I have an somewhat older Notebook with an original Windows XP Professional License Sticker underneath. This Notebook was erased completely once and now I want to install a new Windows XP Professional System on it using the key that's on the sticker.
But there seems to be one problem: I am using an Windows XP Professional SP3 image I got from my university (thanks to MSDNAA). But somehow I cannot use the license key on the sticker with this installation. It keeps saying that this key is invalid.
What can I do? Is this because I try to install a Win XP Professional with SP3 directly? Do I need another image to install this?
Best Answer
With a Windows XP SP3 Home or Professional disc, you can press Next when asked for the Product Key.
After the install has finished, you will be prompted for the product key when you activate Windows.
We regularly use this method at work to reinstall Windows XP for customers who have no restore discs.