Windows XP Product Key Question

[Yoko Ono]

Hi all, I was cleaning out some software and found a Windows XP Home Edition Disc and Product Key in the packaging. I do a fair amount of computer repair, setups and installs. I am not sure where the disc came from ( I hope it doesn't belong to someone that I did repair for) which brings me to the question I have. Is there anyway to check a Product Key to see if it is activated and in use? I would like to be able to install or sell this treasure if it is clean. If not I guess I will err on the side of caution and get rid of the Product Key. I hope this question is okay with the mods. I am not looking to pirate or steal anything just looking for a way to see if the Key is able to checked.

[jrf2027]

What kind of disc is this? System builder OEM? Royalty OEM (Dell, HP, most other larger computer companies)? Full retail?

If it's a system builder OEM disk, the product key should have been affixed to the machine when it was built. I would venture a guess that it would probably pass activation, but that doesn't mean the product key hasn't been used before.

If it's a royalty OEM, the product key is useless. They can't be sold separately from the machine it originally shipped with. I find it quite amazing when these fly-by-night "electronics expos" come to town and some shady character has a table full of royalty OEM XP installation disks for $20 each; they don't like me too much when I tell them that they can't sell them!

If it is a full retail disk, it will also probably pass activation, but once again, it doesn't mean that the product key hasn't been used before.

[Yoko Ono]

What kind of disc is this? System builder OEM? Royalty OEM (Dell, HP, most other larger computer companies)? Full retail?

If it's a system builder OEM disk, the product key should have been affixed to the machine when it was built. I would venture a guess that it would probably pass activation, but that doesn't mean the product key hasn't been used before.

If it's a royalty OEM, the product key is useless. They can't be sold separately from the machine it originally shipped with. I find it quite amazing when these fly-by-night "electronics expos" come to town and some shady character has a table full of royalty OEM XP installation disks for $20 each; they don't like me too much when I tell them that they can't sell them!

If it is a full retail disk, it will also probably pass activation, but once again, it doesn't mean that the product key hasn't been used before.

Let me clarify, it is a retail upgrade version. I am not sure if someone has it on their PC and I don't want to try and activate it, it could deactivate someone else's computer. I would like to know if the key is in use and if there is a way to check with Microsoft before I go using it or selling it.

[submix8c]

Not sure if you should attempt this (never tried it). Since it's an upgrade, you'll need a preexisting OS on any PC.

1 - Install the disk on a PC that's NOT connected to the internet (wireless and all, so if wireless, disable it!)

2 - When attempting to "activate", call the MS phone number and go through the motions of giving the Code (it's all "robot-voice")

3 - If valid (which it should be), the "voice" will say so - Exit the "activation"

Theoretically it should indicate that it's "unused". <-unsure

edit - forgot to say if it's "in the package" (unopened I assume), it's probably ok.

Edited February 10, 2011 by submix8c