Reinstalling Windows XP Pro

Question

I am about to reinstall WindowsXP Pro.  Someone told me that each time I reinstall WinXP i have to get a new seriel number from Windows. Is there any truth to this or can I reinstall using the seriel that came with the disc? Also, my roommate's Windows XP cd has disappeared. We think a past room mate took it when he moved out.  Will the theif be able to install it on his computer?  If the need ever arises to for my room mate to have to reinstall XP can he install from my cd or will have have to buy one?

mattcowger · Answer

No, you must use the same serial that came with the disc. As for your roommate, the theif will be able to install if he has a serial # for it. Your roommate will need a buy his own CD.

Ben35401 · Answer

Thanks for the info. So is each serial number unique to each windows xp disk?

Denny Denham · Answer

Ben35401,

The thief may have difficulty activating the stolen copy of XP if it is already activated on your roommate's computer. If your roommate has a record of the 25-character Product ID for his copy of XP and he has a Dell he can use your XP CD to install the operating system on his machine (it will only install on a computer with a Dell BIOS) and then change the Product ID to his using the procedure given here.

Windows General

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