Since XP goes end of life on April 9, 2014 - meaning no further security updates - it's time to leave XP behind and move to Windows 7. 

That will solve the current problem and keep the system in service beyond April 9 -- at which time XP becomes even more of a security sitting duck than it is now.

I am not sure if the D630 will run Windows 7 and I do not think Dell would upgrade it for free.  For now I would just like to get the Windows XP installation recognized as genuine and valid. 

Hi gs33,

I would suggest you to enter the system setup and check there if the system service tag is being detected or not. You may follow the steps below :

• Restart the computer
• Press F2 button when you see Dell logo onscreen
• You will find the Service Tag under System -> System Info

If the Service Tag is being detected correctly, you may contact Microsoft for manually activating the Windows XP. You may refer to Microsoft article Here for activating Windows XP.

Otherwise, the only option is to re-install Windows XP using Dell OEM Windows XP re-installation discs. You may refer to article Here for step by step instructions on installing Windows XP. Once the OS is installed, you may install the drivers from Here -> Enter the service tag of your system ->  Select the operating system -> Download/install the drivers in correct order as given Here.

Hope this helps.

Thanks SUNDEEP B, the service tag is being detected correctly so I will try activating manually by calling MS (as soon as I can get the ethernet network port to work as it seems to be needing a driver but I'll start a different thread about that).  Once I try it I will report back.

The D630 can easily handle Windows 7 - no, the OS won't be free though.  However, since XP is dead as of April 9, 2014, it's more or less a moot point - keeping XP systems beyond that time is an invitation to a security problem.

Hi gs33,

You may try installing the Broadcom Ethernet driver from Here and see if it helps. 

Hi gs33,

Unfortunately we have not received feedback from you on this topic. If you need continued support, please write back. Other community members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. 

I have not found the way to change the key so I am afraid I will have to try to reinstall Windows XP and I need to find a Dell disk for that. For now I am stuck.

Hi gs33,

You may refer to Microsoft article Here for changing the product key.

Well, I finally gave up and reinstalled Windows XP which resolved the key issue but has created many other issues which are requiring a lot of time to resolve.  Windows Update was not working and installing SP3 was a pain.  I am advancing very slowly and it will take many hours of work before the laptop is fully updated and configured. 

Hi gs33,

Laptop hardware vary from system to system. Even on models of same series the hardware might be different and if you swap the hard drives, there is always a possibility of encountering a few issues. It was evident that the Windows will not accept the product key if you have swapped the hard drives. However, you should have been able to change the product key or else activate the Windows by contacting Microsoft. As, none of these options were viable or working, so manual OS re-install was the only option. 

Please share if you are facing any specific issues. I would be glad to help you.