I purchased an oem version of XP Pro when upgrading my home computer from Windows 2k as that computer was constantly being compromised and the OS couldn't be reliably restored. I AM using that hard drive in this new computer due to several programs installed on that drive. On to the main problem: The OEM disc is damaged. There is a small u shaped inclusion in the media between the top and bottom plastic discs and the optical drive won't recognize it. I'm 100% positive that it's a genuine Microsoft product as all the holograms are in place and it was sealed so I have a valid product key for this installation. However, I couldn't find another oem sp2 disc for the install, I could only find a SP3 RETAIL disc and it won't recognize my product key. It's Sunday and I can't get anyone on the 800 number but I need to know how I can convert this oem key to work on this computer. I can understand how the coding of the key needs to evolve to prevent fraud and I've always paid for my versions of windows95, 98, and 2k (sorry Me was terrible and skipped it) when I built a new machine and my last computer ran 2k for quite a long time so I definately got my money's worth out of it! I just want to run my computer, legally.
You don't understand, I used the SP3 retail disk for the install and it won't recognize the SP2 COA. I need to know what I need to do in order to convert my oem liscense to work with the retail disc install.
OEM keys will not work in Retail software and you can not "convert" an OEM key to a Retail key. Dan has answered your question on how to get replacment OEM software.
