Original Media Problem

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Guest

Good Morning!
I have a problem that I've been running into more and more lately. I
frequently get to client sites and need to re-load pcs. Unfortunately, past
consultants / employees were not as organized as I try to be, and original
installation disks / cds are sometimes impossible to find.

I am able to pull the existing XP and Office Keys from the machines (if they
are still functioning that is), but sometimes when I re-install I get an
invalid product key error. When that happens, I've had to run out and
purchase retail copies of XP to get the machines going. It's happening again
today, and I'm wondering if there isn't a better way to resolve the problem.

I think that the problem stems from not having the exact version of XP that
was originally installed. For example; the current machine had XP
Professional with Service Pack 1, version 5.1.2600 build 2600. I can find
media for XP Pro, no service packs, XP Pro, Upgrade, and XP Pro with SP2.

I've tried loading with another license key and using the tool for changing
keys, but it says that the key isn't valid for the system.

I'll purchase another copy if necessary, but I would really rather not
incurr additional cost.

Thanks.
 
je7383 said:
Good Morning!
I have a problem that I've been running into more and more lately. I
frequently get to client sites and need to re-load pcs. Unfortunately,
past
consultants / employees were not as organized as I try to be, and original
installation disks / cds are sometimes impossible to find.

I am able to pull the existing XP and Office Keys from the machines (if
they
are still functioning that is), but sometimes when I re-install I get an
invalid product key error. When that happens, I've had to run out and
purchase retail copies of XP to get the machines going. It's happening
again
today, and I'm wondering if there isn't a better way to resolve the
problem.

I think that the problem stems from not having the exact version of XP
that
was originally installed. For example; the current machine had XP
Professional with Service Pack 1, version 5.1.2600 build 2600. I can find
media for XP Pro, no service packs, XP Pro, Upgrade, and XP Pro with SP2.

I've tried loading with another license key and using the tool for
changing
keys, but it says that the key isn't valid for the system.

I'll purchase another copy if necessary, but I would really rather not
incurr additional cost.
Click to expand...

Any XP Pro CD, regardless of SP level, should work. The product key is tied
to the type of XP installation CD, not the SP level. It has to match in
terms of Retail v. OEM, v. Volume License, Branded OEM, Upgrade v. Full, and
Language version.

Branded OEMs can laid down as an image at the factory so the key used is not
the key that would work with a generic XP CD. That key is on a sticker on
the computer.
 
Is there any way to tell which is which before installing? Or, is there any
way to look at a license key and tell which to use?
 
Hello Jeff,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft newsgroup!

From your post, my understanding on this issue is: "The key is not valid"
is received when you reinstall Windows XP on your PC. If I have
misunderstood your problem, please let me know.

I would like to let you know that our private partner newsgroup is focused
on break fix technical issues for Microsoft software. For licensing
questions, you can call 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through
Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (PST) to speak directly to a Microsoft
licensing specialist.

Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing
Sites http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.asp to find
contact information in their locations.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Qi Ding
Microsoft Online Partner Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
====================================================
When responding to posts, please "Reply to Group" via your newsreader so
that others may learn and benefit from your issue.
====================================================
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--------------------
| Thread-Topic: Original Media Problem
| thread-index: AcdMZkmJ3NaqEYEfQwa1tkz3gMblyA==
| X-WBNR-Posting-Host: 207.46.198.15
| From: =?Utf-8?B?amU3Mzgz?= <[email protected]>
| Subject: Original Media Problem
| Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 08:21:00 -0800
| Lines: 26
| Message-ID: <[email protected]>
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| NNTP-Posting-Host: tk2msftibfm01.phx.gbl 10.40.244.149
| X-Tomcat-NG: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
|
| Good Morning!
| I have a problem that I've been running into more and more lately. I
| frequently get to client sites and need to re-load pcs. Unfortunately,
past
| consultants / employees were not as organized as I try to be, and
original
| installation disks / cds are sometimes impossible to find.
|
| I am able to pull the existing XP and Office Keys from the machines (if
they
| are still functioning that is), but sometimes when I re-install I get an
| invalid product key error. When that happens, I've had to run out and
| purchase retail copies of XP to get the machines going. It's happening
again
| today, and I'm wondering if there isn't a better way to resolve the
problem.
|
| I think that the problem stems from not having the exact version of XP
that
| was originally installed. For example; the current machine had XP
| Professional with Service Pack 1, version 5.1.2600 build 2600. I can find
| media for XP Pro, no service packs, XP Pro, Upgrade, and XP Pro with SP2.
|
| I've tried loading with another license key and using the tool for
changing
| keys, but it says that the key isn't valid for the system.
|
| I'll purchase another copy if necessary, but I would really rather not
| incurr additional cost.
|
| Thanks.
| --
| JE
|
 
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