Product key question

[nomak]

I have an HP tower here that has xp home home installed on it. Need to reinstall windows. The product key sticker is on the side of the case but the owner has lost the recovery cd. My question is can I use a regular XP home cd and install it using the product key that is on the the HP tower and this work and be legitimate as well ?? thanks..

[Oooska]

Yes. Chances are pretty good that you'll need to call Microsoft to get it activated though.

[djnes]

If the XP Home CD you plan to use is an OEM version, it will work fine, and be legal. If it's a retail, it probably won't accept the key. I would call HP and request a CD...they usually just charge shipping.

[nomak]

thanks for the help everyone... probablly will just call HP to be on safe side..