Re: Challenging XP Pro Activation - from image (please help)

How to use the Sysprep tool to automate successful deployment of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577

riffin-rich wrote:

Chuck B, I don't understand your question. No, I didn't use the
SysPrep utility ... can you explain? I need to continue building more
systems the same way so having the tip would be helpful. What is
SysPrep?

I assumed that when I installed the first system's image onto the
second system, that it would ask me for a product key (I think I
remember Norton Ghost doing that a long time ago). Anyway, Acronis
TrueImage didn't ask and that's how I got stuck. The original key was
still in the image I put on the second system and I just wanted to
change it to reflect the second product key I purchased.

Crazy thing was the amount of time I spent on the phone with MS
assistance folks ... over 5 hours wasted ... the first four kept
telling me what I was doing was illegal--perhaps a combination of the
language barrier and not listening to my entire problem. It wasn't
until I got to the level 2 or 3 support guy that I got fixed-up in no
time.

So, should I use this SysPrep utility in the future? Thanks much...
Rich

On Oct 29, 9:57 am, "Chuck B" <chu...@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

Just out of curiousity, did you try using the SysPrep utility to strip out
the SID from the original box?

I don't know if your problem was related but I think the SID is a unique
value generated using computer specific info like network config, regional
settings, product ID, as part of the install process. If the 2nd PC had a
different configuration (i.e. product ID) the SID copied from the original
PC wouldn't validate.

"riffin-rich" <rseifert...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

news:1193604204.498176.285590@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx




DISREGARD!!! FIXED!!! MS Tech Support technician got me working and
didn't charge me for it! We used the KeyUpdateTool_enu.exe
file and this allowed me to put my new product key into the imaged
system! Original system keeps its license, and the new computer
(built from an image of the first system), gets its own key (as
entered via this key update tool)!!!

Thanks to all for your attention on this matter ... hopefully it will
help somebody else.
Regards, Rich

--------
On Oct 28, 10:22 am, riffin-rich <rseifert...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Please help. I need to activate windows for a second computer using
an image of the first computer I built (with one twist). Computer #1,
configured with XP Pro Upgrade edition, was built with the Windows XP
Pro (Upgrade ed.) using my existing Windows XP Home edition disc to
validate the upgrade disc. After fully configuring the system with
accounts, security policies, etc.., I made an image of the
installation using Acronis True Image (all is good).

I used the Acronis emergency boot/restore disc to install the image
file to a second computer, for which I purchased a FULL-Version of
Windows XP Pro (not the Upgrade edition). After successfully
installing the image file to the second computer, I then needed to
activate it (within 3 days as directed by MS). Fearing I would
accidentally void computer #1's product key, I followed the following
procedure to change/foul-up my "Computer #1" Product Key before trying
to activate computer #2 ... my thought process was that the 2nd
computer would somehow activate using computer #1's Product Key and I
can't let this happen.

To change the product ID
1. Log in as the local Administrator
2. Click Start --> Run --> and type in Regedit
3. Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT
\CurrentVersion\wpaevents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows
6. Click OK and close regedit
7. Click Start --> Run and type in: "%systemroot%\system32\oobe
\msoobe.exe /a"
8. Click "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative
to activate Windows, and then click Next
9. Click Change Product Key (at the bottom)
10. Enter your valid Product Key
11. Press Update and close the window.
but this is where it fails: "Invalid Product Key"

I called MS to get assistance but the lady I spoke with told me that
it would cost $59 to get assistance because my install disc is an
"OEM" disc (bought from TigerDirect.com) and it states on the CD, "For
Distribution with a new CD only. For product support, contact the
manufacturer of your PC." Worst case is that I install from scratch,
but I don't want to waste all that time building a new system from the
ground up. I've done the work and saved the image, so I'd prefer to
use the image I have. Can anyone help me? Thanks kindly, Rich




.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP Pro Validation
    ... Microsoft Windows Product Key Update Tool: ... I've tried the various programs to change the key but none seem to work, the XP product key modifier accepts the key but when it says the key has been changed on checking it has not. ... I am still very hesitant to do a complete install as I will lose a lot of progs. ... I recently got a messge saying that my copy of XP Pro was not genuine, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: XP Pro Validation
    ... recommended will change the product key. ... recent service pack than the copy of Windows on your CD. ... clean install with your legitimate copy of Windows. ... I recently got a messge saying that my copy of XP Pro was not genuine, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: License Code
    ... Did you install XP from scratch on the new HDD, or did you use a backup ... Remember the Product Key in MS Works Suite, ... Word has one product key and Windows another one. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: BSOD troubles on WINXP system
    ... "How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP" ... You can use a different, same-type Windows CD to install Windows, so ... long as you have a valid product key. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • SYSPREP on OEM Versions of Windows
    ... Is the SYSPREP utility supposed to not work on OEM versions of Windows? ... a Windows 2003 Server Web Edition computer we accidentally used the same key ... On the second install - not wanting to lose installed ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.general)