Can you match a Windows XP product key to a service pack release?

Question

I have a Windows XP product key on my PC, but I'm not sure which release of Windows XP it belongs to SP1, SP2, or SP3.

Is there a way I can tell without trying each one?

Note: In this case, I have an old PC which had an OEM XP Pro license. I don't have the media for it any more. However, I do have a media for XP Pro (off the shelf non-OEM).

The Product Key on the case doesn't want to validate. So I'm presuming that there is something encoded in it as to the release it works with. I can get media, I just don't want to try each one.

Solution

Service packs do not affect activation. You should always install the latest service pack, and your key will work with it as long as it is a legal key. The only service pack supported for Windows XP currently is SP3, so use that. As long as your key is legit, it will work.

Comments

[BIBD]

The product key looks legit (it's consistent with any other MS Sticker I've ever seen). However, sticker indicates that it is OEM XP Pro, and the media is off the shelf XP. I wouldn't expect there to be a difference - but there must be, as it's not accepting the key.

[nhinkle]

Ah, your problem isn't related to service packs, it's related to the media source. To reinstall an OEM version of Windows, you should use installation media provided by the manufacturer, or else generic OEM media if you don't have the original. You can still use an off-the-shelf disk, but you will need to call the activation hotline and activate manually by phone for that to work; you cannot do automatic internet activation if your key doesn't match the media being used.

[Canadian Luke]

An even easier way is Windows+Pause