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replacing HDD and XP key

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - replacing HDD and XP key

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proto_prime   10-13-2008 at 04:45:25 AM

if i replace my HDD with a different kind, when i go to reinstall windows XP will i need a new cd key or can i use the same one?

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Wolfshadw   10-13-2008 at 11:14:47 AM
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Use the same one. The CD Key is tied to the machine. So long as that system is the only one with that CD Key, you're fine.

-Wolf sends

------------------------------ System Specs:
Gigabyte EP43-UD3L Intel Core2Quad Q8400 8 Gig RAM
NVidia Geforce 8800GTS-640/Creative X-FI Extreme Music/Dual-Boot XP-64&Server2008
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WhyFi   10-13-2008 at 01:02:10 PM
- 0 +

Yes - use the same key. If you get a message that the key has already been registered, call the toll-free support number and explain to the rep that you've made some hardware changes. As long as the key is not active on multiple machines (simultaneously), they don't give a rip - I've used the same key on several rebuilds.

------------------------------ AMD PhenomII 940 BE/CPNS 9500 - DFI LP DK 790FX - 4*2GB Patriot DDR2 800 - 2 x VisionTek HD3870 - PC P&C Silencer 610 - WD RaptorX - BenQ FP241W - CM Stacker 830 Evo - Razer Mamba & Tarantula - Wacom Intuos 4 Medium
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jitpublisher   10-13-2008 at 01:58:07 PM
- 0 +

They will usually give you about 3 installs on the same key, then you are gonna have to call them. After about the 3rd time, you are gonna get the invalid key message when you try to activate Windows. As someone mentioned though, it's not a big deal. Just a couple minutes on the phone with them and a short explaination of your upgrade and they will either let your key activate, or give you a new one.

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Groo   10-13-2008 at 03:14:48 PM
- 0 +

last time I did it, you didn't even have to talk to anyone, just a machine that automaticly did it.

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