Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

benb wrote:
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

I've tried asking the CSRs why the activation failed initially, but they say they don't have any technical knowledge, and don't know. So I'm suck having to phone every time I need to re-activate, and this gets highly irritating when you have to do it every couple of weeks! Especially when you've actually brought legal, licensed software!

Does anyone know why my activation keeps failing?


I'm afraid you'll have to continue activating by telephone.

Some time ago, Microsoft disabled the CDs/Product Keys from most major OEMs, such as Dell, from activating via the Internet. This was in response to the large number of the branded OEM CDs being illegally (without the computer) resold vis eBay, computer fairs, etc.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
.

Relevant Pages

  • 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)
  • Re: Sick of XP Activation Failure!
    ... Over the past couple of months I have had to rebuild a number of laptops, ... which come with XP Pro oem licenses. ... CD-key has been entered incorrectly, and I get the pop up window asking me ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • 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!
    ... 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 ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)