Problems with WinXP Activation

[frank1492]

My GF's Presario laptop had a failed hard drive, and I replaced it for
her. I am in the process of getting the computer set up as it once
was.
I had the original Compaq WinXP restore disk and all went well
in the restoration process. I do not remember for sure but I think I
was prompted for the product key during installation. This was
located on the bottom of the computer. I was also prompted for
a name and I gave mine.
I just attempted activation of WinXP and was told that the
product key was incorrect. I inputted it several times. I also
inputted my GF's name and address, and tried mine as well.
(Don't know if this caused the problem or not, or if I mistyped
the product key during installation.)
In reading online about this problem, there is mention that
the copy of WinXP may have been bootlegged! I know this
is not the case as I know the history of this computer exactly.
It was purchased new from Best Buy by her, and I used the
original Compaq Presario WinXP disk for the system restore.
Has anyone seen this problem before, and what is the
remedy? I will need to activate WinXP soon or I will no longer
be able to use it.
Thanks very much for your help.
Frank

 

[steam3801]

My GF's Presario laptop had a failed hard drive, and I replaced it for
her. I am in the process of getting the computer set up as it once
was.
I had the original Compaq WinXP restore disk and all went well
in the restoration process. I do not remember for sure but I think I
was prompted for the product key during installation. This was
located on the bottom of the computer. I was also prompted for
a name and I gave mine.
I just attempted activation of WinXP and was told that the
product key was incorrect. I inputted it several times. I also
inputted my GF's name and address, and tried mine as well.
(Don't know if this caused the problem or not, or if I mistyped
the product key during installation.)
In reading online about this problem, there is mention that
the copy of WinXP may have been bootlegged! I know this
is not the case as I know the history of this computer exactly.
It was purchased new from Best Buy by her, and I used the
original Compaq Presario WinXP disk for the system restore.
Has anyone seen this problem before, and what is the
remedy? I will need to activate WinXP soon or I will no longer
be able to use it.
Thanks very much for your help.
Frank

Was the copy of WinXP installed on the computer as an OEM version
(Original Equiment Manufacturer). If so, it may be valid for the
original machine in it's original condition ONLY.

There has been much previous discussion and conjecture here whether
it's valid for a modified - or another - computer. Maybe contact
Microsoft ... ?

 

[Larry Samuels]

You will need to call for activation. Online activation of OEM SLP versions
was blocked in Feb 2005.

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Guest]

Usually that message is recieved after many xp installations,or possibly
just the switch in hardware (hd),in the activation window,select,phone,
call:8885712048 This process doesnt take much time,usually a microsoft
activation personell comes on.

 

[Alias]

You will need to call for activation. Online activation of OEM SLP versions
was blocked in Feb 2005.

And this benefits the end user how? Did it ever occur to MS that we want
to use our computers, not prove we aren't thieves?

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

My GF's Presario laptop had a failed hard drive, and I replaced it for
her. I am in the process of getting the computer set up as it once
was.
I had the original Compaq WinXP restore disk and all went well
in the restoration process. I do not remember for sure but I think I
was prompted for the product key during installation. This was
located on the bottom of the computer. I was also prompted for
a name and I gave mine.
I just attempted activation of WinXP and was told that the
product key was incorrect. I inputted it several times. I also
inputted my GF's name and address, and tried mine as well.
(Don't know if this caused the problem or not, or if I mistyped
the product key during installation.)
In reading online about this problem, there is mention that
the copy of WinXP may have been bootlegged! I know this
is not the case as I know the history of this computer exactly.
It was purchased new from Best Buy by her, and I used the
original Compaq Presario WinXP disk for the system restore.
Has anyone seen this problem before, and what is the
remedy? I will need to activate WinXP soon or I will no longer
be able to use it.
Thanks very much for your help.
Frank

Were you prompted to activate, or did you force it?

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Larry Samuels]

It has no visible benefit for the end user,but it cuts down greatly on the
theft of OEM keys from store display units.
Think about it for a minute--someone wanting to run an illegal copy of XP
takes a casual stroll through a pc dealer's showroom with cellphone out
surreptitiously snapping pics of COAs. They then go home and unload the
pics--voila, 30-40 valid cd keys they could use before the change.
As a technician, I despise the change as it costs me valuable time. As a pc
builder and dealer I love it because it means less likelihood that one of my
customers will have problems in the future because someone stole their key
from the unit on display.

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Alias]

It has no visible benefit for the end user,but it cuts down greatly on the
theft of OEM keys from store display units.
Think about it for a minute--someone wanting to run an illegal copy of XP
takes a casual stroll through a pc dealer's showroom with cellphone out
surreptitiously snapping pics of COAs. They then go home and unload the
pics--voila, 30-40 valid cd keys they could use before the change.
As a technician, I despise the change as it costs me valuable time. As a pc
builder and dealer I love it because it means less likelihood that one of my
customers will have problems in the future because someone stole their key
from the unit on display.

And the reason why the end user has to play policeman for MS is? Theft
is usually handled by the police, not someone who wants to use his or
her computer and not have to deal with a flawed WGA program.

It would be far more effective if the abetting stores were forced to
hide the keys rather than making billions use a program that is no
benefit to them whatsoever. For some reason, I don't *like* MS putting a
file on my computer that I cannot delete that serves me no useful purpose.

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

And the reason why the end user has to play policeman for MS is? Theft
is usually handled by the police, not someone who wants to use his or
her computer and not have to deal with a flawed WGA program.

It would be far more effective if the abetting stores were forced to
hide the keys rather than making billions use a program that is no
benefit to them whatsoever. For some reason, I don't *like* MS
putting a file on my computer that I cannot delete that serves me no
useful purpose.
Alias

Ever think of placing the sticker on the inside of the case?

Low tech, common sense methods of copy-protection are always the best
means possible.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Larry Samuels]

We have begged to be able to place the keys where they are not easily
visible such as inside the case or on the bottom. Unfortunately our OEM
agreement dictates that the key *must* be in a readily visible location.


--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[frank1492]

A sincere thanks to you all for your advice. I placed a phone call and
my XP was activated immediately. (One small complaint. As
usual the Indian lady was hard to understand!)
Frank

 

[Larry Samuels]

You're welcome! Glad you got everything sorted out.

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[kurttrail]

We have begged to be able to place the keys where they are not easily
visible such as inside the case or on the bottom. Unfortunately our
OEM agreement dictates that the key *must* be in a readily visible
location.

So there is no REAL need for PA to prevent theft of store display PKs.
MS created the problem to begin with.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[... et al.]

It has no visible benefit for the end user,but it cuts down greatly on the
theft of OEM keys from store display units.
Think about it for a minute--someone wanting to run an illegal copy of XP
takes a casual stroll through a pc dealer's showroom with cellphone out
surreptitiously snapping pics of COAs. They then go home and unload the
pics--voila, 30-40 valid cd keys they could use before the change.

( Please display out secret keys in plain view in public places! In
fact, we demand that you do. )

Ahh what foresight. How could have guessed?