Hi again Liz. Didn't think that this would be much of a problem. I got the product key off one of the internet sites. I must have tried about 20 sets of numbers and the last one worked. I have my original microsoft cd, windows xp home edition, service pack 2, version 2002. I am trying to install it on a compaq pressario desktop, which at one time had windows xp installed untill the hard drive crashed. Could not do a recovery, so went out and got another drive. I'm thinking now that the mother board might be my problem as it might be generating numbers from the original install. I do legitimately own this windows cd. Any sugesstions greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your help. Jimwhere did you get the product key from? you do not have to register, but you do have to activate.
if it is an oem pc the product key is tied to the pc, if it is home you cannot install pro.
what is your version and what type of install media did you use?
Hi. Tried that. Told there was an error and to contact a local tech rep. He tried as well but said it couldn't be done. Thanks for your input. JimWhat you do is you choose activate over telephone. Yes Microsoft has cut for support for XP but you can actually still activate it over the phone. And phone activation is very good! Have used it on a number of machines ranging from XP to 8.1.
Thanks Liz. Sorry to sound dumb, but how do I create the activation status, as I can't get by the activation page. Jimwhen I did this a few months ago, on a different pc, when there are the spots to input your product key, it is not the product key that came with the pcit was one that was above the boxes, I typed that in and then it gave me another number to count as the activation.
on mine I do this so I never have to worry about activation:
Create the Activation Status
Navigate to system32 folder.
Copy the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files
Reinstall XP in the normal manner
Restart the computer and use the F8 key to bring up the Advanced Boot Options
Select Minimal Safe Mode using Up and Down Arrow Keys and press Enter.
Navigate to system32 folder.
Rename the existing wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files.
Copy the previously backed up wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the system32 folder.
Reboot the computer.
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and also when you call hang on without pressing buttons until you get to a human,![]()
No problemHi. Tried that. Told there was an error and to contact a local tech rep. He tried as well but said it couldn't be done. Thanks for your input. Jim
Hi Liz. Thanks. Tried it. Didn't work. After 3 phone calls to India,finally got a person who told me what to do. Found a you tube video that described exactly what I had to do. As a result I now have a product key from my cd. So going to do an uninstall and try again. Want to back up my drivers before doing it. What and how is the best and easiest way to do this. Thanks again and sorry to be such a pain. Jimif you use the original oem install media, you will not need to activate it will be automatic
when parts are replaced MS has a certain number of parts that can be replaced without invalidating the product key, but the parts have to be exactly the same as the bad parts. This is what I have read in other forums, fortunately I have not replaced any bad parts so far, knock on wood,
@jtodd, watch this video, if you have any questions post back, this is what I did the last time on a different pc:
Hi again Liz. Thanks for the link. Did it and tried to activate. No luck. Went back to the cd and checked the number then used the link to again the number. Once again, no luck. Is there something else I should be doing or could do. I did notice that the numbers that Microsoft wanted did not change after putting in the new product key. I do legitimately own this Windows CD. Once again a big Thanks for all your help. Jimthe product key number is already changed within the system when you did it over the phone.
but you can use the process explained at the link below:
http://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Windows-XP-Product-Key
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the number in the registry WILL NOT be the same as what is on the coa or the new number you got, I do not know why everyone says to use a key finder!!
the key in the registry is generally an oem volume licensing key.
when you got the number from microsoft you should have already been activated, what error messages are you receiving?
Hi Liz. I was not able to get a number from microsoft. The first set of numbers I used to install windows, I got from the internet. That # did not work. Talking with a microsoft tech rep, he told me that the number was inside the CD. Found a video that showed how to get it. That # has not worked either, even when I change the # via the link you gave me (wiki how). Since xp is not supported, it is tough getting answers from them. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I did find a way to extend my activation days. Take care. Jimthe number in the registry WILL NOT be the same as what is on the coa or the new number you got, I do not know why everyone says to use a key finder!!
the key in the registry is generally an oem volume licensing key.
when you got the number from microsoft you should have already been activated, what error messages are you receiving?
Hi. What do you mean by oem? Does that mean that it can only be used on the computer that it was originally installed. Thanks. Jimhttps://raywoodcockslatest.wordpress.com/2016/06/12/ways-to-activate-windows-xp/
try the registry edit method, but read through the whole article first.![]()