Plus Media Center Activation Problems

Question

I just purchased a Inspiron 8600 and was installing the software purchased from Dell. I tried installing the Plus Media Center with the Product Key provided and it didn't work, saying that I did not have a valid key and I tried calling Microsoft and they told me to contact Dell. Help

MikeBi58 · Answer

Hello pappan, Welcome to the Dell Community Forum, Just wanted to verify that you are using the product key that is located on the Windows Media plus packaging that contains the disk. Thanks,

pappan · Answer

Mike,

I did use the Product Key that came with the CD. I was installing it and entered the key. When I got to the next screen, it attemped to contact Microsoft to activate and it came back as an invalid key. It asked me to re-enter the key and try again. I tried a few times, even tranposing the G and B with 6 and 8 respectively. Nothing worked. That when I called Microsoft and asked them. They said the same thing that the key that I have is not valid.

MikeBi58 · Answer

Hello pappan, Could you give me the part number off the disk also the name that's on the CD. I'll research this for you to find out what needs to be done. Thanks,

craigs5 · Answer

You are not alone! I set up my new Dimension 8300 tonight, installed Plus! digital media edition, activation failed because product key is invalid. Tried several times, yes I am using the product key from the Plus! Digital Media Edition for Windows XP certificate on the CD envelope. The part number on the CD is x09-23671. Mike B. please help!

Jim

pappan · Answer

The part number off the disk is X09-23671. The name of the software is 'Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition'.

misha5310 · Answer

I am having the same problem.  I have had my 8300 for almost a month and the product key on my envelope won't work either.  I have even called Microsoft,  with no help and contacted Dell, with no help.  How do we resolve this problem?

craigs5 · Answer

Pappan, did you ever get a reply?  I did not.  I called Microsoft technical support, they are aware of the problem and say that Dell is shipping an unsupported version of this software.  They also say the only way to fix the problem is for Dell to send the correct version, which Microsoft says Dell now has available.  I have tried numerous times to get Dell technical support on the phone, unsuccessfully.  I have tried emailing technical support, but get ridiculous responses from people who either can't or won't read the problem description or have no idea what they are doing.  I have been a satisfied Dell customer for many years, but this lack of support following on the heels of a delayed shipment of my system is very disappointing.

misha5310 · Answer

As I have previously posted, I have been unable to activate my Plus Digital Media software.  I called Microsoft again today and was informed that many people with Dell computers are having the same problem.  They told me to remind Dell that they signed a contract with Microsoft to supply support for this software and they are the ones that must correct it.  After having called tech support on this and writing to a moderator on this forum,  I want more than a brush off to call Microsoft.  It is Dell's problem and they need to send me a disc that will work with a product key.  My order number on the computer I received is 765992012.

craigs5 · Answer

I have received yet another email from someone at Dell's outsourced technical support in India who cannot or will not help.  He did inform me that Dell will charge for software support after 21 days, however.  Very nice marketing approach, don't provide any useful help during the 'free' support, then charge for it.  What a shame that a once great company has sunk so low.  I wonder if Michael Dell has any idea what has become of his company.  If anyone from Dell is monitoring this forum who actually cares about the company you work for, perhaps you can call Microsoft and make an effort to understand what the problem is and actually do something about it.

craigs5 · Answer

After much perseverence, I was finally able to contact someone at Dell software technical support. This wasn't easy because they are impossible to get on the phone, and attempting to link to the page which generates an email request for support has been generating a "404- file not found" error. The system support people are unable to help. I did finally get an email to the right person in software technical support, and he was very helpful. He confirmed what Microsoft said about the problem, and is shipping me a new CD, which is also what Microsoft said was required to fix this problem. Try this link and see if you can email a description of the problem. Hope this helps, good luck.

http://support.dell.com/support/supportrequests/create.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&request=true&s=dhs

pappan · Answer

Guys,

I tried the whole thing again through Dell customer service. I eventually emailed them and they forwarded me to outsourced help also. They mailed me a new CD with a new key after a two tries. They mailed me the restore disk first. But I just got the new CD a few days ago and it works. Apparently there was a problem with the version that we had. Hope everything works out for you guys. I emailed "US_CTS_Mobile_Support@dell.com" and they are the ones that helped me take care of this issue. If you got any questions, feel free to ask.

misha5310 · Answer

Craigs5 Thank you for the information.  A replacement Cd is on its way to me too.

craigs5 · Answer

I received the replacement disk today, but alas I get the same error.  From what I can tell, it's identical to the one they replaced, so perhaps they are still shipping the invalid version.  Part number on both the original and replacement item is X09-23671.  It seems you received a good disk the second time - can you confirm if the part number is the same on the good disk?

misha5310 · Answer

I got my new disc today too and it wouldn't work either.  I called microsoft and the woman who helped me generated a new product key for me and it activated the software.  The number I called was 1-800-426-9400.  Good luck.  The number on both my discs is X09-56694 ( she asked for that number first)

bilymadisson · Answer

I just received my inspiron with plus! digital media edition for xp.

Of course my product key is invalid as well. Way to go dell. evidently from the threads this is nothing new to dell.

Anyone had some success calling dell????

thanks

Windows General

Plus Media Center Activation Problems

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