Trying to reinstall Windows XP

[Guest]

I have a few corrupt files and someone told me it'd be a good idea to reinstall XP. However, when prompted to enter the Certificate of Authenticity on the side of my computer, it says its not recognized.

A little history - about 4 months ago, I got some weird virus and the only way to get rid of it was to reinstall XP. However, I was in the process of moving across the country and didnt have my copy of XP with me. So the computer company that reinstalled for me use some "commercial copy" that they has.

Could that be the problem with my system not recognizing my Cert. of Auth?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Q. "Could that be the problem with my system not recognizing my Cert. of Auth?"

A. Yes indeed! You must use the CD that came originally with your PC!
Hint: "commercial copy" = pirated and illegal copy!

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I have a few corrupt files and someone told me it'd be a good idea to reinstall XP. However, when prompted
to enter the Certificate of Authenticity on the side of my computer, it says its not recognized.
|
| A little history - about 4 months ago, I got some weird virus and the only way to get rid of it was to
reinstall XP. However, I was in the process of moving across the country and didnt have my copy of XP with
me. So the computer company that reinstalled for me use some "commercial copy" that they has.
|
| Could that be the problem with my system not recognizing my Cert. of Auth?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm trying to install the bought version now. But how can I do it if it wont recognize my Cert of Auth?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Like I said, your COA (Pruduct Key) will only work with the
CD that came with your PC. It will not work with any other
Windows XP CD.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Thanks for the reply.
|
| I'm trying to install the bought version now. But how can I do it if it wont recognize my Cert of Auth?

 

[Guest]

Carey, I have the CD that came with my computer now. It was during my move that I didnt have it.

Anyway, I just right clicked on My Computer<Properties. Under the General tab it lists the system as registered to me, but the code under it isnt mine.

I also searched out this thread on the Help and Support board:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...1-4C3C-BCC9-8EB7A22FC6A0&dglist=&ptlist=&exp=

One of the replies suggest to d-load a keyfinder. I ran that and it gave me the key thats on the side of my computer. I'm at a loss.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Carey, I have the CD that came with my computer now. It was during my move that I didnt have it.
|
| Anyway, I just right clicked on My Computer<Properties. Under the General tab it lists the system as
registered to me, but the code under it isnt mine.
|
| I also searched out this thread on the Help and Support board:
|
|
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...1-4C3C-BCC9-8EB7A22FC6A0&dglist=&ptlist=&exp=
|
| One of the replies suggest to d-load a keyfinder. I ran that and it gave me the key thats on the side of my
computer. I'm at a loss.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Carey, I have the CD that came with my computer now. It was during my move that I didnt have it.

Anyway, I just right clicked on My Computer<Properties. Under the General tab it lists the system as registered to me, but the code under it isnt mine.

That number is not the Product key needed for a reinstall. that is 25
Alpha-numerics in five groups of five - like
AHK7K-MNG76- etc

If the system is running you can find the one used to install if you get
the free Everest Home edition from
http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Operating System
- Operating System page will tell you the one used