WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs.

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.

On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
means it was really never activated.

As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.


Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

If those CDs came with another computer, they are forever tied to that
computer regardless the condition of that computer.
It may not be possible to install those OEM Windows to a different
computer.

Contact Gateway, most likely no help in this matter.
Or buy Windows XP or whatever OS is desired for the new computers.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." <WIndows activation on 2
newly Built PCs.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E3150BE6-521E-4C22-AEBB-86A5722DF14F@microsoft.com...
> I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little
> brother. I'm
> using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from
> Gateway which
> came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based
> PCs which
> were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and
> case, but I
> kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
> installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one
> CD for
> both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>
> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the
> screen a
> window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please
> press OK
> to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my
> taskbar, which
> means it was really never activated.
>
> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
> automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And
> theres
> absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist
> over the
> phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys,
> and for
> some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation
> ID.
>
>
> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to
> do,
> maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

when you go to windows update, scan it will come up a priated call the number
and they can give you a new key code that might work, or not. The longer you
wait it will hurt the hardward " it does a hash effect to stop priracy".
Good Luck, I have dealt with many, many and more many issues of this same
problem.

"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." wrote:

> I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
> using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
> came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
> were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
> kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
> installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
> both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>
> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
> window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
> to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
> means it was really never activated.
>
> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
> automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
> absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
> phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
> some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.
>
>
> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
> maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

 

[Tom]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." <WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:E3150BE6-521E-4C22-AEBB-86A5722DF14F@microsoft.com...
> I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
> using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
> came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
> were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
> kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
> installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
> both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>
> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
> window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
> to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
> means it was really never activated.
>
> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
> automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
> absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
> phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
> some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.
>
>
> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
> maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

Well, you said your CDs came with the last two PCs your aquired from Gateway, so those disks are OEM, and tied to those previous systems. They cannot be used on the new PC, because OEM are tied forever to the first system(s) to which they are installed. Also, it is very likely those disks were BIOS locked to the previous PCs, hence why they will not work with the newer ones, and they never will.

Your choices:

-Purchase two upgrade versions of XP, and buy two versions of 98 (you can get these very cheap) as qualifying upgrade. Doing this over buying full install version will save you as much as $200.

-Purchase the full install versions of XP; Home will be $199 per install disk, Pro $299!

-Stay with MAC.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

"Tom" <noway@nothere.com> wrote in message
news:u0Yt5qWhEHA.3932@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." <WIndows activation on 2 newly Built
PCs.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E3150BE6-521E-4C22-AEBB-86A5722DF14F@microsoft.com...
>> I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
>> using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
>> came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
>> were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
>> kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
>> installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
>> both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>>
>> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
>> window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
>> to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
>> means it was really never activated.
>>
>> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
>> automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
>> absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
>> phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
>> some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.
>>
>>
>> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
>> maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

> Well, you said your CDs came with the last two PCs your aquired from Gateway,
> so those disks are OEM, and tied to those previous systems. They cannot be
used
> on the new PC, because OEM are tied forever to the first system(s) to which
they
> are installed. Also, it is very likely those disks were BIOS locked to the
previous
> PCs, hence why they will not work with the newer ones, and they never will.

> Your choices:

> -Purchase two upgrade versions of XP, and buy two versions of 98 (you can get
> these very cheap) as qualifying upgrade. Doing this over buying full install
version
> will save you as much as $200.

> -Purchase the full install versions of XP; Home will be $199 per install disk,
Pro $299!

Alternatively, you could get two more OEM versions from www.newegg.com -
$90.00 for XP Home; $137 for XP Professional. They must be purchased "with
hardware", but, surprisingly, any hardware, such as a cable or fan, will do.

-- Bob Day
http://bobday.vze.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." <WIndows activation on 2 newly Built
PCs.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
>using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
>came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
>were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
>kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
>installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
>both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>
> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
>window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
>to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
>means it was really never activated.
>
> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
>automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
>absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
>phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
>some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.
>
>
> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
>maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.
Unfortunately, you have 2 Gateway CDs that will only work on Gateway hardware.
They are OEM disks and will likely not need activation when installed on
supported Gateway systems by way of a restore of the OS. They will not work on
non-Gateway hardware. You might try to stay on the line to speak with a rep and
you may luck out and be allowed to activate, although I doubt it. Your best bet
is too pick up 2 XP Home Upgrades and use those keys to activate. You'll need to
change the installed keys or reinstall and have a Windows 98 or other qualifying
Windows version to prove you meet the upgrade requirements when Setup asks for
it.
-steve

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Greetings --

Those Gateway OEM licenses cannot be used on any computers other
than the ones with which they were originally purchased. There are
some very important reasons that an OEM license costs so much less
than a retail license. OEM licenses are very limited:

1) OEM versions must be sold with a piece of hardware (normally
a motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC, although Microsoft
has greatly relaxed the hardware criteria for WinXP) and are
_permanently_ bound to the first PC on which they are installed. An
OEM license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another
computer under any circumstances. This is the main reason some people
avoid OEM versions; if the PC dies or is otherwise disposed of (even
stolen), you cannot re-use your OEM license on a new PC. The only
legitimate way to transfer the ownership of an OEM license is to
transfer ownership of the entire PC.

