Activation Problem

[mapoitras]

I'm re-installing windows and I'm having problems with activating Windows XP
Home Edition. I didn't have the original media but there is a valid XP home
sticker on the machine and it was built by a reputable builder mdg.ca here in
Canada. So I got a copy of XP Home with service pack 3 from MSDN and when I
use the product key from the sticker I keep getting an error. I tried to
call the phone number but all I get is the voice messaging system. I'm
trying to follow the proper procedures but this is getting frustrating. Any
one has a suggestion how I can talk to a real customer service rep without
having to pay for support or can someone explain me if I'm doing something
wrong. I suspect that because I'm not using the original CD from the
manufacturer I'm screwed but I don't have it for this PC but it does have a
calid XP home license and I have a good working copy of XP home with service
pack 3 which is much quicker to install this way.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I'm re-installing windows and I'm having problems with activating
Windows XP Home Edition. I didn't have the original media but
there is a valid XP home sticker on the machine and it was built by
a reputable builder mdg.ca here in Canada. So I got a copy of XP
Home with service pack 3 from MSDN and when I use the product key
from the sticker I keep getting an error. I tried to call the
phone number but all I get is the voice messaging system. I'm
trying to follow the proper procedures but this is getting
frustrating. Any one has a suggestion how I can talk to a real
customer service rep without having to pay for support or can
someone explain me if I'm doing something wrong. I suspect that
because I'm not using the original CD from the manufacturer I'm
screwed but I don't have it for this PC but it does have a calid XP
home license and I have a good working copy of XP home with service
pack 3 which is much quicker to install this way.

Since the sticker in *on the machine* it is pretty safe for me to assume it
is an OEM licensed copy of Windows XP Home Edition. In that case - and
given what you have in information, here are the choices you have as I see
it...

1) You obtain a generic copy of Windows XP Home Edition OEM licensed. Yes -
there is a difference between OEM, Retail, MSDN, Volume and Upgrade Licensed
Media.

2) You change the MSDN copy you downloaded/burned to CD to a copy that will
accept OEM product keys. Google for "setupp.ini" - that is not a typo.
I'll give you a head start:
http://www.thetechguide.com/howto/setuppini.html

3) You install the MSDN copy using the MSDN key and then you use the
Microsoft utility to change the product key to the one you have on your
sticker. This utility from Microsoft...
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

Hope that helps!

 

[mapoitras]

I see. Well its too bad that I have to do a re-install but option 2 or 3
will hopefully work me.

Thanks

 

[michael]

I see. Well its too bad that I have to do a re-install but option 2 or 3
will hopefully work me.

Thanks

You must use an OEM media in this case.