The key on the sticker is specific to the exact version of XP that was used during the original installation.

Depending on how old the machine is, that may have been "Windows XP with Service Pack 2", "Windows XP with Service Pack 1" or the original Windows XP with no service pack. If, for example, it was SP1, then you can reinstall with an XP/SP1 install CD; the XP/SP3 CD won't work.

It must also be correct for OEM vs. retail, and full version vs. upgrade.

There should be installation media with the machine which will be the correct version for the key. Otherwise you'll have to figure out which version you need and how to get the correct installation CD.

>Hi Sergey
>
>I know the 1-2CPU HPO part is not part of the windows key was just wondering if that meant the key was different?
>
>I can post the windows key it that helps but was a little reluctant to post it for the world to see?
>
>Rob
>
>>It's not Windows key.
>>
>>>
>>>Have taken over a customer from someone else, they couldnt logon to a windows 2000 server because the time of the machine and server didnt match.
>>>
>>>Tried syncing the machine time to the server etc but to no avail.
>>>
>>>Decided to just reinstall XP PRO on the machine, I'm using XP PRO SP3 downloaded from the MSDN Subscribers downloads.
>>>
>>>The label for the code stuck to the machine wont work? The label includes the phrase 1-2CPU HPO
>>>
>>>I've downloaded the XP PRO X86 edition?
>>>
>>>Any ideas anyone?