Product Key Change

[barrowhill]

Just repaired a friends laptop having replaced hard drive. As there was no
Recovery CD available, I've installed XP from my own copy (Pro) which is the
same version specified on the product key sticker on the base of the laptop.

Having updated it, I now want to replace current product key with the one
specified on the laptop base.

I've downloaded and run Microsofts Product Key Update Tool but whilst it
scans and validates the system files and allows the input of the Product Key,
it comes back and states that the Product key cannot be updated due to
"technical difficulties or network connectivity issues".

I'd like to know what these problems could be. I'm not having internet
connection problems. Having performed this operation in the past when
repairing other PC's, I was expecting the activation window to appear so
perhaps this is cause of problems. I can't seem to get past this.

 

[BrianB]

There are several ways to change the key that are noted here:
http://www.technize.com/2008/03/13/how-to-change-windows-xp-product-key/

Brian

 

[barrowhill]

Brian, Thanks for your prompt response.

I tried latest version Of M. J. Bean but nothing happened so resorted to
registry change. Strange; I select telephone option but no new generated
install ID given nor do any of the buttons (Change Product key, Remind me
later or Next, do aynthing? It appears as if it's hung! Something looks
like it's corrupted. Unless there's away round this I'll have to do a repair
install? I'll put OBETimer back to original value so that at least current
install is activated. Appreciate any further advice.

 

[Randem]

You never stated if this was an OEM XP CD or a Microsoft XP CD (or even a
volume license CD). This mean something for product keys. Then what type of
laptop are you attempting installation on?

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
http://www.rndem.com/installerproblems.html
http://www.randem.com/vistainstalls.html
http://www.financialtrainingservices.org

 

[Randem]

You never stated if this was an OEM XP CD or a Microsoft XP CD (or even a
volume license CD). This mean something for product keys. Then what type of
laptop are you attempting installation on?

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
http://www.rndem.com/installerproblems.html
http://www.randem.com/vistainstalls.html
http://www.financialtrainingservices.org

 

[barrowhill]

I'm using retail version of XP on HP laptop...........*Please note* I ran the
Update Tool successfully after I intially installed XP. This was before any
driver updates (of which there were many), windows updates or even install of
AV and FW software.

Had problems with Driver updating needing repair install of XP to get back
to status quo. This time I installed Norton IS, All windows updates and this
time, correct driver packages.

Now a fully updated and protected working system.

Trying to change Product Key at this time fails. I've tried MJBean,
Microsofts Update Tool and even Registry change. All to no avail. So how
do I change key now?????

 

[barrowhill]

Update to situation is......Changing Registry entry to re-activate enables me
to put in correct product key. However the response I get back is that the
product key is incorrect.!!! Why it says this I don't know; the Product Key
put in is exactly the one shown on the COA stuck on bottom of laptop. This
is frustrating!

 

[Malke]

Update to situation is......Changing Registry entry to re-activate enables
me
to put in correct product key. However the response I get back is that
the
product key is incorrect.!!! Why it says this I don't know; the Product
Key
put in is exactly the one shown on the COA stuck on bottom of laptop.
This is frustrating!

If you want to use the Product Key on the bottom of the laptop you need to
do a clean install of XP with a branded or generic OEM install disk. You
used a retail disk and only a retail key will work.

A better solution is to contact the laptop mftr. and purchase Recovery Disks
if they have them. These Recovery Disks are usually very inexpensive,
around $20. If no Recovery Disks are available, your choices are:

1. Clean install with a branded/generic OEM install disk and use the Product
Key from the bottom of the laptop; or

2. Have your friend purchase a retail copy of XP and use that product key.
In this case, you would not need to do a clean install since you already
have a retail version installed. You just need to use the new key.

Malke

 

[barrowhill]

Problems resolved................

When Laptop first delivered to me it came with 1GB RAM and 80GB HDD. The HDD
was defunct but fortunately I had another spare. I replaced HDD and
installed (my) copy of XP Pro. I successfully changed Product Key to that
on COA sticker on base of laptop

Friend subsequently supplied 250Gb HDD and another 2GB RAM. Used Acronis
Disc Director to copy 80GB partition to 250GB before swapping out and adding
extra RAM.

Installing additional (and incorrect) drivers subsequently caused problems
hence repair install and then Product Key problems

re-installed 80GB HDD (with correct product key), installed additional (and
correct) drivers (lesson learnt) and copied back to 250GB.

Re-installed 250GB and now OK Have my 80GB back and can return laptop
knowing it has correct Product Key installed.

I wonder if it key change failed due to change in original hardware ? i.e
no longer appeared to be a different laptop??