Can Herpes I (commonly called Cold Sores) lead to Genital Herpes?

actually it can, but in a wierd way. Say you have a cold sore and you perform oral sex on a person...then that person can get them on thier genitals.

No it's a different strain of virus.
yea, listen to pdsmonk, it's true!
Yes, through oral sex. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus and is usually acquired in childhood. HSV-1 often causes lesions inside the mouth such as cold sores (fever blisters) and is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, up to 90% of individuals will have antibodies to HSV-1.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is sexually transmitted. Symptoms include genital ulcers or sores. In addition to oral and genital lesions, the virus can also lead to complications such as meningoencephalitis (infection of the lining of the brain and the brain itself) or cause infection of the eye -- in particular the conjunctiva, and cornea. However, some people have HSV-2 but do not display symptoms. Up to 30% of U.S. adults have antibodies against HSV-2. Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact.
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I was always told it was totally different, but then again, you can get a cold sore(herpes 1) by having contact, so i don't see why you could'nt get it when your getting or recieving oral, but i don't think it is the same thing as herpes 2.