[wsx123]

I'm trying to reinstall windows xp pro on an IBM Thinkpad. I put in the CD, formatted the drive to do a fresh install, all goes well until I enter the product key from the XP PRO COA tag on the back of the laptop- then I get an error message invalid key?? Can't get any further?

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Is the pro version the one that came with the laptop ?

[snooker]

Is the pro version the one that came with the laptop ?

[wsx123]

The laptop came with an oem xp pro, i"m using a real xp pro.

[snooker]

Then you need to add the retail keys . OEM keys wouldn't work with retail

[wsx123]

I might be better off getting the oem re install disk for $52.00 + shipping from IBM. Or would it be OK to use my copy of xp pro with it's key?

[snooker]

You can use your retail version if you like . If you want to be legal ? It's one software license per one computer. With retail version you are allow to install this version as many times as you like and it can be transfer unto any computer , though just as long as it's only on one computer , one license for one computer only .

[wsx123]

Thanks, I just want to be sure I can update it in the future. I'm sure Micro$oft will have more xp updates coming.

[snooker]

You're welcome . service pack 3 I heard will be available at the end of the month , though I would wait a week or 2 before updating this service pack and when you do update this service pack be sure to create a system restore before updating , this way if the update causes any problems you can always undo the last update . In fact it's always good to create a system restore before doing any major update .

[snooker]

i"m using a real xp pro.

I just caught that , I might of made an error towards your definition of " Real " If you mean Retail ? Then everything I said apply .

[wsx123]

Sold the laptop, wiped the hard disk-case closed.
Thanks