Member Avatar for valuum

Hey all I was just wondering about something. I've read numerous times about xp product keys and how you can only use the software on one comp at a time. My specific XP recovery disk came with my computer and does not ask for a product key to be typed during install. Ive reformatted with this disk a million times and it has never asked me for a key.

I recently (well, months ago) used the same disk to install XP on my brothers computer, and again, no problems, no keys. I thought that having one OS on multiple computers would blacklist updates and what not, but so far we have both had no problems whatsoever. Or at least that's what it looks like as the "download/install updates" icon regularly pops up on our toolbars. I'm certainly not complaining, but whats going on?

Also, if I were to reformat my computer right now and attempt a re-install using that disk, would I run into any problems?

Regards,
J

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As described, the fact that the recovery media never asked for a key and that updates still appear is common with OEM recovery installs. As and suggested, manufacturers set up their recovery images so the usual key/activation prompt is bypassed on approved machines. A few important points that weren’t covered yet:

  • License rules: OEM licenses are generally tied to the original machine and are not transferable to a different PC. Even if the recovery disk will install Windows on another identical-brand machine, using that copy long-term on the second machine is not a license-compliant move.

  • Reformatting the original PC: reinstalling the recovery image on the same computer is what the media is intended for and rarely causes activation problems. Before you do it, back up user data and grab any model-specific drivers (network, storage, chipset) so you can restore connectivity after the reinstall.

  • If activation or updates fail later: check Windows’ activation status in System Properties. If Windows asks to be reactivated after a reinstall or a major hardware change, phone activation or the OEM’s support line normally resolves it. If the install was done on a different machine and Microsoft flags the copy as non-genuine, some updates may be blocked until the licensing is corrected.

  • Practical options: keep using the recovery media for the original machine; obtain proper recovery media or a retail license for any additional PC; or order an official recovery/reinstallation image from the OEM to stay compliant.

This explains why things “just worked” for a while, why that can be fragile long-term, and what to do if a reinstall triggers activation or update errors.

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Member Avatar for HoustonIT

I believe the manufacturer's os cd's pull the cd key from an eprom in the system. I've never tested this theory, but you could download a product key finder and compare the info it retrives to the oem code on the side or bottom of the pc.

commented: I agree, your post must have beat mine by seconds. :^) +5
Member Avatar for Laser

The cd only has the files necessary to install XP; the license is on a label attached to the computer case(or bottom of a laptop). I'm guessing both computers are from the same manufacturer and this is why the one disk worked for both. For example, a Dell disk wouldn't work on an HP and vice versa.

Member Avatar for valuum

Well they are both Dell computers so I guess that makes sense. Seems a bit lax security wise. Certainly not complaining though :P.

Ok thanks guys was just curious.

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