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Is Windows XP Media Center Edition more like XP Home or XP Pro? I have a machine that I wanted to format and do a reinstall but I don't have a Windows XP Media Edition Cd. The product key is on the sticker on the side of the machine. I do have a XP Pro cd and a XP Home cd. Will one of these cd's work with the key that is on the sticker of the machine if I want to do a format and reinstall?
Well ... regarding Media Center Edition, feel free to do some reading as this will explain it better than I could...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/m.../hardware.mspx
Now, the other question... the sticker is the key for the OS that was originally installed. If the Home or Pro CD is the original OS then you may be o.k.. But, it sounds like you're looking to try something that's a little jiggy...
Windows MCE is a "flavor" of XP Professional that is intended to be a entertainment center that co-exists with your TV, stereo, etc. By design, it can not join a domain (although that can be cured) so it can work with what they call Extender Devices that play music and movies from machines on you local area network.
You will have to buy a new copy of MCE if you intend to install it as you current license does not allow you to use the same key for a copy of MCE.
Spend the $$ and go legal.
The MCE product key cannot be used to install either Home or Pro editions.
I didn't think that XP Pro and XP Home cd's would work for a reformat. Thanks for the responses.