----- Original Message -----
From: "Analyst" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "The Hardware List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 3:27 PM
Subject: Re: [H] XP Pro Upgrade
You should be able to purchase a "Re-install disk" from the original
manufacturer, but if you have any OEM CD handy, you might
be able to utilize that and substitute the COA registration upon
installation.
YMMV
In the past several months I have had to call Microsoft and give them the 42
digit installation code and the Product Key and then they give me the 42
digit code to authenticate Windows on 90% of all name brand computers, even
when there were no hardware changes. Microsoft hates to see clean installs,
I guess. This is no problem, just humiliating and time consuming. Actually
it is a hoop they make people who prefer clean installs to jump through.
Just make sure you install with the same version of Windows, (Upgrade, Full
or OEM.) If you do not, the Product Key on the COA will not work.
Chuck
