Using OEM License with Site License CD

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Tractor - 22 May 2008 18:55 GMT

I have a gov't cd and site license for Windows XP Pro. I am donating this
computer and I have installed XP Pro with my gov't cd. However, I want to use
the OEM license that is on the side to the computer instead of my site
license. I do not have OEM cd for this computer. This computer is 3 years
old. How can I use the OEM license with my cd? Thank you for any help.

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Bob I - 22 May 2008 19:04 GMT

> I have a gov't cd and site license for Windows XP Pro. I am donating this
> computer and I have installed XP Pro with my gov't cd. However, I want to use
> the OEM license that is on the side to the computer instead of my site
> license. I do not have OEM cd for this computer. This computer is 3 years
> old. How can I use the OEM license with my cd? Thank you for any help.

You can't, you will need to acquire the correct OEM cd for the key,
copies of the OEM CD from another relatively identical computer will work.

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Tractor - 22 May 2008 19:14 GMT

Thank you for your help!!

> > I have a gov't cd and site license for Windows XP Pro. I am donating this
> > computer and I have installed XP Pro with my gov't cd. However, I want to use
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> You can't, you will need to acquire the correct OEM cd for the key,
> copies of the OEM CD from another relatively identical computer will work.

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Bob I - 22 May 2008 19:22 GMT

You're welcome, have a great day.

> Thank you for your help!!
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>>You can't, you will need to acquire the correct OEM cd for the key,
>>copies of the OEM CD from another relatively identical computer will work.

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Big Al - 22 May 2008 19:16 GMT

>> I have a gov't cd and site license for Windows XP Pro. I am donating
>> this computer and I have installed XP Pro with my gov't cd. However, I
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> You can't, you will need to acquire the correct OEM cd for the key,
> copies of the OEM CD from another relatively identical computer will work.

Call the vendor and see if they can send you the OEM CD. It might cost
you a fee.

See this for replacement CD's.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302822

This might be a bit off topic but:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gb

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Bruce Chambers - 23 May 2008 16:42 GMT

Bottom Line: You can't.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An
Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line:
Product Keys and CD/license types cannot usually (it's been reported
that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be
mixed & matched.

Either sell find the OEM CD that originally came with the computer
(also working for a government agency, I know you should have been
required to retain the original disk(s) for just this reason), or donate
the computer without an OS installed.

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Bruce Chambers

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