julian said:
About a year ago I bought my 83 year old mother an old IBM T40 which
came with XP Pro pre-loaded. I have every reason to believe the
software is genuine but it has just started asking my mum to
actvate which has totally bamboozled her. What I would like to know
is can I change her product key to the one on the bottom of the
laptop or do I have to go through all the hoops MS wants.
Why are you multi-posting instead of cross-posting...?
Why did you feel the need to post the same question in multiple groups...?
If - in the future - you feel the need to post in multiple groups, pleqase
learn to cross-post (Google for it) as opposed to multi-posting (what you
did.) It is easier on you and easier on those who will download/read your
message in the many groups you decide to spam it into. ;-)
Nothing changed inside the computer?
Why is the product key not the one on the sticker (and are you sure it
isn't?)
(I know the answer *if* it came from the factory pre-installed...)
Use Belarc Advisor to see what you current Product Key is (on the installed
Windows XP.) I suggest printing it/writing at least that down.
http://www.belarc.com/ (free download)
Yes - you can change it to the one on the sticker. You may need to choose
to activate by telephone. If you continue to have trouble - it's likely
your best bet - although IBM is your support (per their agreement by
providing OEM software.)
The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for
users attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key
to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a reinstall!
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409
