Reinstalling Windows XP Home

[Deleted]

My PC is very slow, from booting to shutting off. So i decided to reinstall windows, and format my HDD. I lost my original Windows XP Home CD, so i downloaded a Windows XP Home Service Pack 3 iso, and burned it on a CD. I reinstalled windows, but windows won't accept my ORIGINAL Windows XP CD key. Now the question is, Could it be because the CD key wants a Windows XP Home Service pack 1/2? Or shouldn't that matter at all?

[Twoddle]

You need an OEM version of XP not retail. Also, where did you get your iso from? You can't download it legally anywhere.

[Asmekiel]

Call Microsoft. Tell them that you reinstalled Windows, but it doesn't accept the key for some unknown reason. They'll give you a new key.

[Deleted]

You need an OEM version of XP not retail. Also, where did you get your iso from? You can't download it legally anywhere.

What is OEM and how do i get it for free?


Also @asmekiel

I don't need a new key, i have a legit one. It just wont get accepted.

My CD is not original, the code is.


PS, i bought windows seperate from my PC.

---------- Post added 2012-08-19 at 12:31 PM ----------

What is OEM and how do i get it for free?


Also @asmekiel

I don't need a new key, i have a legit one. It just wont get accepted.

My CD is not original, the code is.


PS, i bought windows seperate from my PC.

Its solved. I found my original Windows XP Home Edition Service pack 2 CD, and reinstalled it. CD Key Accepted.

[Deleted]

I know you fixed it but as extra info, XP and Vista the keys are service pack related, nothing to do with OEM versions. So if you bought a windows version with SP 2 your key wont work on SP 1 or 3.