Solved: XPPro Product-sticker Key (Reinstall) rejected. Vista ontop XPPro?

Hello again! While trying to reinstall over a system failure on Windows XP Pro, I've tried to use the sticker on the bottom of my laptop to reinstall Windows XP, but it keeps rejecting my key! After several attempts, it keeps rejecting that sticker key. This pre-installed laptop came with no CD and case. Do you think it would be safe, seeing how I plan to do so, buy Vista Ultimate and install it over the same partition? I noticed, while reinstalling XP Pro, my hard drive contents were in tact. I was hoping Vista Ultimate would let me install over my XP Pro, though I'm currently unable to use my product key. Any ideas?

 

Check this page out:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

It tells ya what versions can be installed ontop of a current XP install and what versions require a clean install.

Not sure if it'll slove your over all problem, but thought it'd be good to know what versions you could try.

 

Yulina_SL: Well, I know what I can upgrade to, but I need to know if I can install it on a half-installed XP Pro partition: I am unable to get to the point of entering my product key. As a matter of fact, I can't get the setup to come on at all! I see "Setup is being restarted..." then the UI comes up for a second (with the mouse and all) then the laptop automatically shuts down and reboots after 5 seconds.

Yes, I've already checked and I am able to do an upgrade from XP pro to Vista. I should be getting a package soon. I just hope I don't need to wipe my entire hard drive just to use it.

 

Try removing Vista First:

http://www.windowsvista.windowsreinstall.com/uninstall/index.htm

 

How are you reinstalling if you have no CD?