Which CD do I need?

[Danny Bui]

Do I need an OEM CD in order to install Windows XP Pro with an OEM key? The reason I ask is because I recently tried to reinstall Windows XP Pro on my laptop. Everything installed fine until I entered the Windows XP Pro CD-Key that originally came with my laptop. The installation had deemed it an invalid CD-Key. The Windows XP Pro CD that I was using for the install was obtained through my school's membership in the MSDNAA.

Sorry for the long winded explanation but I felt a bit of background was needed. So Do I need an OEM CD in order to install Windows XP Pro with an OEM key?

[upriverpaddler]

To be legit, you need THE key that came with THE cd. Call microsoft. It won't be bad. I had to do it once and I really didn't have to wait too long on hold.

[dbwillis]

Correct, you need an OEM CD to use an OEM CDKey and retail CD to use retail CDKey.

If you need an OEM CD, just let me kno

[bbz_Ghost]

If you have the CD that came with the laptop (the Dell Operating System CD) it won't ask for a key at all. The OEMBIOS.BIN file on it (part of the XP installation) is tied to Dell equipment and is pre-activated for Dell hardware sooo... try and find that CD again if possible. Maybe someone you know might have a Dell with XP Pro on it and the Dell Operating System CD with XP Pro on it... might let you borrow that CD - I know this may seem illegal, and it could be, but you *do* own a Dell laptop and that laptop *does* have the COA sticker attached to the bottom (at least it better) sooo... the actual CD isn't where the legal issues comes from...

Just my $.02...

[Danny Bui]

I don't have a Dell laptop. It's a Toshiba. Anyway thanks for the replies.

[djnes]

If it's like other school's, then you will need a VLK key, not an OEM or a retail.