XP Serial Not Working??

Hi all,

My friend has given me his laptop that he has just bought from someone where he works, to reinstall XP Home Edition. Ive reformatted the whole drive. Im using my original Home Edition CD with his cd key that is on the sticker stuck to the reverse of the laptop, as he recieved no cd's with it.

Its a genuine Microsoft sticker, and genuine Home Edition CD, but the CD Key will not work!! Is this something to do with the fact its a HP laptop? His cd key will only work with OEM version of XP Home Editon?

Ive been trying all day with this, trying to find a solution. Obviously I dont want to use my CD key. Any suggestions??

it sounds like it is an OEM cd-key

My laptops XP edition does not need a key to install because it is bios locked to HP I beleive.

I have the cd-key glued to the bottom anyways.

You should use your original key for the xp home. I beleive that you will be able to use it on your laptop and desktop legally as in the EULA.

someone correct me if i'm wrong

Lots of OEMs are bios locking the COA now. And if I'm not mistaken you cannot use the key from your own copy because it will not be able to be activated twice without calling You Know Who...

BTW Nemesis...Welcome to Techzonez.

I do think Microsoft will give you the activation for your laptop.

I read that somewhere.

Maybe the Microsoft web enabled pootter

cant u get a serial off ########

before we go any further we need to read the forum rules,


2.) Do not directly post,request,or mention,warez,cracks,serials,keygens or anything else that infringes ownership/copyrights.

http://www.techzonez.com/forums/showthread.php?t=615

So I think the best way is to contact M$ for the activation key for the laptop.

I really believe that they won't have a problem with it.

oops sorry i need to go read the rules again

well i guess here is your answer,

How does Microsoft Product Activation work?http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/imag.../dots_hori.gifProduct Activation works by validating that the software's product key, required as part of product installation, has not been used on more PCs than is allowed by the software's end user license agreement (EULA). In general, Windows XP can be installed on one PC and Office 2003 or Office XP can be installed on one PC and the laptop computer used by the user of the one PC. (For specifics, please see the EULA accompanying your product.) Product key information, in the form of the product ID, is sent along with a "hardware hash" (a non-unique number generated from the PC's hardware configuration) to Microsoft's activation system during activation. In Windows XP SP1, the product key itself is sent in addition to the product ID. Activation is completed either directly via the Internet or by a telephone call to a customer service representative. Activations on the same PC using the same product key are unlimited. Product Activation discourages piracy by limiting the number of times a product key can be activated on different PCs.



So i guess its office xp you can use on 2 pc's

there is a ton of info on google hehe

thanks biker666_05 ;)

Nemesis, which brand is the laptop??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nemesis

Hi all,

something to do with the fact its a HP laptop?

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Alright, point taken
ehhs 1-0 dehcbad25 :p
I Hate HP, what can I say. We have hundreds of HP Vectra at work, and I can't reinstall OS because it wil hung up at the OS booting. Usually at the same place, letting me know it is a compatibility issue. Licence should work fine nevertheless.