Re: Need an activation key for XP-Pro...

spamme0 wrote:

Can you give some specific instructions on how to make this work?
My experience has been that a Generic OEM disk wouldn't accept keys from
the sticker OR the different key extracted from the computer.
The vendor-specific OEM install disk didn't need a key.
Any disk needing a key wouldn't accept either of the two keys.

What am I doing wrong?

I don't know what you're doing wrong, but possibly you are trying to use a
branded OEM install disk on a different system; eg., an HP disk on a Dell
system. For OEM machines, you don't want to use the Product Key that is
shown in key finder programs. That Product Key is the OEM's volume license
key. The correct Product Key for end user installation is the one on the
COA sticker on the computer. It is always best to use a matching branded
install disk (eg., Dell to Dell) but a generic (non-branded) OEM can use
the Product Key on the COA sticker with no problem. Have done it for
clients more times than I could count.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Re-installing Windows XP Without Original OS Disk
    ... Can I use any Windows XP operating system disk and the product key that came with the laptop to get my laptop up and running again? ... Well, you can't use "just any" WinXP installation CD, but you could use one if it's an unbranded, generic OEM disk for the same WinXP edition as that for which you have the license. ... For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Xp install, new disk, old key
    ... You need to purchase a conventional OEM ... the new Product Key that comes with it. ... a generic OEM Windows XP CD. ... | 5400rpm hard disk with a larger SATA disk. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: OEM reinstall using Win XP disk
    ... Looks like I need to use the OEM disk that came with the computer! ... a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail ... version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: OEM reinstall using Win XP disk
    ... Looks like I need to use the OEM disk that came with the computer! ... a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail ... version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: OT: Re: Format Drive
    ... a new complete version of Windows instead of the OEM Windows I ... What makes you think that a retail version is ... This 2006 Dell MCE machine is a great example of how to not set ... The XP disk doesn't let you handle partitions ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)