Windows XP registration

[tosime]

My laptop had windowsXP pre-installed. I have the product key sticker on the
bottom of the laptop. A vendor had to reinstall WindowsXP to enable my
laptop connect to our network. They could not find my original disk so they
used their own windowsxp as a temporary solution. What do I do now? Can I
avoid buying a new windowsxp? I suspect someone may have used my original
disk and registered it with my key.

 

[Malke]

My laptop had windowsXP pre-installed. I have the product key sticker
on the bottom of the laptop. A vendor had to reinstall WindowsXP to
enable my laptop connect to our network. They could not find my
original disk so they used their own windowsxp as a temporary
solution. What do I do now? Can I avoid buying a new windowsxp? I
suspect someone may have used my original disk and registered it with
my key.

What makes you think the tech didn't just use your Product Key that is
on the bottom of your laptop? What problem(s) are you having?

Malke

 

[Bob Knowlden]

For starters, you might find out what product key was used to install XP:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml


Address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[tosime]

The problem I have is that when I install windows updates, I am told that my
registration key does not match my Windows so I am unable to activate the
updates.

My last resort is to buy a new Windows XP - but this is like paying twice.

Thanks for your interest...Tony

 

[T. Waters]

My laptop had windowsXP pre-installed. I have the product key sticker
on the bottom of the laptop. A vendor had to reinstall WindowsXP to
enable my laptop connect to our network. They could not find my
original disk so they used their own windowsxp as a temporary
solution. What do I do now? Can I avoid buying a new windowsxp? I
suspect someone may have used my original disk and registered it with
my key.

If someone used your original disk and key, the only thing valuable they got
was the key, as keys are unique. If you then activate using your key, even
if the person did in fact use your key, you effectively "take back" your key
from them. Do you think your original disk is lost or stolen? Call your
laptop manufacturer for replacement media. You definitely want to get
Critical Updates.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE]

There is no such thing as registration key.
There IS an activation key.
You do not have to register WinXP.
You DO have to activate it (unless it's a new computer that cam
preregistered).

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
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