Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!

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"benb" <benblackmore@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Gordon" <gordon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"benb" <benblackmore@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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Hi,

Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of
laptops, either due to BSODs, or staff leaving/joining. We usually order
Dell laptops, which come with XP Pro oem licenses. Every time I rebuild
I use the supplied installation CD, and enter the CD-key from the OEM
sticker on the laptop, and every time I try to activate Windows I'm told
that the CD-key has been entered incorrectly, and I get the pop up
window asking me to re-enter it or phone Microsoft. I've double and
triple checked the CD-Key is correct, but I still get the error. I know
I could phone up MS and activate the software, but this is a pain in the
rear end, first you have to go through the automated system entering the
64 digit activation number, (which never verifies correctly if it
already failed trying to do it online - so what's the point!?), then you
have to talk to a CSR, who can be difficult to understand, and give them
the same 64 digit number, etc etc

Where are you getting these laptops from? MS disabled internet activation
for most large OEM vendors some time ago.

have a look here:
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1769339,00.asp?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535
http://www.aviransplace.com/index.php/archives/2005/02/22/changes-in-windows-xp-product-activation/



We always buy from Dell direct, have an account with them. The 2 most
recent laptops that I've had problems with are between 18 months & 2 years
old.

I will have a look at those links.

Thanks

Ben



End Feb 2005 was the start of this new activation regime......


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Relevant Pages

  • Sick of XP Activation Failure!
    ... Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of laptops, ... and every time I try to activate Windows I'm told that the CD-key ... what's the point!?), then you have to talk to a CSR, who can be difficult to ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!
    ... Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of laptops, either due to BSODs, or staff leaving/joining. ... Every time I rebuild I use the supplied installation CD, and enter the CD-key from the OEM sticker on the laptop, and every time I try to activate Windows I'm told that the CD-key has been entered incorrectly, and I get the pop up window asking me to re-enter it or phone Microsoft. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
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  • Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!
    ... Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of laptops, ... and every time I try to activate Windows I'm told that the CD-key ... I'm about to do another clean install this week. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!
    ... Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of laptops, ... and every time I try to activate Windows I'm told that the CD-key ... I'm about to do another clean install this week. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)