I have a computer that my friend gave me, and Windows XP on it is very slow. So I decided to reinstall windows on it. The problem is, I already formatted, and I didnt have the original CD. So i obtained a copy from another friend to install it, and use the serial thats on my tower. Its an original tag with the windows xp sticker. When I get to the key part, I type that key in, and it says its invalid. The sticker says Windows XP Professional 1-2CPU. The CD i obtained is a SP2 cd. Is there anyway i can use the original serial?

You should be able to use the Original Product Key... Hopefully the SP2 CD that you have is Not Windows XP Home... Windows is not a Virus. Viruses actually DO something, where as Windows Do Nothing.

The original serial key is probably an OEM type and although you are using it on the correct machine, the disk you are using is probably a retail disk that requires a slightly different form in the key. There is a workaround that will allow use of a retail disk with an oem key but I don't know the detail. Not sure whether it requires creating an iso image of the instal disk and repalcing one of the configuration files, then burning a new instal disk I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

Richard, yah you are correct. The cd i have is Retail and like you said, the serial is OEM. I would really like to know more about that workaround. If anyone else knows that would be very good knowledge. Richard50 if you remember, peat email me. boombai@gmail.com

To do this tip you will have to copy all the files from the XP cd to a hard drive then alter as per tip. Then you will have to burn all files back to cd as a bootable cd. Then it will accept your numbers. To make a bootable cd look here if you don't know how already.