Sysprep, ghosting and Product key

[Guest]

Hi,

I work for a company that has around 100 computers that all run XP and all
have been imaged already, before I started with the company. These images
need to be updated every 2 months or so.
Ghosting was being done without using Sysprep. The image file was created
and then copied over to the server.
I have run Sysprep for mini install and I can not locate a working product
key. I went around to 12 computers and tried the product codes stuck to them
without success. Computers have been purchased over a period of 4 years in
batches all being generic (not IBM or Dell) with XP installed. So we have
paid for the licensing. Is there a way to get a product key to work or should
I forget about Sysprep ?
I have read the other Sysprep disscussions but wasnt sure if there was a
solution for my situation.
Please help.

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

Hi,

I work for a company that has around 100 computers that all run XP and all
have been imaged already, before I started with the company. These images
need to be updated every 2 months or so.
Ghosting was being done without using Sysprep. The image file was created
and then copied over to the server.
I have run Sysprep for mini install and I can not locate a working product
key. I went around to 12 computers and tried the product codes stuck to
them
without success. Computers have been purchased over a period of 4 years in
batches all being generic (not IBM or Dell) with XP installed. So we have
paid for the licensing. Is there a way to get a product key to work or
should
I forget about Sysprep ?
I have read the other Sysprep disscussions but wasnt sure if there was a
solution for my situation.
Please help.

Those keys (on the stickers) are tied to the OEM copy that came
pre-installed. You built your image with another, generic set of media.
Ideally you would obtain Volume license media but Microsoft seems to have
some workarounds:

See
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx
and http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/volbrief.mspx
(particularly, "re-imaging rights" link)

This is the closest info I could find, not sure if it totally solves your
problem but hopefully gives you something.