Will a windows xp pro key work with both x64 and x86 windows xp pro?

[ITtechy]

Hi,
So i have a few windows xp keys they are all pro keys. They all came off old machines i was throwing away. Those machines used a 32bit install of xp (though they did support 64bit) So i was wondering if i could use that same key for installing windows xp 64bit on a different computer using that OEM/COA key of those machines? And yes i do have a x64 windows xp install disc.





Thanks

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

If they were OEM product keys, they are tied to the computer they were used on. As such, they cannot be transferred to another computer.

If you are in possession of a retail product key, it can be transferred providing Windows has been removed from the original computer. A retail product key can be used for either the 32-bit version of Windows or the 64-bit version, but not both at the same time.

 

[ITtechy]

Im not sure if they are a OEM key or a retail key..... their physical stickers that i took off a old hp computer. They have no markings on them that say anything of OEM or 32bit or anything like that.

 

[gregrocker]

They're retail if you bought them in a store or online. They're OEM if they came preinstalled on the computer or you bought OEM because you built the computer.

If the sticker was on the machine then it's likely Factory OEM tied to the machine. A retail Product Key is on an insert in the folder which it came in.

 

[seavixen32]

A retail key would not be stuck on the side of the computer - it comes with the retail packaging.



An OEM key is stuck to a COA label on the outside of your computer and is VERY difficult to remove without damaging it.



You will note that the OEM product key specifically states OEM on the label, yet you say the keys came off old computers, but you have no way of telling which keys they are.

Are you sure they are genuine keys? Perhaps you'd post a screenshot of them so we can tell exactly what they are.

Once we know that, we can give you the correct help.

However, I repeat: if they are OEM product keys they cannot be used on another computer. They are tied to the computer they were first installed on and die when the computer does.