Packard Bell pre-install probs

[Xp - less]

Hi, I have just added a second hard drive to my Son`s
computer, which is a PB i-media 4716 with XP pre-
installed. When I tried to re-start the computer, it
asked for re-activation. I have put in the red recovery
floppy and have all the original (4) disks supplied with
the PC. During the boot up sequence, it asks for the
product (PB machine number) serial number which is on the
sticker at the rear of the machine. The serial number has
TWELVE digits, yet there is only room for TEN on the
screen. I have tried PB`s website/forum and the suppliers
helpline, and nobody has a clue! I have the oem version
of XP installed on MY PC, and I have the disc and product
key. Is there any way I can re-activate my Son`s PC using
my disk? I cannot get past this serial number page, and
find it very unusual that the PC needs a reset after
fitting only an extra HD ( as the registry on the
original was full). The only other option that I can
think of, is to buy another oem version of XP and do a
clean install - but then he will lose all the information
on the original HD. Any suggestions? Thanks . . . Paul

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll need to telephone Packard Bell support and request
their assistance with this matter. Read your PC's User's Guide
or visit the Packard Bell website for information.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| Hi, I have just added a second hard drive to my Son`s
| computer, which is a PB i-media 4716 with XP pre-
| installed. When I tried to re-start the computer, it
| asked for re-activation. I have put in the red recovery
| floppy and have all the original (4) disks supplied with
| the PC. During the boot up sequence, it asks for the
| product (PB machine number) serial number which is on the
| sticker at the rear of the machine. The serial number has
| TWELVE digits, yet there is only room for TEN on the
| screen. I have tried PB`s website/forum and the suppliers
| helpline, and nobody has a clue! I have the oem version
| of XP installed on MY PC, and I have the disc and product
| key. Is there any way I can re-activate my Son`s PC using
| my disk? I cannot get past this serial number page, and
| find it very unusual that the PC needs a reset after
| fitting only an extra HD ( as the registry on the
| original was full). The only other option that I can
| think of, is to buy another oem version of XP and do a
| clean install - but then he will lose all the information
| on the original HD. Any suggestions? Thanks . . . Paul

 

[Keith]

Did you try to choose activate by phone?

 

[Rob]

this sounds like packard bell added on their own OEM front end to the XP
installation (rather than use microsoft XP installation bios locking tools).
this isn't a microsoft product prompting you for this info. you're going to
have to contact PB to figure out how to get past this.