XP Pro key code won't go...

sarge · 05-13-2007, 13:40

My daughter has a 2 year old HP laptop that has finally gotten to where it wouldn't work right.

Last night, I did a complete reinstall of the XP Pro disk. I entered the key code at the registration window, but it tells me that the key code is incorrect. I am looking at it and typing it exactly as it appears.

Any ideas as to how to get this code to go so I can use the program?? It says there is only 29 days left.

Brass Nazi · 05-13-2007, 13:53

If you have a legal, legitimate copy of XP call Microsoft and they should be able to help you.

sarge · 05-13-2007, 14:00

It is the copy that came with the machine.

IndyGunFreak · 05-13-2007, 18:21

Quote:

Originally posted by sarge
It is the copy that came with the machine.

MS should be able to help you.

Is it saying its been activated more than twice, or something like that? Thats what happened to me a while ago. It takes about 5min over the phone.

IGF

kimigirl · 05-14-2007, 00:24

Check the code you are using. Usually the license sticker will be on the computer now-a-days, make sure they are the same. If they are, call Microsoft, you may need to get approval to use it if it is already registered. Is there any reason why you didn't just run recovery on it rather than reinstalling it?

Blitzer · 05-14-2007, 06:13

Quote:

Originally posted by kimigirl
Check the code you are using. Usually the license sticker will be on the computer now-a-days, make sure they are the same. If they are, call Microsoft, you may need to get approval to use it if it is already registered. Is there any reason why you didn't just run recovery on it rather than reinstalling it?

If the unit is bad enough doing a recover won't work.

chbix · 05-14-2007, 16:40

is it the same disk that came with the machine?

If its not then i would say you might have an issue with the cdkey. I had a problem where the original cd key wouldnt work on a newer version that contained SP2.

If it is the original disk with the original cdkey then call MS, theres nothing else to do.

Wingnut357 · 05-15-2007, 09:37

I didn't have to call MS. MS has a webpage where you can obtain a new key. I think it works by using an ActiveX control to compare your system specs with those listed on your OEM copy of WinXP.

sarge · 05-15-2007, 19:48

Thanks for the info.

I am out of town for a few days so it will be probably Friday before I can do any more with it.

The sticker I was getting the code from was on the bottom of the laptop.

As for a recovery over an install, I guess I am not familiar with it enough to know exactly what route to try.

I am going to start in on it Friday morn so I'll have time to work the issues out. The other night I started about 9:30 PM and was up until after midnight and still didn't have it running right.

kimigirl · 05-15-2007, 19:52

The recovery can be done before the install. If you boot to the XP disc, it gives you the choice to install or press R for recovery. If you press R you are taken to a command prompt. Type: chkdsk /r
This has worked for me 95% of the time.

sarge · 05-21-2007, 17:14

I finally got to work on this over the weekend. I had to call MS and they gave me a number to enter and that took care of it. I called the toll free number and the recording said that no one was available for help. I thought, oh crap, I really don't need this... I then dialed the toll number and was hooked right up to support. Oh well, it working.

Thanks for the help.