XP key won't validate

[yeti]

I tried reinstalling windows XP pro sp1 for a buddy that was having issues.
The MS COA key on the bottom would not validate. I was using the Compaq O/S
setup disk (not the recovery disks) that came with the computer. The laptop
is a Presario 2500...probably 3-4 years old.
SO....... I called MS. The first guy said I would have to buy XP with sp2
cuz they don't support sp1...huh???? I requested a transfered where they
told me I have to call Compaq. It's all MS stuff regardless of if it says
Compaq on the disk. ANYWAY...i call Compaq and they want me to buy a service
plan since the laptop is out of warrany...WHAT!!?? It's software, the
computer works fine, your 3 won't validate anymore. SO...I was transferred
to tech where I got the same line of garbage. In the end, I ended the call.

So where do I go from here?

 

[Charles W Davis]

See my comments below:

I tried reinstalling windows XP pro sp1 for a buddy that was having issues.
The MS COA key on the bottom would not validate. I was using the Compaq
O/S
setup disk (not the recovery disks) that came with the computer. The
laptop
is a Presario 2500...probably 3-4 years old.
SO....... I called MS. The first guy said I would have to buy XP with sp2
cuz they don't support sp1...huh???? I requested a transfered where they
told me I have to call Compaq. It's all MS stuff regardless of if it says

Since Compaq received huge discount on the OEM operating system, it is their
responsibility to service the software, not Microsoft. Always been that way.

Compaq on the disk. ANYWAY...i call Compaq and they want me to buy a
service
plan since the laptop is out of warrany...WHAT!!?? It's software, the
computer works fine, your 3 won't validate anymore. SO...I was
transferred
to tech where I got the same line of garbage. In the end, I ended the
call.

So where do I go from here?

Have Compaq ship the recovery disks. Probably $15 each. They have placed a
D:/Recovery partition on the C drive for years. You simply didn't create the
recovery disks. If you haven't updated beyong SP1, that is again your
problem, all updates are offered.

Cheers...

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I tried reinstalling windows XP pro sp1 for a buddy that was having issues.
The MS COA key on the bottom would not validate.

What, precisely, do you mean by "would not validate?" Do you mean that
the Compaq setup disk (and why wouldn't you use the Recovery Disks?
This is exactly what they're for.) would not accept the Product Key as
valid and proceed with the installation? Or do you mean that, once you
had the OS installed, you were unable to Activate WinXP automatically
via the Internet?

If the former, Compaq is your only source of support. If the latter,
simply choose the "Activate by Telephone" option.





--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[yeti]

See my comments below:

Since Compaq received huge discount on the OEM operating system, it is their
responsibility to service the software, not Microsoft. Always been that way.
Have Compaq ship the recovery disks. Probably $15 each. They have placed a
D:/Recovery partition on the C drive for years. You simply didn't create the
recovery disks. If you haven't updated beyong SP1, that is again your
problem, all updates are offered.

Cheers...

I have 4 recovery disks. I installed from the o/s disk to avoid loading all
the extra Compaq garbage. I didn't know they had a recovery partition. It
was updated to sp2 also. My fault, but I deleted all partitions and created a
c: for o/s and D: for a ghost image....I didn't think I would have a prob
with the o/s disk and COA #.

 

[yeti]

What, precisely, do you mean by "would not validate?" Do you mean that
the Compaq setup disk (and why wouldn't you use the Recovery Disks?
This is exactly what they're for.) would not accept the Product Key as
valid and proceed with the installation? Or do you mean that, once you
had the OS installed, you were unable to Activate WinXP automatically
via the Internet?

If the former, Compaq is your only source of support. If the latter,
simply choose the "Activate by Telephone" option.


Bruce,

I have 4 recovery disks but I installed from the o/s disk to avoid
loading all
the extra Compaq garbage. I didn't expect any problems though.
During installation Windows accepted the key and proceeded to finish the
installation. During online activation is when it say the key was mistyped.
I did double check many times but I am going to do it again looking for 0-O
8-B 1-I errors.
I called in to activate but was told I need a 6 digit code on the
validation screen, I did not see one. That is when the problems began.

Should there be any issues installing from the O/S disk? I know the key has
only been used on this computer.
Thanks.