I have a legit copy of Win XP Pro, but it's only with service pack 1.0a

I have a downloaded copy of Win XP Pro with SP2.

Can I install off the downloaded copy (SP2) and use my genuine cd-key during installation without any problems?

Or is each cd-key locked to that specific cd?

Yeah you can

No it wont work. They keys are different

As in XP Key with XP CD

XP SP2 Key with XP SP2 CD

I never thought the keys were any different.. I've rolled SP2 into an XP original CD and haven't had any problems using the original key.

A slipstreamed copy of XP + SP2 can use regular Windows CD-keys, except those specific keys that were pirated so widely they were added to the SP2 blacklist. Genuine keys should have no problems. Though I don't have any experience with an official XP SP2 Installation CDs, only original XP (Academic version at home and business flavours at work) with slipstreaming.

last edited by parabol at 18:07:52 10/Mar/07

google "slipstreaming winxp"

In short you take ur orig files from the cd to hdd, apply sp2, do a little authoring then reburn cd

Helloooooo sp2 winxp cd :D

edit: dammit beaten by a minute :(

Oh yeah forgot to paste a link for a free slipstreaming tool (among other features):

http://www.nliteos.com/

nLite is awesome!

Everyone should be aware of this prog!

Let's u add all the updates and service packs to your windows installation cd, and also lets u create an "unattended" mode installation cd! Wish i had this before!

thanks heaps

The deal is, An XP home SP1 OEM version can be installed with an XP Home SP2 OEM disk. Likewise with XP Pro, However, XP Home and Pro OEM Keys will not work with an XP Pro RETAIL CD and visa-versa.


has to be the same licensed type of software, and it should work without any issues.



last edited by Moo at 21:52:52 10/Mar/07

Nlite totally Rocks,

I used to add SP2 to my original Full install of Win XP Home. (bought it in 2001)

It also gives you so many other great features. Also will burn straight to a new cd.

However I do agree with other post's, That it must be the same version for your CD key to work ( I had this issue trying to use a Home upgrade version key on my full version windows xp cd)

Use nlite and you can not go wrong :)