Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows XP > Windows XP General Discussion > Windows OEM and Home versions
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Pata   12-31-2005 at 02:58:33 PM

I read somewhere in this forum that if you had a CD Key stuck on your computer you could install the Windows XP CD of your choice.
What I mean to say is this: I have an HP Compaq computer that came with the Windows XP OEM bundled version and its own product Key stuck to the computer. So after the 90 day support with HP, I got rid of all the crapola that comes with their bundle, (AOL, Disney Channel, Silly things, etc.) and reformatted with a copy of Windows XP OEM, using the Product Key on the computer. NO Problem. I have done this several times before and only had one problem, which was resolved through phoning Microsoft Activation Center.
But what I want to know is if I could have used a Windows XP Home edition and not an OEM version instead? Does it make a difference? I mean does it really make a difference? Explain, please.

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pscowboy   12-31-2005 at 06:28:49 PM
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I get the feeling you're looking to install the same flavor of XP TWICE (and have them both running) using the two keys that you have.

It's technically illegal (piracy).

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Pata   12-31-2005 at 06:42:56 PM
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No I am not trying to install two Windows XP with one Product key. I was wondering if I had a Windows XP OEM Product Key but only a Windows Home CD. Would the Windows XP Home edition accept the OEM Product Key?

Let's say I lost the OEM CD and still have the Home Edition CD. I want to reinstall on the computer that has the OEM version. Would the Home Edition CD with the OEM CD Key work?

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khha4113   12-31-2005 at 07:32:55 PM
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Quote :

I was wondering if I had a Windows XP OEM Product Key but only a Windows Home CD. Would the Windows XP Home edition accept the OEM Product Key?


I doubt you can install XP Home upgrade version (is that what you meant?) by using CD key that intended for OEM's. I have tried like that before by installing Upgrade version of XP (pro), but when I entered CD key code from OEM's version Windows setup refused to accept it.

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Pata   12-31-2005 at 11:23:26 PM
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I think you are right on this..... Thanks

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Jake_Barnes   12-31-2005 at 11:27:01 PM
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If I remember correctly, part of the OEM key is something like ...1245-OEM-5667 ..., etc (for full key). So I doubt you would get away with it.

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