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XP install on fresh Laptop Hardrive

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by raingirlIT, 2008/12/18.

  1. 2008/12/18
    raingirlIT

    raingirlIT Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello. Haven't posted in a long time!

    Question - My sister's ACER laptop harddrive died. No biggy - I replaced it. Problem is - she lost her recovery disks for Windows. I contacted ACER, but because the computer is 3+ years old - they don't have discs available to buy that old.

    I guess I have to buy a fresh copy of Windows for her then?? Do I have any other options?? She obviously has an activation key, I just need windows. Can I just pop in my XP Pro disc and use her XP Pro activation key?? Or do I need a fresh copy??

    I'm always confused on this - I've only ever built my own computers, never had a store bought one so I'm not sure how the key works....

    Thanks!
     
    raingirlIT,
    #1
  2. 2008/12/18
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    If I understand MS license keys then legally you can use your own disc but you must use her activation key. It's worth trying and since it's a fresh install you've nothing to lose.

    If you encounter any problems (sound/network etc) then post back with your sister's model number and someone will assist finding the correct drivers.
     
    wildfire,
    #2


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  4. 2008/12/19
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    You'll need to use an OEM cd of the same Home or Pro and it "should" work.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #3
  5. 2008/12/19
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    What Steve means to say: If your copy of XP is a retail version, your sisters key won't work on it.
     
    Arie,
    #4
  6. 2008/12/28
    raingirlIT

    raingirlIT Inactive Thread Starter

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    Yeah, mine is retail, not OEM. Hmm....where would I get OEM? Do I have any options?
     
    raingirlIT,
    #5
  7. 2008/12/28
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Could try contacting Acer for a replacement cd.
    Could borrow an OEM of Home or Pro from someone.
    Purchase a new cd/keycode.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #6
  8. 2008/12/28
    Don Jones

    Don Jones Inactive

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    You could just install your copy and use your key. It will work, BUT I'm not sure about the legal issues. Normally I woujd say it isn't legal to install the same disk onto more than one computer from a single license, but where your sister has a license already but just not the disk, it may be legal. To be sure contact MicroSoft and seek their permission.

    I re-installed XP PRO SP2 on my desktop that had a retail version from my DELL OEM disk and had no problem and did not even have to activate it. Good luck.

    Don Jones
     
    Don Jones,
    #7

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