Member Avatar for megasah

Hi,
I have bought used computer with license sticker for win xp sp3 media center. System needs to be reinstalled. I do not have win xp sp3 media center CD. Can I install win xp sp3 and use key from the sticker?
Thanks in advance for help....

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by JorgeM

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A short, practical primer that fills gaps in the thread and links the answers from and to official guidance.

If the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker is physically on the computer that was purchased, that sticker normally represents an OEM license tied to that machine (the license travels with the PC, not as a transferable key for other hardware). This means a reinstall of the same Windows edition on that same machine is generally permitted, but the license is bound to the original hardware. (devicepartner.microsoft.com)

Match the media to the COA. A Media Center COA requires Media Center installation media (Home vs Professional vs Media Center, and OEM vs retail vs upgrade discs, are not interchangeable). Many OEM systems instead provide a factory recovery partition or offer a manufacturer recovery-disc service; the product-key/installer pairing and BIOS-locked OEM CDs are common causes of install/activation failures. (learn.microsoft.com)

How to get installation media legally: request recovery discs from the PC maker (cheap or free for many vendors while they keep archives); if the original purchase was retail, Microsoft’s replacement/parts service is another route. Buying an original OEM/retail XP disc from a reputable seller is possible, but avoid suspiciously cheap or unbranded copies (counterfeit media is common). Keep the COA, any OEM recovery media, and model/serial info when requesting support. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical next steps and cautions: as suggested, test the COA key in a virtual machine first to avoid wiping the drive; if the installer rejects the key, the phone-activation process is the supported fallback. Note that Windows XP reached end of support on April 8, 2014, so running XP today carries security and compatibility risks—plan an upgrade path for anything connected to the Internet. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

I could be mistaken, but I do not think you'll be able to use the same product keys, especially if the media you have is OEM.

Member Avatar for megasah

So that key can not be used? I have heard that win xp sp3 media center CD has never been sold in a free market, only with systems in wich it has been installed. How could I get win xp sp3 media center installation CD?

Member Avatar for JorgeM

I did a quick search on nextag and found a few selling for about $80. Back to whether the you can use the key you have on XP Pro... I am about 99% sure you cannot, but why dont you just try. Rather than trying on your system by re-installing, install virtual PC or similar virtual application on your current system, and install XP Pro as a VM, then try to apply the key you have. If it works...great, if not, just delete the VM and go to plan B which is buying another copy.

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