Problem with CD key on Win XP Pro installation

  • Thread starter Thread starter Daniel
  • Start date Start date
D

Daniel

Hi everyone,

This question relates to installing Windows XP Professional on a
Pentium 3 laptop.



Has anyone ever had the problem where a CD Key on an OEM label doesn't
work?

I am certain I typed it correctly. The only issue I know of is the
disk. It is a burned copy of the original, which is broken (rolled over
by chair). I still have the label and licence, so all is well. I
officially and legally own the software, but for some reason it won't
install.

Any ideas on how to fix it?

Daniel
 
P.S.: The OEM cd key label says 1-2 CPU on it. I assume this is a 1-2
user licence and has nothing to do with the installation?

Daniel
 
Hi,

It means the OEM CD can be used on a pc that has one or two processors
installed, it is not a license for multiple (two or more) installations.
Many high-end gaming and video editing machines use dual processors.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi Daniel,

No reason you can't use a burned copy of the original as long as you possess
the license for it. I nearly always use copies and retain the original where
it won't get damaged.

Troubleshooting invalid CD key error message during Windows XP setup
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310637

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi Rick!

I feel exactly the same way about the burned copies and keeping
originals. If I hadn't have done it, I would be lost. I even find that
when your 100% careful, disks get scratched just going from the CD case
into the drive and back. Use one 100 times in a year, and it is too
scratched to use anymore. Better to keep copies and keep the original
pristine! Better resale value too!

:-)

Daniel

P.S.: I like the "nutcase" nickname!
 
Another option to "Preserve" installer CDs is to create an .ISO
image of them. Then if ever required you can reconstruct the
original CD.
 
Daniel said:
Hi everyone,

This question relates to installing Windows XP Professional on a
Pentium 3 laptop.



Has anyone ever had the problem where a CD Key on an OEM label doesn't
work?

I am certain I typed it correctly. The only issue I know of is the
disk. It is a burned copy of the original, which is broken (rolled over
by chair). I still have the label and licence, so all is well. I
officially and legally own the software, but for some reason it won't
install.

Any ideas on how to fix it?

Daniel
Click to expand...

FYI Daniel, laptops are proprietary and need drivers. An generic OEM
version may not work. Also was this software previously installed on a
different computer? Per the EULA OEM versions are tied to the first
system to which they are installed, and cannot be used on a different
computer even if it's removed from the first one.
 
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