Activation stinks because I can't reinstall....

[Jordan]

I had to do an in place upgrade for my computer since I replaced the MOBO
and processor so I thought I would save myself the hassle of having to
install SP2 all over again and just use one of my CDs that has SP2 on it
already since I don't know what originally was purchased for this machine.
The problem is that when it comes time to enter my "VALID" product ID,
Windows tells me it is invalid before it even checks with MS.

Why does this have to be such a pain? I have a hundred computers that I am
responsible to keep up to date and I cannot tell which computer came with
the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2. If I was allowed to keep my stupid
product ID labels on my CD case rather than the computer case I might not
have the problem of knowing which CD and version was installed on which
computer.

No, instead I have to take my product ID labels and fasten them to my
desktops where every disgruntled employee can write down the numbers and
post them on the Internet so that all my licenses are voided. How does this
activation stuff protect me again???? All I can see is that I have to do a
ton more work and keep more file cabinets full of junk to match each cd set
to each PC rather than just keeping my key codes in a safe place and a
spreadsheet telling me which key is on what PC.

Is there at least some way I can find out what was the original installed
version of Windows XP?

 

[Sleepless in Seattle]

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sam/msia.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I had to do an in place upgrade for my computer since I replaced the MOBO
| and processor so I thought I would save myself the hassle of having to
| install SP2 all over again and just use one of my CDs that has SP2 on it
| already since I don't know what originally was purchased for this machine.
| The problem is that when it comes time to enter my "VALID" product ID,
| Windows tells me it is invalid before it even checks with MS.
|
| Why does this have to be such a pain? I have a hundred computers that I am
| responsible to keep up to date and I cannot tell which computer came with
| the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2. If I was allowed to keep my stupid
| product ID labels on my CD case rather than the computer case I might not
| have the problem of knowing which CD and version was installed on which
| computer.
|
| No, instead I have to take my product ID labels and fasten them to my
| desktops where every disgruntled employee can write down the numbers and
| post them on the Internet so that all my licenses are voided. How does this
| activation stuff protect me again???? All I can see is that I have to do a
| ton more work and keep more file cabinets full of junk to match each cd set
| to each PC rather than just keeping my key codes in a safe place and a
| spreadsheet telling me which key is on what PC.
|
| Is there at least some way I can find out what was the original installed
| version of Windows XP?

 

[Richard Urban]

1. You take care of a hundred computers.

2. You don't know how to find out what was installed on any of these hundred
computers, or how to retrieve the install key from said computers.

What a load of bull s**t you ladle out!

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Michael Stevens]

I had to do an in place upgrade for my computer since I replaced the
MOBO and processor so I thought I would save myself the hassle of
having to install SP2 all over again and just use one of my CDs that
has SP2 on it already since I don't know what originally was
purchased for this machine. The problem is that when it comes time to
enter my "VALID" product ID, Windows tells me it is invalid before it
even checks with MS.
Why does this have to be such a pain? I have a hundred computers
that I am responsible to keep up to date and I cannot tell which
computer came with the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2. If I was
allowed to keep my stupid product ID labels on my CD case rather than
the computer case I might not have the problem of knowing which CD
and version was installed on which computer.

No, instead I have to take my product ID labels and fasten them to my
desktops where every disgruntled employee can write down the numbers
and post them on the Internet so that all my licenses are voided. How does
this activation stuff protect me again???? All I can see is
that I have to do a ton more work and keep more file cabinets full of
junk to match each cd set to each PC rather than just keeping my key
codes in a safe place and a spreadsheet telling me which key is on
what PC.
Is there at least some way I can find out what was the original
installed version of Windows XP?

Sounds suspiciously like a troll post, since you don't seem to know enough
to be responsible for one computer let alone hundreds. <G>

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Admiral Q]

Ever heard of "Volume Licenses"?

 

[Jordan]

Thank you for all the people that posted how to inventory a PC. I
appreciate the info, but I already have that info and that is not the
problem that I am facing, but Thank you.

For all of you that did not READ the post and are being wise asses, I know
WHAT is installed on the computers, but I can't match the original CD with
the exact computer. For example, I have tag on the side of the computer
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx - Great! Now I need to reinstall the OS for
reason ?????. Since I keep my network up to date all the computers are on
XP SP2.

Here's the problem. The PC says that it is SP2 however did this PC ship
with the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2??? If I reinstall with SP2
instead of SP1a or any other combination that is not the original version
shipped then I get an error when I enter the tag number affixed to the side
of the computer. I just tried to reinstall the OS on one of my newer PCs
and it must have shipped with SP1a or earlier because the number is coming
up "Invalid" right when I enter it even before I try to activate over the
Internet.

I am not trying to fish out you loosers that are trying to crack XP's
activation. I am trying to find a way to know what verion of XP and Office
where "installed originally" because my stupid tags don't say the service
pack number on them. They just say Windows XP Pro. I DON'T want to just put
on one of my numbers that are the same version of the CD that I just
reinstalled with because I then have two PCs with the same product ID
number.

