Activating xp pro

[Guest]

I have done a clean install of my xp pro, (Dell system).
When the pc was 1st purchased, xp was removed and 2000 was installed on it.
I have now tried to put the xp back in but it will not activate.
it also will not change to a different key, i have tried many times to
change the key, but it wont.
Does anyone know how to resolve the problem of not allowing a key change.

 

[Ron Martell]

I have done a clean install of my xp pro, (Dell system).
When the pc was 1st purchased, xp was removed and 2000 was installed on it.
I have now tried to put the xp back in but it will not activate.
it also will not change to a different key, i have tried many times to
change the key, but it wont.
Does anyone know how to resolve the problem of not allowing a key change.

Is this a copy of XP Pro that came bundled with the Dell computer?

What exactly happens when you try to activate the XP Pro? What error
message or other response do you get from the internet activation?

Has the motherboard in this computer been replaced with one that was
not supplied by Dell? That will prevent the activation of any SLP
(BIOS Locked) OEM versions, and all of Dell's more recent computers
use this procedure.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

Yes the motherboard and processor are different to the original.
when i tried to change the product key, it went back to the "Activate
windows by phone screen".

 

[Malke]

Yes the motherboard and processor are different to the original.
when i tried to change the product key, it went back to the "Activate
windows by phone screen".

Unfortunately, the version of XP that came with the Dell was an OEM
version, locked to the original motherboard. You will need to buy a
retail copy of XP to install on your computer.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your responses Malke & Ron, I have managed to sort it out, and
activate after formatting and starting again with clean install. I think
maybe there had been a fault with the 1st install.

 

[Greg Ro]

Unfortunately, the version of XP that came with the Dell was an OEM
version, locked to the original motherboard. You will need to buy a
retail copy of XP to install on your computer.

Are you sure?
It sounds like he had a bad install

Do a repair install, there should be a folder on the computer with
i386. I think you can start it from windows safe mode f8 twice.
If it ask you for a key. Use the key on the machine.

Then when you get everything installed including all hardware and
printers and other external hardware. The activate.

If your computer can with xp pro, then you can use xp pro oem disk but
use the key on your machine.

If your computer can with xp home, then you can use xp home oem disk
but use the key on your machine.



Greg Ro