Genuine WinXP SP2 OEM with a wrong serial number ???

[Gillies]

I've been told some new XP OEM version had wrong serial numbers and it
happened to me since then. I have bought a Genuine WinXP SP2 OEM original
version but the key doesn't work for a new installation.

What did I miss ?

TIA

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Next time, only purchase a "Retail Version" of Windows XP
in a sealed box.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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:

| I've been told some new XP OEM version had wrong serial numbers and it
| happened to me since then. I have bought a Genuine WinXP SP2 OEM original
| version but the key doesn't work for a new installation.
|
| What did I miss ?
|
| TIA

 

[Serafin Capili Jr]

Next time, only purchase a "Retail Version" of Windows XP
in a sealed box.

is that different from retail?

 

[Kerry Brown]

I've been told some new XP OEM version had wrong serial numbers and it
happened to me since then. I have bought a Genuine WinXP SP2 OEM original
version but the key doesn't work for a new installation.

There are some very sophisticated counterfeit OEM copies right down to the
hologrammed CD and a very authentic looking COA. I have heard that Microsoft
may exchange these for legitimate product.

Kerry

 

[Guest]

Contact the seller and demand a refund.

 

[Jonny]

Probably a typo. Yes, it happens. In my case of an OEM buy with hardware
XP install CD, the product key had one mistake. One instance of a "B" was
actually supposed to be an "8". Yes its a "B" as I have another "B" to
refer to in the product key I have. And the case of the other "B", its
definitely part of the product key. There is another case of an "8" as well
for reference. Its an XP w/ SP1 version.

Wasn't fun figuring it out either. Much more than one case of a number or
letter that could be perceived as another number or letter in the product
key.

Be sure its the product key you're looking at. Should be 25 alpha/numeric
characters, with a "-" between each set of five characters. At least in the
case on mine anyway. You don't have to type in the "-"

The sticker with the product key in mounted atop the PC tower case for my
easy reference. The correct product key I placed in block letters for my
written paper records that I keep for my PC. Things like username/passwords
for secure sites I seldom but must visit, crash details w/messages for
future reference, and various other PC oriented stuff that I'd rather not
lose if the PC dies.