What am I supposed to do? Tape the CD's that came with the PC to the side
as well? Sometimes I order 5 or more PCs at a time from a small local
vendor so all my CD's manuals, etc. come in one big box while the PCs come
in their own boxes. How do I match up the CD's incase one box was made when
a new SP came out?

I am also complaining about the stupid requirements to put those dumb
stickers with my ID codes right on the PC. Any employee, visitor, or the
cleaning lady can just write down the number and post it on the Internet
then I get screwed.

 

[Leythos]

What am I supposed to do? Tape the CD's that came with the PC to the side
as well? Sometimes I order 5 or more PCs at a time from a small local
vendor so all my CD's manuals, etc. come in one big box while the PCs come
in their own boxes. How do I match up the CD's incase one box was made when
a new SP came out?

We have hundreds of machines, installed with non-volume license
software, and each machine is assigned a NAME - sticker on the outside
of the case (and on the inside too - since people like to remove them
for fun). The name of the machine is written on the software cases or
they are placed in a baggie with a note inside that identifies the
computer name.

Unless you get a Dell system (or any other OEM) you need to make sure
which CD's go with which installs - it's a total pain to remove Office
2000 from a computer without the proper CD (it's actually easier to
format and reinstall).

 

[Jordan]

Maybe you should actually try reading the post instead of being a wise ass!

If I could keep my stupid key on the CD case then I could easily look at
what key was used on the machine with some MS tools and a thousand other key
tools. When I need to reinstall I could use the key reader or look on my
inventory sheet to see what key is on the PC and get the CD that has that
key number on it.

MS making it so my XP, XP SP1, SP1a, and SP2 keys cannot be installed on
each version when the patches and updates are FREE makes no sense. It is
not like when you purchased Win 95 and they had OEM Service Release 2 which
had a bunch of new cool stuff in it specifically for OEM distributers to
market their new PCs.

It is stupid to make it so I have all my PCs on Windows XP SP2 and force me
to use my Release, SP1, or SP1a CD to roll back everything and then
reinstall SP2 when I should just be able to use SP2 to begin with.

There is nothing in my previous post that could indicate that I am trolling
for any hackers so maybe you should not comment if your just going to post
paraniod replies.

 

[Jordan]

Oh, you mean the licensing arrangement that screws me over by not giving me
all the media and documentation and charges me more for my licenses than
when I purchase them through my vendor when I buy a new PC. Is that the one
you mean????

 

[Uncle John]

"Jordan"

You wrote
" I just tried to reinstall the OS on one of my newer PCs
and it must have shipped with SP1a or earlier because the number is coming
up "Invalid" right when I enter it even before I try to activate over the
Internet."

I did not see your earlier post so excuse me if my suggestion is wide of the
mark. It seems your problem is to match the media type of the CD you are
using to install upgrade a system to the media type of the CD which was
originally used to install Windows XP on that system. My understanding is
that OEM software comes with a restrictive license that says it can only be
used with the hardware it originally came with. So if the CD's are OEM then
used on a machine other than the original the license keys will be rejected
BEFORE you get to the activation.

On the CD in the i386 folder, open the setupp.ini file and look to see what
is on the PID= line? If the line is 5 numerals ending in OEM then that CD
will not work on any computer other than the one it was originally used for.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Your inability to manage the CDs you have is evidence you need Volume
Licensing.
Perhaps you need a different vender if the one you currently use does not
support your needs.

 

[Michael Stevens]

Maybe you should actually try reading the post instead of being a wise
ass!

If I could keep my stupid key on the CD case then I could easily look at
what key was used on the machine with some MS tools and a thousand other
key tools. When I need to reinstall I could use the key reader or look on
my inventory sheet to see what key is on the PC and get the CD that has
that key number on it.

MS making it so my XP, XP SP1, SP1a, and SP2 keys cannot be installed on
each version when the patches and updates are FREE makes no sense. It is
not like when you purchased Win 95 and they had OEM Service Release 2
which had a bunch of new cool stuff in it specifically for OEM
distributers to market their new PCs.

It is stupid to make it so I have all my PCs on Windows XP SP2 and force
me to use my Release, SP1, or SP1a CD to roll back everything and then
reinstall SP2 when I should just be able to use SP2 to begin with.

There is nothing in my previous post that could indicate that I am
trolling for any hackers so maybe you should not comment if your just
going to post paraniod replies.

Nothing paranoid in my reply, just observation that you don't know what you
are doing or talking about. All you have to do is make a slipstreamed XP CD
for each version of XP you have with the appropriate Service Pack rolled
into it. What keeps you from using a spreadsheet to list your keys? It's not
like you need a CD with each key and put the product id inside the case if
your employees are that disgruntled.


--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Jordan]

Thanks,
You were pretty close, but I am not trying to upgrade to SP2. I had to
reinstall over because a software change went bad. I only knew that I had
SP2 on there now and was not sure if the unit came with the SP2 or was an
SP1a that got updated in the past couple of weeks. The time was just to
close to tell. As a part of normal practice I update the PC with all the
latest patches and updates as the rest of the PCs so until now I never
really cared what came on the unit because it was going to be the latest
when I put it in service

I am just irritated that I have OEM machines with Release, SP1, SP1a, and
SP2 and it seems the keys will not work across versions even though the
updates from Release to SP2 are free.

