Will anyone answer some questions on Windows XP upgrade?

Hello,
I am sorry if this is an inappropriate place for this but I am kinda desperate. My Aunt received an old HP computer from her sister. She will be using it to help with a special ed child. Unfortunately can't afford anything else at the time.
The HP has a license code for XP. I don't know what was done or missing from the OS. I have an old copy of XP Pro. Is there anyway to install my XP on her computer using her license code?
She will not be connecting to the internet, so that is out and it also doesn't matter about XP's demise, if my logic is correct.
The membership is knowledgeable and I could use some advice, viability and assistance if possible.
Thank you in any case!
Glenn

The COA should work just fine with any install disk.

madcratebuilder said:

The COA should work just fine with any install disk.

Thank you madcratebuilder, that is a relief. Will give it a try. Now I have to figure out how to get all the updates with no internet !

Best,
Glenn

madcratebuilder said:

The COA should work just fine with any install disk.

Not really.

First, the COA on the Aunt's PC is probably for XP Home; if the OP's install CD is for XP Pro, the license won't work.

Second, for XP, there are different license codes for OEM and Retail. The Aunt's license on the COA is OEM (installed by HP), so the install CD must also be an OEM install disk. (Doesn't have to be HP, any OEM's install CD will do.)

So, in all probability, the COA on the Aunt's PC is for OEM XP Home; therefore the install media being used must also be for OEM XP Home.

(Note that the above restrictions don't exist for Vista and later)

glricht is correct.

But if what you have is a retail copy of XP Pro that you're not using any longer, then you can install it using its own Product Key and not the one on the PC's COA sticker.

glricht said:

madcratebuilder said:

The COA should work just fine with any install disk.

Not really.

First, the COA on the Aunt's PC is probably for XP Home; if the OP's install CD is for XP Pro, the license won't work.

Second, for XP, there are different license codes for OEM and Retail. The Aunt's license on the COA is OEM (installed by HP), so the install CD must also be an OEM install disk. (Doesn't have to be HP, any OEM's install CD will do.)

So, in all probability, the COA on the Aunt's PC is for OEM XP Home; therefore the install media being used must also be for OEM XP Home.

(Note that the above restrictions don't exist for Vista and later)

glricht,
Thanks..... Had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy. I have her sister looking for the original disks. I used my code to purchase W8.
Ah well... The road to ruin is paved with good intent{)!

Best,
Glenn

gregrocker said:

glricht is correct.

But if what you have is a retail copy of XP Pro that you're not using any longer, then you can install it using its own Product Key and not the one on the PC's COA sticker.

Thank you kind Sir, but I used my Product key to purchase W8. Maybe someone selling a real copy of XP on ebay for cheap?

Regards,
Glenn

The XP Product key is not asked for when used as qualifer for 7/8 Upgrade version.

You only need to find an OEM SP3 version of the XP version on that machine, providing the COA key is readable to insert during install. If forced to use a torrent, check the Comments that nothing like a crack has been added. You want a pristine copy of that exact version, e..g "XP Home Premium OEM with SP3".

gregrocker said:

The XP Product key is not asked for when used as qualifer for 7/8 Upgrade version.

You only need to find an OEM SP3 version of the XP version on that machine, providing the COA key is readable to insert during install. If forced to use a torrent, check the Comments that nothing like a crack has been added. You want a pristine copy of that exact version, e..g "XP Home Premium OEM with SP3".

Howdy Greg,
I coulda sworn..... Thank you Sir and I will give it a try!

Regards,
Glenn

Hello again,
Ordered this, think it is correct!! Is it???

This Auction is for one Windows XP Home Edition Re install Disc Repair disc. Note that you will need a Windows XP Home Edition Activation key that was Provided with Your Desktop or Laptop Computer To Use This Disc. This disc includes the Windows XP OS with the SATA Hard Disk Drivers and Service Pack 3.


Unfortunately Many Computers These Days Do not Come with The Reinstall Disc so Here It Is!


Restore Your Computer back to New
Disc comes in a Paper CD Sleeve
Pro Quality Burner Used For Copies