Windows XP Product Key for SP3 installation
I have an somewhat older Notebook with an original Windows XP Professional License Sticker underneath. This Notebook was erased completely once and now I want to install a new Windows XP Professional System on it using the key that's on the sticker.
But there seems to be one problem: I am using an Windows XP Professional SP3 image I got from my university (thanks to MSDNAA). But somehow I cannot use the license key on the sticker with this installation. It keeps saying that this key is invalid. What can I do? Is this because I try to install a Win XP Professional with SP3 directly? Do I need another image to install this?
Solution 1:
With a Windows XP SP3 Home or Professional disc, you can press Next when asked for the Product Key.
After the install has finished, you will be prompted for the product key when you activate Windows.
Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, new XP with SP3 installs can proceed without entering a product key during Setup.
Source: http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/xp_sp3.asp
We regularly use this method at work to reinstall Windows XP for customers who have no restore discs.
Solution 2:
http://tinyapps.org/blog/windows/200906190700_convert_windows_xp_retail_to_oem.html
Unlocking WinXP's setupp.ini explains how to force Windows XP to accept retail, OEM, or volume license keys during installation (as well as how to change the CD's behavior). This is especially useful for installing Windows XP on a computer with an OEM license when you've only got a retail CD handy. Working from a retail ISO image, simply open I386\SETUPP.INI in a text editor and replace the last 3 digits of the Pid with "OEM" (sans quotes). Tested successfully with HP, Gateway, and Toshiba OEM product keys. See also: Editing ISO images and Product IDs (cached copy).
Solution 3:
You can install Windows without a key and then after installing change the last three digits of the value Pid in key HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\Pid to OEM. This will change the retail version of Windows into OEM.