XP Home multiple installs (same disk)

[dave holbon]

I’ve been building three computers for three different people and have inadvertently used the same XP Home setup disk for all the installs (un-activated). Can I, using the three correct installations disks re-install XP Home over the top of two of the originals installs without having to re-format etc, as a lot of time would be wasted re-installing all the other software? Or will I have to phone up Microsoft for the engineer’s key again?

 

[Perris Calderon]

I've installed xp several times with correct keys, and invariably, the user had to register again either on line or by phone.

I thought this was common.

in other words, I don't think it makes a differance, you have to do it in person anyway

 

[yoyo]

Doesn't matter which cd you used. Question is did you use the same product key? If so you can and will have to change the key for two installations.
See http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;321636
If XP is not yet activated you can likely skip the described registry editing.

 

[dave holbon]

I used the same product key for all of them

 

[RogerPhillis]

As Yoyo mentioned , as you did not activate XP and it is the hardware differences on these systems that would be the problem, you should be able to do an xp install repair ( 2nd Repair option that comes up) and enter the new product codes on the 2 installations you need.
Should work .......... if not, reinstall as a last resort.

 

[dave holbon]

Thanks all will try this Sunday and post what happened.