OEM Activation

[Guest]

I have a Compaq Presario computer, of which I've only added additional RAM
and upgraded a Video Card too quite a while ago. All the other parts are
original. I have the sticker on it, too, which the product key.

Just recently I had a problem with my computer, and had to reinstall
Windows. Unfortunately, I didn't have my recovery CD, so I borrowed a
friend's copy of Windows XP Home to do the reinstall. However, on entering
the Product Key into the Activation Window, it tells me that it's an
Incorrect Product Key. I've checked it numerous times, and it's the same
version (Windows XP Home), and the product key is indeed correct.

 

[Gordon]

I have a Compaq Presario computer, of which I've only added additional RAM
and upgraded a Video Card too quite a while ago. All the other parts are
original. I have the sticker on it, too, which the product key.

Just recently I had a problem with my computer, and had to reinstall
Windows. Unfortunately, I didn't have my recovery CD, so I borrowed a
friend's copy of Windows XP Home to do the reinstall. However, on
entering the Product Key into the Activation Window, it tells me that it's
an
Incorrect Product Key. I've checked it numerous times, and it's the same
version (Windows XP Home), and the product key is indeed correct.

But is it an *OEM* version of XP Home?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have a Compaq Presario computer, of which I've only added
additional RAM and upgraded a Video Card too quite a while ago. All
the other parts are original. I have the sticker on it, too, which
the product key.

Just recently I had a problem with my computer, and had to reinstall
Windows. Unfortunately, I didn't have my recovery CD, so I borrowed a
friend's copy of Windows XP Home to do the reinstall. However, on
entering the Product Key into the Activation Window, it tells me that
it's an Incorrect Product Key. I've checked it numerous times, and
it's the same version (Windows XP Home), and the product key is
indeed correct.

Product Keys need to match the CD with respect to Professional vs. Home,
Retail vs. OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. Almost certainly your friend's CD is
not an OEM version and your key won't work with it.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Is your friends copy the same as yours, i.e, an OEM copy? Does it also match
the version originally installed on your PC by Compaq - XP Home ot XP
Professional? If you are not installing like for like then your key will not
work.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

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[Pete]

But is it an *OEM* version of XP Home?

You know, things like this are reasons I switched to Linux ubuntu.
A perfectly graphical interface, with a fantastic software database.
No MS price and shit to deal with.
-Pete

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a Compaq Presario computer, of which I've only added additional RAM
and upgraded a Video Card too quite a while ago. All the other parts are
original. I have the sticker on it, too, which the product key.

Just recently I had a problem with my computer, and had to reinstall
Windows. Unfortunately, I didn't have my recovery CD, so I borrowed a
friend's copy of Windows XP Home to do the reinstall. However, on entering
the Product Key into the Activation Window, it tells me that it's an
Incorrect Product Key. I've checked it numerous times, and it's the same
version (Windows XP Home), and the product key is indeed correct.

The OEM Product Key affixed to the Compaq computer will only work with
an OEM installation CD. 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.

You need to contact Compaq for a replacement Recovery CD, and
reinstall. (Or purchase a new license.)



--

Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Guest]

As Bruce said, the best thing to do is contact Compaq (HP) and get the
Recovery CD from them.

Best Wishes,
Kurosh

 

[Gordon]

You know, things like this are reasons I switched to Linux ubuntu.
A perfectly graphical interface, with a fantastic software database.
No MS price and shit to deal with.
-Pete

Absolutely. Check my headers.....

 

[Andrew Murray]

If the friends OEM CD is trying to be installed on the OP's machine that
won't work anyway since OEM is tied to the first machine it's installed
on....

Also by "borrowing" the XP CD (regardless of OEM or not) is against the end
user licence agreement.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

If the friends OEM CD is trying to be installed on the OP's machine that
won't work anyway since OEM is tied to the first machine it's installed
on....

There would be no technical reason for a true OEM installation CD - not
an OEM Recovery or Restore CD - not to work on any compatible hardware.
Such CDs are not usually BIOS-locked., although some are.

Also by "borrowing" the XP CD (regardless of OEM or not) is against the end
user licence agreement.

Nonsense. Try reading the EULA before adding to it. As long as the OP
uses his own Product Key, the source of the CD is completely irrelevant.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[jll]

This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy. The OP had a problem and
went about solving it the way I would have. He simply wanted to get his
computer up and running as soon as possible. Who wants to contact Compaq and
wait forever to get a recovery CD? In the meantime his computer is laying
there like a lump. He has Win XP home; he used Win XP Home. What's wrong
with that? Why in h*ll does MS make you jump through these kinds of hoops?
Yeah, I know. They are simply trying to stop pirating! There has got to be a
better way. (End of rant.)