Windows Activation

[Jason]

I recently had to reformat my hard drive and reinstall
windows XP. I never recieved my windows registration code
from my computers manufacturer. I downloaded RockXP,
which gave me the same code I installed Windows with. The
problem is, when I try and register it, I get a message
saying its not the right code. Can anyone help me figure
out what to do?

Jason

 

[Cari \(MS MVP\)]

There should be a Sticker which is the Certificate of Authentication on the
back or side of your PC case. If a notebook, look underneath. This is the
code for Windows XP. that you need

 

[Guest]

Like I said, I never recieved it. I have no sticker on my
computer, and one didn't come with my XP disk. I
downloaded a program that gives me a product key, but the
activation wizard says thats an invalid code.

 

[cpu95993]

Almost all the KEYS you find on the internet have been
BLACK LISTED, because of CORP XP distribution. There are
ways to fix it but cannot explain on these boards.
You might try to use a VALID key from a friends XP
computer, then try to find TWEAKNT to bypass activation script.
You can try to look on your XP disk for this: open I386
folder, scroll for file called winnt.sf, open with notepad,
and write down KEY, but it might have been encrypted to
keep you from knowing KEY

 

[Guest]

I had a simular problem with my dell laptop and I called Microsoft and they
told me to call Dell and they can issue you a new cd and cd key for a nominal
fee about $10 for Shipping and handling. I suspect your manufacturer can do
the same.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use Belarc
Advisor from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to find the
Product Key. (If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and
haven't since reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably
of the drive image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product
Key; therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not
be -- used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of
the Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy
a new license.


Bruce Chambers
--
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having both at once. - RAH

 

[Ron Martell]

I recently had to reformat my hard drive and reinstall
windows XP. I never recieved my windows registration code
from my computers manufacturer. I downloaded RockXP,
which gave me the same code I installed Windows with. The
problem is, when I try and register it, I get a message
saying its not the right code. Can anyone help me figure
out what to do?

Jason

That sounds a bit suspicious. Contact the manufacturer and see what
they have to say.

They are required, under terms of their OEM license from Microsoft, to
provide you with both a product key and the means of reinstalling
Windows.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[Ron Martell]

Almost all the KEYS you find on the internet have been
BLACK LISTED, because of CORP XP distribution. There are
ways to fix it but cannot explain on these boards.
You might try to use a VALID key from a friends XP
computer, then try to find TWEAKNT to bypass activation script.
You can try to look on your XP disk for this: open I386
folder, scroll for file called winnt.sf, open with notepad,
and write down KEY, but it might have been encrypted to
keep you from knowing KEY

I downloaded the utility the original poster used (RockXP) and it does
return the actual original Windows XP Product key. Or at least it
does on my machine.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."