xp serial number not recognized

[Guest]

-----Original Message-----

When install of Antispyware my original xp serial number
is not recognized . I get an error saying the number is
wrong (I tried several times)
.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

What you are saying is that your system has failed the "Genuine Windows
validation process?"

This is something that you need to get taken care of and now would be a good
time.

Can you say more about the kind of system that you have (i.e. is it a name
brand system from a major vendor, or?

When that step failed, was there some further information offered to help
resolve the issue--in the validation process?

I've had this problem with a Dell machine myself, and was able to get it
officially validated by answering some questions about the machine. I never
figured out whether I just couldn't read the tag well--it was under a
desk!--or what the issue was.

However, this passing of validation will increase in importance very
soon--so I'd recommend that you keep at it--in general, going back to the
vendor from whom you purchased the system may be the right direction to
take.


--

 

[JohnF.]

Where did you machine come from and where did the copy of Windows XP come
from?

Does your product key fit into one of these examples?

XXXXX-640-0000356-23XXX and XXXXX-640-2001765-23XXX

 

[Guest]

Thanks to both of you for answering

My machine is a brand new Packard Bell (nec) bought one
month ago from a well renowned seller . Windows XP was
already installed on it.

Microsoft tells me that this version of AntiSpyware
expires on July 2005.

thanks

 

[Bill Sanderson]

The expiration date is normal--all the beta's (20 million and more)
distributed so far have this same expiration date. There will be an update
of some sort extending that time before that date arrives.

I don't know how your eyes are, or where the sticker with the serial number
is on your machine, but I recommend resolving the validation issue asap. As
I recall, this validation process will be mandatory for downloads except for
those offered via AutoUpdate, as of June 30th--and when the machine is brand
new is the time to resolve such an issue.

Orient the machine so that you can get a good strong light on the sticker
and write down the number carefully. Pay close attention to issues such a
B's versus 8's, and L's versus 1's or I's. I wish they had chosen the
system and the fonts better to differentiate some of those characters.

If you cannot pass validation using the number, go on through any further
steps offered--as I recall they may ask for the vendors name, etc. If
nothing offered through the automated process works, please call Packard
Bells support line and ask for their help in resolving the issue.

And let us know how this goes? I'm not sure whether I have a way to get
feedback--either positive or negative, to the validation folks, but I'm
willing to give it a try if your experience with the process goes badly.

 

[Daniel]

One question is are you using Internet Explorer as your
main browser, if not there may be a problem with he
validation process - it uses ActiveX. although the method
i found available to me using Firefox 1.0.4 was a file
download they offered on a page to do with the validation
which when run gives you a code which validates your
windows and you use this on the site for validated
downloads.

Try this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/exeValidation.aspx?
displaylang=en

hope this helps.
Daniel

 

[JohnF.]

I think he/she got past that part but the actual cd key was reported to be
wrong. Usually that means you have letters and numbers mixed up because of
the retarded font MS chose to use but in some cases where your machine was
built for you locally, you could have had a pirate copy of XP loaded and is
now beign rejected by MS.