Windows XP reusing the key

[Guest]

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

I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro, however
they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on the
underside of the laptop.

When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
getting a message that it is an invalid key.

I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it be
telling us that it is an invalid key?

Thanks

Jeff...

 

[Guest]

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

Jeff;
It sounds like the CDs are different.
Since the sticker is attached to the laptop, it is OEM.
You need to use an OEM CD and not retail, Volume License etc.
Additionally you may get that error if the CD if from a different computer
manufacturer.

Contact the computer manufacturer for CD replacement details.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Jeff Roe" <jeffrkele@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2i%23TuUjFHA.3580@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro,
>however they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on
>the underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it
> be telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...

 

[Guest]

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

I would guess that the "XP Pro CD" you used wasn't the same version as
the license that key is valid for! Were you using an OEM CD from the
same OEM vendor?

Jeff Roe wrote:

> I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro, however
> they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on the
> underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it be
> telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...
>
>

 

[Guest]

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

What type of XP CD are using to install. Keys are mated to the
family of the CD (OEM, Retail, VLK). Keys for one type will
not validate with any other. It works off a code found in a file on
the CD that identifies the disk type.

"Jeff Roe" <jeffrkele@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2i%23TuUjFHA.3580@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro,
>however they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on
>the underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it
> be telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...
>

 

[bytor]

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

In article <e2i#TuUjFHA.3580@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl>,
jeffrkele@hotmail.com, Jeff Roe says...

> I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro, however
> they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on the
> underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it be
> telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...
>
>
>

If you are not using the original restore disk that came with the laptop
machine and you are doing a full retail re-install fresh, the key will
not work.....Different key assignments......

Welcome to the world of proprietary OEM licensing.

 

[Rich]

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

Because your installing with a full version and trying to use a key from an
OEM.


"Jeff Roe" <jeffrkele@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2i%23TuUjFHA.3580@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro,
>however they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on
>the underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it
> be telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...
>

 

[Guest]

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

Jeff Roe wrote:
> I have a user that we had to reformat their drive and reload XP Pro, however
> they don't have the original install CD but the XP Pro key is on the
> underside of the laptop.
>
> When we try and use that key to re-install XP Pro from another CD we are
> getting a message that it is an invalid key.
>
> I can understand if the mesage was "unable to activate" but why would it be
> telling us that it is an invalid key?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff...
>
>


Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
(OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and
vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

If you can get a generic OEM CD, or a replacement CD from the
laptop's manufacturer, the existing Product Key should work.


--

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