Using an OEM Key

There are a lot of questions that this can possible answer. The most common one is, "Can I use my OEM installation key on a full version Windows XP CD?" In short, the answer is no. However, in a newsgroup I got to read this answer from another user. They don't wish to be credited at this time but, at the same time, we'll post the answer - in complete - without any edits.

"You cannot use the product key from the label with any version of Windows XP available from MSDN. The product key from the label is an OEM type of key. It can only be used with OEM media and only if your OEM is not an SLP (System Lock Preinstall) OEM. Basically, large manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Gateway, etc. are SLP OEMs and thus the product key on your label is just for show. Even though Setup will accept the key when using OEM media, you won't be able to activate Windows because the key was issued to an SLP OEM.

Although many OEMs provide only "recovery" disks by default, some will allow you to order the actual OS install media from them for a small fee. If you do so, you will receive a non-SLP key with the media.

There is a method for preserving SLP activation during re-install, but it is only supported for Windows XP Professional. If you want to try it with Home Edition, the instructions are at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx.

Normal MSDN subscriptions provide access to Retail media. You can obtain corresponding Retail keys from the subscribers download site at https://msdn.one.microsoft.com/ProductKeys.aspx.

If you have a volume license subscription then you would also have access to Volume License media. These would specifically be indicated as Volume License or VL. If you do not see these in your available downloads, then you do not have access to them. Even if you do have access to them, MSDN only provides the media. MSDN does not provide volume keys; you would obtain your volume key from one of the following three sites, depending on how you obtained your volume license:

1. If you obtained your volume license from a low-volume program such as Open Business, you would go to https://eopen.microsoft.com/. If your Passport is not already associated with your volume license, you will need your Authorization Number and License Agreement Number. These are located in the upper right corner of the "Microsoft Open License Order Confirmation" document which you received upon purchase.

2. If you obtained your volume license from a "large account" program such as Microsoft Select, Enterprise Agreement, Multiyear Open, Campus/School, etc., you would go to https://licensing.microsoft.com/. You will need your Enrollment Agreement number which should have been supplied by your LAR.

3. If you obtained your volume license from a partner program (Microsoft Certified Partner or Gold Certified Partner), you would go https://partners.microsoft.com/partnerprogram/VolumeLicenseKeys.aspx. If your Passport is not already associated with your Partner account, you will need to know your Partner ID number."

OS: XP > Advanced
Date: 5/9/06

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