Reinstalled Windows and doesn't accept COA key

[Lepre-Chaun]

I have just reinstalled XP Home SP2 from winnt32.exe in the i386 folder.
Everything went fine untill I was asked by Windows to activate my
product. I followed the directions, and when i got to the prompt to
enter the product key, Windows wouldn't accept it. I retreived it from
the base of my HP Pc.

Can anyone tell me why this is happening?? thanks in advance

 

[Bob Harris]

If you are trying to reinstall on the original harware, then contact HP
support for advice. They owe you some way to do that. However, the "way"
might involve erasing all files on the hard drive added since it was made,
so be sure to backup your personal files off of the PC.

If you are trying to reinstall on different hardware, be aware that is not
permitted by the OEM license that comes with pre-installed XP. In this
context, "different hardware" means a different motherboard or possibly even
an updated BIOS, unless you got it directly from HP.

If the PC did not come with XP pre-installed, then you should reinstall from
the original XP install CD (full or upgrade). If upgrade, you will need to
have some proof of ownership of 98, ME, or 2000. Uusually the installation
CD for any one of those will suffice. Insert it when the installer requests
it.

 

[Lepre-Chaun]

Thanks, i called Hp, they had me on hold for 20 minutes and then told m
to call microsoft. I phoned Microsoft and within 10 minutes they ha
given me my replacement key. Thanks agai