As far as using the CD for the one the unit came with, that might be the
case for Dell or Compaq, but for the average OEM it seems that if you can
use any CD to reinstall over (In place upgrade/reinstall/repair) the same
version as the original install. I can use the SP2 key with any SP2 CD and
the same for SP1a and SP1 as well as Released.

 

[Jordan]

It is not the inability to manage the CD's. It is the unnecessary
inconvenience that MS has now imposed on me. I don't even really mind the
activation "that much" but when my vendor is forced to put my ID numbers on
my units for all the world to steal and then my valid ID numbers don't work
accross service packs, that is irritating.

My vendor is pretty good and they are only doing what MS tells them to do so
it is not their fault. Its the policy, not the people enforcing it.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

This is nothing new.
Many others succeed in managing their computers and probably with far more
computers than you have.
If you do not like the terms you your agreements, change OS, venders or
both.

However this statement of yours tells a lot :
"I don't know what originally was purchased for this machine"
Why?
How do you control your assets from theft and other similar problems if you
do not even know what you have.
No changes from Microsoft or anyone else for that matter can make up for
these major shortcomings in your companies IT department.
The internal shortcomings of the IT department should be fixed first or the
problems will continue no matter where you go.

 

[Jordan]

Not for nothing but by suggesting that "I" put my IDs in the case shows that
you're the one that really does not know what your talking about. Check
EVERY OEM computer and you will see that THEY put the ID on the outside of
the case per MS instruction. "I" don't have a say in the matter. Anyone
that knows what they are talking about wouldn't think that the end buyers
have anything to say about where the sticker goes.

Again, the issue I have is not whether or not I can roll a SP into any
version because that is easy. That still does not elimiate the problem on
what the base version was that I rolled the SP into. Even If I roll SP2
into a SP1 CD install, If I try to use that install on a machine that has
Release, SP1a, or an SP2 machine the "Invalid ID" error is still going to
happen. Unless I have some way to tell exactly what version was
"originally" installed with that ID it becomes very difficult to track down.

The fact is leaving the ID on the CD case was always the best thing. When
the ID was on the CD case I never had to track what version SP was on the PC
other than the current. All I had to do was check my database that shows me
the ID I used for that machine and get the disk out of the draw for any
reinstall. Now I need to modify my help desk program to add more fields for
the original installed versions of all the MS stuff and that is a pain.

Also, try pealing one of those off the case any you will see that they rip
into pieces. Anyone that knows what they are talking about wouldn't suggest
that either.

Jordan
MCSE since 1996
Microsoft Certified Partner +5 years

 

[Michael Stevens]

Not for nothing but by suggesting that "I" put my IDs in the case
shows that you're the one that really does not know what your talking
about. Check EVERY OEM computer and you will see that THEY put the
ID on the outside of the case per MS instruction. "I" don't have a
say in the matter. Anyone that knows what they are talking about
wouldn't think that the end buyers have anything to say about where
the sticker goes.

There is no restriction saying you cannot write down the product id, remove
the sticker and put the Product ID anywhere you want it. Since you get your
systems from a local vendor If they assemble them you could request they
place the sticker inside the case.

Again, the issue I have is not whether or not I can roll a SP into any
version because that is easy. That still does not elimiate the
problem on what the base version was that I rolled the SP into. Even
If I roll SP2 into a SP1 CD install, If I try to use that install on
a machine that has Release, SP1a, or an SP2 machine the "Invalid ID"
error is still going to happen. Unless I have some way to tell
exactly what version was "originally" installed with that ID it
becomes very difficult to track down.

If the XP CD's are generic OEM, a slipstreamed CD should not give an Invalid
ID. The OEM branded CD's when slipstreamed should also work on any of the
same brand computers. Same goes for retail. The CD's are not hard coded with
a Product ID so all you need is a data base of Product ID's and
corresponding computers and "a" corresponding XP CD. The way the system
shipped is irrelevant in regard to service pack and Product ID. If the
system shipped with a Generic OEM, use the Generic OEM with SP of your
choice and the Product ID assigned to the computer. Same with Branded OEM
and Retail.

The fact is leaving the ID on the CD case was always the best thing. When
the ID was on the CD case I never had to track what version SP
was on the PC other than the current. All I had to do was check my
database that shows me the ID I used for that machine and get the
disk out of the draw for any reinstall. Now I need to modify my help
desk program to add more fields for the original installed versions
of all the MS stuff and that is a pain.
Also, try pealing one of those off the case any you will see that
they rip into pieces. Anyone that knows what they are talking about
wouldn't suggest that either.

Why not, can't you write it down. I also remove the tags from pillows.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[LAD]

It is obvious that WXP is not the right system software for you.

Salutation

 

[Alex Nichol]

There is no restriction saying you cannot write down the product id, remove
the sticker and put the Product ID anywhere you want it. Since you get your
systems from a local vendor If they assemble them you could request they
place the sticker inside the case.

Michael - I think you refer to the 26 Alpha numeric Product *Key* - not
the numeric Product *Id* as found in Control Panel system and which is
of no relevance in installing