XP Key question

[Drum Thumper]

Do XP keys only work with their original discs? I bought a HP Pavillion off of Ebay relatively cheap, and it has the key sticker on the side panel, but it didn't come with any software except what is on the HD right now. I'd like to fdisk this puppy to get rid of any traces of the previous owner and reinstall.

[Luke122]

If it's an HP key, it would only work with an HP branded copy of XP, or likely an OEM copy. I've used my Dell's XP key successfully with an OEM disk to reinstall (and avoid all the dell bundled crap software in a restore).

[nil8]

Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: No.

If it is an OEM copy(95% chance), then you can take a XP OEM cd, install it, and activate it via the phone. You have to answer a handful of 'difficult' questions, like how many computers will this be installed on? Did you purchase your copy of Windows? etc etc.
Riveting stuff.
Anyway, you will get an activation code, enter that and you should be good and legit.

[Drum Thumper]

Thanks for the info. I can't believe that I never wondered about this sooner. +Rep.