Reinstalling XP on clean computer with OEM COA

[im_gregory]

I've recently purchased a HP computer that had its hard drive formatted clean.
There is a XP Professional 1 COA sticlker on the case.

I'm trying to reinstall XP professional back onto this machine. But when I
enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the machine I'm
authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

Can anyone help me with this?

 

[PD43]

I'm trying to reinstall XP professional back onto this machine. But when I
enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the machine I'm
authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

It no doubt is an HP OEM version... which your version isn't.

 

[sgopus]

Your not allowed to use the old Key, that key has been used, you will need to
buy another copy of XP.
Since they didn't provide you with the install disk that came with the pc.

 

[cornedbeef007-groups]

I've recently purchased a HP computer that had its hard drive formatted clean.
There is a XP Professional 1 COA sticlker on the case.

I'm trying to reinstall  XP professional back onto this machine. But when  I
enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the machine I'm
authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

Can anyone help me with this?

You'll need to re-install the EXACT version of XP that was on your
machine. It's probably a HP specific OEM version.
Try contacting HP for instructions on how to re-install XP on your HP.

Good Luck.

 

[Daave]

I've recently purchased a HP computer that had its hard drive
formatted clean. There is a XP Professional 1 COA sticlker on the
case.

I'm trying to reinstall XP professional back onto this machine. But
when I enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is
invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the
machine I'm authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

Can anyone help me with this?

Who did you purchase this PC from? Do you know if it may have originally
had a volume license? What disk are you using to perform the install?

Assuming this PC didn't have a volume license XP installed on it
originally, you are permitted to reinstall Windows XP. But you need to
make sure you use the proper disk. For example, if you have an OEM
license, you need to use a generic OEM installation disk of the same
type -- in this case, XP Pro. A retail XP disk won't work with the key
on the sticker. If you can't activate online, you'll need to make a
5-minute phone call.

 

[Daave]

Who did you purchase this PC from? Do you know if it may have
originally had a volume license? What disk are you using to perform
the install?

Assuming this PC didn't have a volume license XP installed on it
originally, you are permitted to reinstall Windows XP. But you need to
make sure you use the proper disk. For example, if you have an OEM
license, you need to use a generic OEM installation disk of the same
type -- in this case, XP Pro. A retail XP disk won't work with the key
on the sticker. If you can't activate online, you'll need to make a
5-minute phone call.

Addendum:

If there is a restore disk for this particular HP available, you may try
purchasing one from HP or from http://www.restoredisks.com . But IMO,
it's better to use a generic OEM installation disk of the same version
of Windows if you're able to find/borrow one.

 

[Anteaus]

You need an OEM CD of Home or Pro as appropriate to the licence key. It must
also be the right service-pack as SP2 keys differ from earlier ones.

However, even so I have found that the licence keys on many HP machines are
defective, and will not work EVEN with a genuine HP-sourced OEM disc.

My advice would be to check first that you have the right CD, then call the
Microsoft Activation line. Ask to speak to an advisor, and provided you can
satisfy them that the the request is genuine, they should give you a key that
works.

 

[VanguardLH]

in message

I've recently purchased a HP computer that had its hard drive
formatted clean.
There is a XP Professional 1 COA sticlker on the case.

I'm trying to reinstall XP professional back onto this machine. But
when I
enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the machine
I'm
authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

Can anyone help me with this?

The product key on the label on the computer is for an OEM version. It
is also for the HP version. You got an HP OEM version of Windows with
the computer and *that* is what you need to reinstall. Use the recovery
CDs that the instructions in their included manual told you to run to
create those CDs. If you didn't bother to read the manual and have not
created those recovery CDs then you will need to order replacement
recovery CDs from HP (~$20) or use the product key with whatever version
of Windows that you are trying to install (and then have to get all the
drivers yourself for the hardware support).

 

[Eric]

Which product key are you using - the one on the PC or the one that belongs
to WinXP Pro?

You should be using the latter key.

Eric - http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/

 

[Bjarke Andersen]

Your not allowed to use the old Key, that key has been used, you will
need to buy another copy of XP.
Since they didn't provide you with the install disk that came with the
pc.

Que?

XP OEM license follow a certain hardware, in this case probably the
computer OP bought. With the license sticker he is indeed allowed to
install XP since he have both the license and hardware.

The install disk is no proof of ownership, you are allowed to do copies
otherwise you would not be able to make customized or slipstreamed install
disks.

OPs problem is he is probably using a non-OEM or Volume disk. He needs to
get hold of an OEM install disk.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I've recently purchased a HP computer that had its hard drive formatted clean.
There is a XP Professional 1 COA sticlker on the case.

I'm trying to reinstall XP professional back onto this machine. But when I
enter the key code, the installation is saying the key is invaild.

Its my understanding that as long as the COA sticker is on the machine I'm
authorized to reinstall Windows back on it.

To use a particular product key with a particular CD, the two must
match with respect to Professional vs. Home, OEM vs. Retail, and Full
vs. Upgrade.

If there's a sticker on the case, almost certainly it's an OEM
version. Since both the sticker and the CD are Professional, almost
certainly, the problem is that you are trying to use a retail CD with
an OEM product key. Can't be done.