2) Microsoft provides no free support for OEM versions. If you
have any problems that require outside assistance, your only recourse
is to contact the manufacturer/builder of the PC or the vendor of the
OEM license. This would include such issues as lost a Product Key or
replacing damaged installation media. (Microsoft does make allowances
for those instances when you can prove that the OEM has gone out of
business.) This doesn't mean that you can't download patches and
service packs from Microsoft -- just no free telephone or email
support for problems with the OS.

3) An OEM CD cannot be used to perform an upgrade of an earlier
OS, as it was designed to be installed _only_ upon an empty hard
drive. It can still be used to perform a repair installation (a.k.a.
an in-place upgrade) of an existing WinXP installation.

4) If the OEM CD was designed by a specific manufacturer, such as
eMachines, Sony, Dell, Gateway, etc., it will most likely only install
on the same brand of PC, as an additional anti-piracy feature.
Further, such CDs are severely customized to contain only the minimum
of device drivers, and a lot of extra nonsense, that the manufacturer
feels necessary for the specific model of PC for which the CD was
designed. (To be honest, such CDs should _not_ be available on the
open market; but, if you're shopping someplace like eBay, swap meets,
or computer fairs, there's often no telling what you're buying until
it's too late.) The "generic" OEM CDs, such as are manufactured by
Microsoft and sold to small systems builders, don't have this
particular problem, though, and are pretty much the same as their
retail counterparts, apart from the licensing, support, and upgrading
restrictions.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH


"WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." <WIndows activation on 2
newly Built PCs.@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E3150BE6-521E-4C22-AEBB-86A5722DF14F@microsoft.com...
> I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little
> brother. I'm
> using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from
> Gateway which
> came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based
> PCs which
> were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and
> case, but I
> kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
> installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one
> CD for
> both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>
> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the
> screen a
> window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please
> press OK
> to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my
> taskbar, which
> means it was really never activated.
>
> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
> automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And
> theres
> absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist
> over the
> phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys,
> and for
> some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation
> ID.
>
>
> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to
> do,
> maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

What in the world are you talking about? It doesn't tell you you have a
pirated version and it won't hurt the hardware. The only thing it will
do is lock you out of Windows if you don't activate in the allotted
time. There are only a couple of pirated keys that are blacklisted and
those are VLK (Corporate) keys. His keys have only been used on a few
computers.

Technically you are not supposed to install the OEM XP's from the
Gateway computers on a new computer, but you can try formatting and
reinstalling Windows again and see if that helps. I really would
suggest buying either an OEM version or a Student version if applicable.
The student version will often cost less if you get it from the campus
store.

----
Nathan McNulty


nina the geek wrote:
> when you go to windows update, scan it will come up a priated call the number
> and they can give you a new key code that might work, or not. The longer you
> wait it will hurt the hardward " it does a hash effect to stop priracy".
> Good Luck, I have dealt with many, many and more many issues of this same
> problem.
>
> "WIndows activation on 2 newly Built PCs." wrote:
>
>
>>I've recently built 2 new PCs, one for me and one for my little brother. I'm
>>using the 2 Windows XP installation CDs which I acquired from Gateway which
>>came with my last 2 systems. Both system were Intel Celeron based PCs which
>>were vastly outdated. So I threw away the Motherboards, CPU, and case, but I
>>kept the Hard Drive and the CD-ROM Drives. But for some reason after
>>installing Windows on both PCs (1 CD per PC, I didn't use just one CD for
>>both PCs) I can't reactivate Windows XP Home Edition.
>>
>> On my PC everytime I click the set of keys on the bottum of the screen a
>>window pops up and states that "windows is already activated please press OK
>>to exit". And after I reboot it still displays the keys in my taskbar, which
>>means it was really never activated.
>>
>> As for the other PC every time I choose activate over phone I get an
>>automated menu which states that my Activation ID isn't valid. And theres
>>absolutely no way I could get into contact with a live Specialist over the
>>phone in order to get any help. I have Both sets of WIndows CD-Keys, and for
>>some reason I'm unable to utilize them to create a valid Activation ID.
>>
>>
>> Can anyone help me? I'm new to Windows OS And I don't know what to do,
>>maybe I should've stayed with a MAC.