Vista - OS product key

**undergrd** · 06-19-2008

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!

**dmex** · 06-19-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd

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!

Hey Undergrd,

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

**undergrd** · 06-19-2008

ok...cos i lost my OS cd and tot of using my frez's cd but using back my own product key.

**dmex** · 06-20-2008

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.

License Information for Vista

Steven

**Brink** · 06-20-2008

Hi Undergrd,

This tutorial will show you what your Product Key Number is within Vista.

Product Key Number

However, as Steven posted above, it depends on what type of Vista you and your friend has on whether or not you can use it on your computer.

Shawn

**sidney1st** · 06-20-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd

What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key

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.

**undergrd** · 06-21-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by dmex

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.

License Information for Vista

Steven

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

**z3r010** · 06-21-2008

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

**schweppes79** · 06-21-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd

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!

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.

**undergrd** · 06-22-2008

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?

06-19-2008	#1 (permalink)
undergrd Vista Home Premium 32bit 46 posts	OS product key 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! Last edited by dmex; 06-19-2008 at 11:52 AM.. Reason: many typo`s :D
My System Specs

06-19-2008	#2 (permalink)
dmex Windows Vista™ Ultimate 2,631 posts	Re: OS product key Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd 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! Hey Undergrd, It depends if Vista was pre-installed on your computer or if it was purchased in the boxed version from a store?
My System Specs

06-19-2008	#3 (permalink)
undergrd Vista Home Premium 32bit 46 posts	Re: OS product key ok...cos i lost my OS cd and tot of using my frez's cd but using back my own product key.
My System Specs

06-20-2008	#4 (permalink)
dmex Windows Vista™ Ultimate 2,631 posts	Re: OS product key 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. License Information for Vista Steven
My System Specs

06-20-2008	#5 (permalink)
Brink Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 26,013 posts	Re: OS product key Hi Undergrd, This tutorial will show you what your Product Key Number is within Vista. Product Key Number However, as Steven posted above, it depends on what type of Vista you and your friend has on whether or not you can use it on your computer. Shawn
My System Specs

06-20-2008	#6 (permalink)
sidney1st Ultimate SP1 x64 & x86 971 posts	Re: OS product key Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd What I mean is if I lost my install CD but I still have my product key 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.
My System Specs

06-21-2008	#7 (permalink)
undergrd Vista Home Premium 32bit 46 posts	Re: OS product key Quote: Originally Posted by dmex 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. License Information for Vista Steven oh ok...now i know the difference. That means I cant use cos my frez's cd is OEM version
My System Specs

06-21-2008	#8 (permalink)
z3r010 Windows 7 Ultimate x64 21,391 posts	Re: OS product key 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
My System Specs

06-21-2008	#9 (permalink)
schweppes79 Vista Ultimate SP1 32bit 10 posts	Re: OS product key Quote: Originally Posted by undergrd 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! 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.
My System Specs

06-22-2008	#10 (permalink)
undergrd Vista Home Premium 32bit 46 posts	Re: OS product key 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?
My System Specs

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