XP nightmare with my notebook

[astocker]

Ok, three weeks ago my Compaq notebook came up with a blue screen
failure "init 3" or something and I couldn't get into Windows XP at
all. So I tried my "Compaq drivers and software" cd and that wouldn't
work. I even tried to use a copy of XP HOME upgrade just to get me
into Windows and that wouldn't work (the upgrade was used for another
computer, but I thought that it would at least let me install for 30
days without a pass key). So I took my computer to a local shop and
they installed their OEM version of XP for $80 bucks (so I got no
backup cd's).
Ok, when I got home it asked if I wanted to validate my copy of
Windows and when I entered the 25 digit key on the back of my notebook
it said it was invalid. Then I even ran a little program that tells
you the 25 digit windows key and it was different (I forgot the name of
the program, and for that matter can't find the program!) So neither
key works. My question is, why wouldn't my Compaq notebook windows key
work? Its on the same computer! Any suggestions?

Thanks

Andy Stocker

 

[Og]

Ok, three weeks ago my Compaq notebook came up with a blue screen
failure "init 3" or something and I couldn't get into Windows XP at
all. So I tried my "Compaq drivers and software" cd and that wouldn't
work. I even tried to use a copy of XP HOME upgrade just to get me
into Windows and that wouldn't work (the upgrade was used for another
computer, but I thought that it would at least let me install for 30
days without a pass key). So I took my computer to a local shop and
they installed their OEM version of XP for $80 bucks (so I got no
backup cd's).
Ok, when I got home it asked if I wanted to validate my copy of
Windows and when I entered the 25 digit key on the back of my notebook
it said it was invalid. Then I even ran a little program that tells
you the 25 digit windows key and it was different (I forgot the name of
the program, and for that matter can't find the program!) So neither
key works. My question is, why wouldn't my Compaq notebook windows key
work? Its on the same computer! Any suggestions?

Thanks

Andy Stocker

It seems that you paid someone $80 to install a pirated copy of Windows XP
onto your computer. For the shops sale to be legitimate sale of Win XP,
they MUST provide you with the original disk (holograph), and place the
sticker that with the new key on the computer case.
In addition to reporting the shop to your local police,
you should report the piracy to Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/Reporting.mspx
Steve

 

[astocker]

Well, they told me "as long as you had a valid XP version on it before,
this will work" They never said I would get any disks..I see what your
saying it is still pirated. I really don't care at this point what
happens, I've thrown money, sweat and tears at this. I have 25 days
left until activation, will my computer be unusable after that point?
ACTUALLY, the magicbean program now tells me the code is the same as
the code printed on the back of my notebook...but that doesnt
work...soooo, what will microsoft say to me or charge me when/if I
report this shop? The reason I really don't care about the morality of
it, is because I bought this thing 18 months ago with XP so I KNOW I am
still entitled to XP on this notebook...so my point is, if I can use it
as is being pirated I will, because it came with it. Actually I don't
know what to think anymore!

 

[Og]

Well, they told me "as long as you had a valid XP version on it before,
this will work" They never said I would get any disks..I see what your
saying it is still pirated. I really don't care at this point what
happens, I've thrown money, sweat and tears at this. I have 25 days
left until activation, will my computer be unusable after that point?
ACTUALLY, the magicbean program now tells me the code is the same as
the code printed on the back of my notebook...but that doesnt
work...soooo, what will microsoft say to me or charge me when/if I
report this shop? The reason I really don't care about the morality of
it, is because I bought this thing 18 months ago with XP so I KNOW I am
still entitled to XP on this notebook...so my point is, if I can use it
as is being pirated I will, because it came with it. Actually I don't
know what to think anymore!

Since you took the issue to a different newsgroup, it is pointless to
continue this thread.
Steve