer

'will I have problems later with Microsoft Update concerning multiple computers with the same product key?'   So you can use the same key on two different machines legally?  Interesting. Message Edited by mombodog on 12-29-200612:00 AM

jmwills · Answer

You can use the same OEM disc, but supply the product contained on your unit.

Vezinar · Answer

I know if I use a generic SP2 disk and type in a generic SP1 code the install will work. I don't know if I can use a Dell code on a generic XP install disk, it won't work for Compaq.

jmwills · Answer

Ya think??

rickmktg · Answer

mombodog wrote: 'will I have problems later with Microsoft Update concerning multiple computers with the same product key?'   So you can use the same key on two different machines legally?  Interesting.   I don't see where that was said by anyone.  Since you don't enter the key doing an install on a Dell computer with a Dell OEM CD, the subject of keys is irrelevant as they aren't used.

mombodog · Answer

' I don't see where that was said by anyone.'     Look at the very first post again.

rickmktg · Answer

mombodog wrote: ' I don't see where that was said by anyone.'   Look at the very first post again. Doesn't say that.

mombodog · Answer

Your on drugs.   it is the last sentence in the first post by the  OP     'but since it doesn't will I have problems later with Microsoft Update concerning multiple computers with the same product key?'   cut and paste again for you.

rickmktg · Answer

mombodog wrote:

Your on drugs.

it is the last sentence in the first post by the OP

"but since it doesn't will I have problems later with Microsoft Update concerning multiple computers with the same product key?"

cut and paste again for you.

Since the computer won't ask for a key, there won't be multiple computers with the same key...

Thanks for the comment about the drugs, very mature.

Windows General

Install XP Home SP2 on computer with SP1 Licence

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