Windows User Keys

[seeker]

Are these keys tied specifically to the CD that they came with, or will they work with any CD of the same version of Windows?

[ViN86]

typically they will work with any CD that has the same version of windows that they are for.

ie.
Windows XP OEM
Windows XP Corporate
Windows XP Retail
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Ultimate
et.c

[seeker]

Thanks. The reason that I asked is because I'm going to buy a replacement for a damaged CD, and the one that I'm considering comes with 10 keys. Along with the key that I already have, that makes 11. I was wondering if I could sell the extras to someone else? All of the keys are retail.

EDIT: Correction, it is OEM, so that makes 10 OEM and 1 retail key.

[SLippe]

I don't think you can just sell the key(s) legally. Could be wrong.

[seeker]

You may be right, but I have seen plenty of them for sale in the past.

[seeker]

This question is no longer relavent, because the seller backed out. I'm a llittle surprised how much the price of XP x64 has increased since I bought before (~50%), I think that is because of the improvement since SP2 was released.

[Absolution]

I believe OEM/Retail keys are a bit different. You can activate windows with them, but for some reason I've had problems installing OEM keys on with retail disks.

[LycosV]

If you're just trying to replace a broken disc, try contacting Microsoft. Often companies will send you a replacement CD for like $5.

[S.SubZero]

I believe OEM/Retail keys are a bit different. You can activate windows with them, but for some reason I've had problems installing OEM keys on with retail disks.
OEM versions of Windows use a different set of activation keys than retail. The discs and keys are not interchangeable.

Also, the OP's post is a little confusing. XP64 is mentioned. XP64 has never sold as a retail product, and has no retail keys. It's only OEM and volume license.

[seeker]

If you're just trying to replace a broken disc, try contacting Microsoft. Often companies will send you a replacement CD for like $5.
That probably wouldn't work because my CD is NFR and they probably wouldn't replace it.

[seeker]

OEM versions of Windows use a different set of activation keys than retail. The discs and keys are not interchangeable.

Also, the OP's post is a little confusing. XP64 is mentioned. XP64 has never sold as a retail product, and has no retail keys. It's only OEM and volume license.

You are correct, it was I that was confused. It's NFR.

[LycosV]

That probably wouldn't work because my CD is NFR and they probably wouldn't replace it.

Even if it wasn't retail; as long as you got it the way you were supposed to (ie from some Microsoft event) I bet they'd send a replacement for some nominal fee.

[seeker]

No, I bought it through RoyalDiscount online.

EDIT: Besides, my NFR did not include SP2.

[ViN86]

I don't think you can just sell the key(s) legally. Could be wrong.

volume licensing kits usually come with multiple keys and one copy of the disc.

[seeker]

I decided to take LycosV's advice and look into getting a replacement disk from MS, but all that I could find was ways to request support, which costs $59. I really would not want to pay that amount for them only to say no. Is there a way to contact them for free, and only pay if they are willing to send a replacement CD?

[jeffmd]

I have a retail key that I havnt been able to match to any windows install. :( It was a copy of xp I got in a $40 "presentation" kit I bought through an MS premotional. No manual but a colored profesional envelope (folded) with a cd and the key sticker on it. Some how in my infinite wisdom I lost the disc (but not the envelope). You dont know how many versions of windows I downloaded trying to get the key to work on it and havnt found any.

got free copies of vista 32/64, gonna keep them in a safe place now. ^^

Althought unlike xp, vista's key entree sequence alone determines the type of install, and the user agreement covers all the versions, so vista may not have multiple versions aside from OEM disc pressed with keys inserted to serve as restore disc.

[seeker]

I finally found where to order replacement media from MS:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/

Unfortunately, they will not sell replacements for any OS media that is NFR or OEM at all, therefore they will not replace media for XP x64 since it does not come as retail.

I also got some clarification about their policy regarding whether a retailer can exchange this software if it is defective when you get it, and it is totally up to the retailer's policy, not MS's...as I was told by PC Club. Therefore before buying anything like this, it would be advisable to send an email to the retailer and get their policy in black and white, before placing an order with them.