install into qemu - product key?

[jaddle]

Here's my situation: I'm running linux on my x60s, I want to install windows into a qemu image. I have no windows system installed anywhere, so I can't use most of the existing tools that seem to be suggested, since they are require already having a windows installation (kind of defeats the purpose!)

I have the recovery CDs from Lenovo, but I can't use that inside qemu. So I got a windows XP cd from a friend, and tried using that instead - I have a license for the laptop, so it shouldn't be a problem, right? Unfortunately, the key from the label on the bottom of the laptop didn't work for it - presumably because it's not an OEM CD. So I edited the ISO to change the serial number to make it into an OEM CD, which seems to have worked just fine, but it still won't accept the Lenovo key.

Is there anything else I can do? Any way to use the recovery CDs to install a minimal installation into qemu? Or some way to use my legal license with another CD?

I must say, annoyances like this are a big part of why I don't use windows on a regular basis. The software can be wonderful, but if I can't install it without tearing my hair out, there's not much point!

Thanks for any suggestions you might have.