[whytheheckme]

OK, so here's the deal.

The product key that you legally own for you laptop is still valid and good, and what you are trying to do is completely legal, because you own Windows XP.

Here's where it gets sticky.

To limit piracy, computer manufacturers have made their XP install discs accept only product keys that that company distributed. For instance, an HP XP install disc will only accept a certain set of HP XP install keys. Not only this, but the versions have to match (i.e. only a SP1 key will work with a SP1 reinstall). In my opinion, this just isn't right, because you should be able to install whatever copy of XP you want on any machine as long as you have the valid key to back it up.

Whatever.

Now here's the upside to all this.

Let's say you own a dell laptop. A dell XP reinstall (from any dell machine) will not even ask for a key if you install it on a dell. So if you have a dell reinstall disc and a dell laptop, you are all set.

This may work some other manufacturers. (Honestly don't know off the top of my head (I'm currently in the car...))

OK, so what happens when you have the wrong disc, and your key doesnt work with that?

You really have two options.

1. Find a copy of XP in which your key will work with. Same manufacturer, same version (SP0, SP1, SP2; Home, Pro).

2. Find *another means* of getting XP onto your computer. I am not promoting piracy, because what you are doing is COMPLETELY legal. You own Windows XP. You just don't have the disc. All the value is in that little shiny holographic magic authentic genuine pooh-bah bow-to-the-gods sticker. That is what you are actually purchasing when you buy Windows XP.

So what are *other means*? If you can find a friend with XP (same edition please (not talking SPs, but Home, Pro.....) then you should be able to install that with their key. If the activation gives you a problem, call up M$ and tell them that you are reinstalling on the machine because your machine was getting junked up, and that this is the only machine that you are installing it on. This is (sort of) true, because you have a legit key that you aren't using anywhere else.

You could also find a friend with a Volume License (VL) copy of XP with a Volume License Key (VLK). This magic copy of windows doesn't require activation. This is the easiest solution, because it avoids that heck-hole of the activation computer and people that can't speak english (no offense, but M$ really screwed up on that. I mean all pirates have to do is find a VL copy of XP and they avoid activation anyway......)

Other than that, you can call your computer manufacturer and tell them you need another copy of your XP CD because you lost yours. They should only charge you like 10 or 15 bux for burning and shipping. IT SHOULD NOT BE >$100 BECAUSE YOU ALREADY OWN THE KEY. So if they send you the CD, then your legit key should work with it.

Well, thats my 2 cents.

Jacob