"nullified" <null@null.null> wrote in message
news:s4utd3lrk85e7jpjhrnf7d2g90jebrfp9s@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:54:25 GMT, Karl Groves
> <karl@NOSPAMkarlcore.com> wrote:
>
>>I have three Windows XP machines here at my house. All three of which,
>>obviously, came with their own set of copies of the preinstalled software.
>>All three sets were promptly thrown in a desk drawer without marking which
>>computer they came with.
>>
>>Here's my question: If I format the HD on one of my computers and use the
>>"wrong" Windows disk (despite having a correct, good, and legal serial)
>>will I have any problems?
>>
>>I heard a rumor somewhere that the disk now has to match the serial
>>number.

Its actually disk plus other bits of hardware. When you activated Windows
Microsoft got to keep a record of your key plus signatures of other bits of
hardware. So you can reactivate it on the same pc with no problems
(probably), but do it on the wrong pc and it won't work. However, if you use
the wrong key I think (not entirely sure) that it will give you the
opportunity to enter a different key.

>>
> Why not download Jellybean KeyFinder and let it tell you which serial
> is installed on it now, so you can be sure to put the same one back?

I'm posting this reply for two reasons:
1. Karl, you may not have seen it because most people now have nullified
kill-filed.
2. Its the right answer.
Link is first one on google:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml.
--
Brian Cryer
www.cryer.co.uk/brian