I'm working on a friends emachine computer and had to reformat the hard drive. The restore cd it came with is junk. So I put my xp cd in and let it format and install.When it asks for the cd key I used the cd key on the sticker on the back of the emachine computer.I get a message saying the cd key is not valid. My question is can I use my xp cd with my friends cd key? The cd key on the sticker says its for xp home and that is what I have. Brian

Plain and simple NO

I think I know the problem. The emachine cd key is probably for xp home with no service packs. My xp cd has service pack 1 on it. I am trying this again using another xp home cd with no service packs. Just a note to emachine computers and others alike. Selling a computer with xp on it with ONLY 128 ram is RETARDED!!! What a waste of money and time! Also the restore cd for emachines is a joke. Just google and 1000's of problems! Brian

Hi Bmeek. ========================================================= I had a eMachine, tested it for several months then I gave it away to friends that couls not afford a computer. But before I putted a new Hard Drive beside the original, switched the IDE and Power cables, inserted the recovery CD which did automatically format the new Hard Drive and XP Home was installed with all the programs it came with. Now, in case of trouble, my friends just need to switch the cables and viola. I think you should let the recovery CD format. The Product key written on the back of the computer was different than the installed version. I even did not try the product key printed on the back of the computer. My friends are using that eMachine now for almost a year, having two kids and had no problems so far, never had to use the spare Hard Drive. Cheers de Peter

If they are both XP home, you can use your key to at least finish the installation, there are CD Key changers online that will allow you to change the key to your friends after the installation is completed. Don’t spend two dollars to dry clean a shirt. Donate it to the Salvation Army instead. They’ll clean it and put it on a hanger - Next morning buy it back for seventy-five cents.

Bmeek, I probably wasn't clear enough. I booted to the recovery CD changing the first boot in Bios to CD. That did it. Cheers de Peter

13526, I know your trying to help but yes the cd-rom is set at 1st boot. Sabertooth, I came across a forum that said to remove all devices from the computer that did not come with it. The only device that was added was a cd burner. So I unhooked it and trying the recover cd again. If that don't work then I will try your suggestion but hope it does not cause problems with my computer. There is a difference in cd keys. xp home, xp home oem, xp home sp1, xp home sp1 oem. ect....ect...they all have their own cd keys. Which one is used on that emachines is beyond me. Brian