redcar05 said:
Last year I had Windows XP Professional installed on my computer by a volume
licensed dealer. I didn't realize at the time that this would create some
problems with accessing certain programs. For example, I am unable to
download any version of Adobe Reader and I believe that it is because of the
registration of my OS being with a volume licensed dealer. At this point, do
I need to go ahead and purchase Windows XP and install it myself to resolve
the problem? Do I have to purchase the full program or with and Upgrade
work? And will Windows XP Home be okay instead of purchasing Windows XP
Professional? And once I do purchase the program, do I just install it and
follow the directions on screen or is there any special procedure that would
need to be followed in this case?
Sorry for all the questions! Thanks for any assistance on this.
The type of Windows XP license you have should have zero impact on
your ability to download or to install third party application
programs.
What exactly happens when you attempt to download Adobe Reader? Please
describe the behavior exactly, including the complete verbatim text of
any and all error messages. Also if you are using the "run" option
for the download try using the "save" option instead. Create a folder
named C:\Download on your hard drive and save the file there. After
the download is finished you can then try to run the file from the
Download folder.
Holders of Volume Licenses are not allowed to sell copies under their
volume license. Volume licenses are intended for companies with
multiple computers and the volume licenses are normally only for use
on the computers owned by that company; and in some specific limited
circumstances also on home computers of the employees of that company.
Are you sure you have a Volume Licensed version of Windows XP? First
check the Product I.D. code for your installed copy. Open Control
Panel - System - General (or press WinKey+Pause). The 20 character
product i.d. code will be shown on the last line of the "Registered
to:" section of the System Properties window. If the second segement
(3 characters long) of the product i.d. code is numeric then you may
repeat may have a volume licensed version. But I suspect that it
will probably read OEM in that segment indicating an OEM version.
But if the second segment of the product i.d. is a 3 digit number then
the next check is to look on the Start menu in the Accessories -
System Tools section for an entry for "Activate Windows". Volume
license versions do not require activation so this entry will not be
there if you have that version.
The combination of a product i.d. (not product key) with a numeric
value in the second segment plus the absence of an Activate Windows
item in the Accessories - System Tools category on the Start Menu
would be a fairly conclusive indicator that you do indeed have a
Volume License version (in which case the dealer who provided it to
you is likely to end up in deep dark doggy doo should Microsoft become
aware of his identity) but I suspect that you will find that your XP
is not in fact a Volume License version.
Good luck.
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
