OS product key

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undergrd

New Member
Just want to get things clear about the product key of windows...

Is every windows cd customized for its own product key? What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key, am i able to use my friend's OS cd to install on my pc and instead of his key I use my own product key? Or I cant do this?

Thanks!
 
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undergrd said:
Just want to get things clear about the product key of windows...

Is every windows cd customized for its own product key? What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key, am i able to use my friend's OS cd to install on my pc and instead of his key I use my own product key? Or I cant do this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey Undergrd,

It depends if Vista was pre-installed on your computer or if it was purchased in the boxed version from a store?
 

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undergrd said:
What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key
Click to expand...

I will just add that for the retail box version, you can ask Micro$oft to sent you a brand new DVD, it won't cost too much.
You have to give a proof of purchase and you have to give your install key.
 

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dmex said:
A Express or Retail Vista can be installed on any computer at a time for as many times as you like using any serial. A OEM Vista may only be installed on the exact same computer.

Check this Tutorial for more information and checkout your mates installation CD is NOT OEM because it will fail activation.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84743-license-information-vista.html

Steven
Click to expand...

oh ok...now i know the difference. That means I cant use cos my frez's cd is OEM version
 

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As asking for the product key is one of the first things vsta does, I would just pop the disk in and try the key, then just cancel the setup with no harm done ;)

I think it will work fine ;)
 

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undergrd said:
Just want to get things clear about the product key of windows...

Is every windows cd customized for its own product key? What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key, am i able to use my friend's OS cd to install on my pc and instead of his key I use my own product key? Or I cant do this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

all vista dvd`s are identical that are purchased and the version it installs depends on the product key which you enter at installation point. I believe this is the case and is with my vista ultimate oem 32bit, as my friend used it to install his windows home premium he just entered his key, what you actually pay for is the licence key.
 

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Hi Ppl, I dunno whether can I ask this...

My frez is having the same situation with me, having the product key but lost the recovery disc. Is there any where he can download window xp pro software and use his own product key for it?
 

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undergrd said:
Hi Ppl, I dunno whether can I ask this...

My frez is having the same situation with me, having the product key but lost the recovery disc. Is there any where he can download window xp pro software and use his own product key for it?
Click to expand...

Well theres no place you can legally download XP, plus his key wont work if its for Vista.

Steven
 

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undergrd said:
My frez is having the same situation with me, having the product key but lost the recovery disc. Is there any where he can download window xp pro software
Click to expand...

Please see my previous post.
Give M$oft a proof of purchase + Key and they will behappy to send you a brand new DVD.
 

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If you've got the same type of computer as your friend (example: you have a dell, he has a dell), and you both have the same OS, you can use his operating system cd.
 

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Hi undergrd

U cant use another installation disc on your computer with the a different product key. bcoz each disk has a different product key. If you have lost the installation disc you can contact Microsoft and refer the product key , then they may provide you a new installation disc :)
 

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