Why am I being asked to activate XP after a year of using it fine?

[julian]

Hi All
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. Thanks a lot.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

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.

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

 

[julian]

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

Hi Shenan
Thanks for taking the time to reply. As my mum is the second owner would
she no longer be covered by IBM? I have the product key from the base of
the laptop but I would need to be there physically to run the Product
Key Update Tool, would I not? I am keen to avoid her having to phone up
to activate as she tried this and ended up speaking to someone in India
who she could not understand. She was asked who she bought the laptop
from, which she did not know as I bought it. Can the key be updated
without an online connection, as the machine is asking for activation
before she has even got logged on. Sorry for so many questions, your
advice is much appreciated my friend.