XP Activation <yes, again :) >

[Guest]

I scanned through previous questions, but couldn't find this 'variant' of
activation having been asked:

HP Pavillion laptop purchased 2 years ago with XP preloaded
Laptop acquired virus and was taken into a local shop. Unclear *exactly*
what shop did, but they had to "reload xp using their CD". After reloading
XP, they are now asking for the original disk/license so they can activiate
XP. Original disks and documentation are gone.

Am I in a position where I need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP in
order to reactivate my computer or is there any other option open to me?

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I scanned through previous questions, but couldn't find this
'variant' of activation having been asked:

HP Pavillion laptop purchased 2 years ago with XP preloaded
Laptop acquired virus and was taken into a local shop. Unclear
*exactly* what shop did, but they had to "reload xp using their CD".
After reloading XP, they are now asking for the original disk/license
so they can activiate XP. Original disks and documentation are gone.

Am I in a position where I need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP
in order to reactivate my computer or is there any other option open
to me?

Was the original disk purchased separately from the computer or did XP come
pre-installed? If purchased separately and you have documentation for the
purchase, (credit card receipt or ?) you should be able to get a replacement
from MS.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

 

[Oli Restorick [MVP]]

If XP was preloaded (i.e. OEM), then there should be a license sticker
(Certificate of Authenticity) and code on a label on the underside of the
laptop.

You should be able to get a replacement CD or restore CD from HP. You
shouldn't have to buy a new copy of Windows.

Regards

Oli

 

[Guest]

I haven't found HP to be all that helpful. I have recently bought a Pavilion
desktop with pre-loaded software. I was instructed in the warranties brochure
to make recovery disks on my own. The software carries a 30 day warranty
unless you purchase some kind of extended warranty. I'd call HP and give them
all your sticker information. In my opinion they should honor your sticker
and help you get activated.

 

[D.Currie]

I scanned through previous questions, but couldn't find this 'variant' of
activation having been asked:

HP Pavillion laptop purchased 2 years ago with XP preloaded
Laptop acquired virus and was taken into a local shop. Unclear *exactly*
what shop did, but they had to "reload xp using their CD". After
reloading
XP, they are now asking for the original disk/license so they can
activiate
XP. Original disks and documentation are gone.

Am I in a position where I need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP in
order to reactivate my computer or is there any other option open to me?

First, you might want to find another computer shop. After all the time XP's
been out, they ought to know that (a) the key for an oem version of XP
should be on the bottom of the laptop and (b) that HPs often have a hidden
partition on the hard drive with the reinstallation files.

You might try getting CDs from HP, but they aren't known for being all that
helpful. But it's worth a try. If you're persistent and talk to enough
people at HP, you might be able to wear them down.