Upgrade From XP Home to Pro error Can't get license information.

Question

I tried to upgrade my Inspiron 8200 OS From XP Home to Pro.

After it installed it will boot up to the log on screen and when I try to select any user ( I am admin account) it gives the following error message:

"A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error Code 0x80004005."

When I click ok it takes me back to the Welcome screen and does not log in.

I have read the MS Support articles about changing the registry keys and/or drive letters but I can't get into Windows to do any of those things.

Has anybody got any thoughts on what to try next short of a reformat?

Thanks,
Lightkeeper

Lightkeeper · Answer

Thank you for the quick response.

The cd of XP Pro was one direct from Microsoft.. I was finaly able to get into Windows in safe mode but can not find any of the registry keys refered to in the Knowledgebase articles about the license problem.

I will keep trying for a little longer before wiping out the HDD.

Thank you

JohnK324 · Answer

Lightkeeper,  Didn't you wipe out HDD and format to install the PRO version?

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Have BIOS set to boot from CD 1st by pressing F2 during startup (DELL screen)
Don't Upgrade from Within Windows (ie: insert Upgrade CD with windows started & select Instal > Upgrade.
Use this link for Clean Instal of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

or use this link & 1st Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean instal
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

or this link & select XP Home or PRO with large pictures
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/
----------------------
Curios. ?
If you reinstall from Upgrade CD with boot of Upgrade CD does Upgrade ask for insertion of previous OS CD during Upgrade.?

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 11-17-2003 09:56 AM

Lightkeeper · Answer

No, I tried just doing the upgrade.   I had done it on Win 98 Machines but had not converted a Win XP Home machine before. Probably will be my undoing???   Thanks

JohnK324 · Answer

Lightkeeper,   How did you do the upgrade?  Is the Pro version your software?  It seems you will have to do a clean (format drive or as you put it reformat) install of XP Pro.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

OK , Thanks , it shouldn't ask for previous OS Home as should have been detected by scan of HD for installed OS.

Lightkeeper · Answer

It is in the process of completing the upgrade and has not asked for the old copy of the OS so far.   Hope this will work. Thank you.

Lightkeeper · Answer

Gary,

I tried the option of continuing with the inprogress upgrade and the same error occured.

I am re-attempting it under the option of canceling the in progress upgrade and installing a new OS. The new OS of course being XP Pro.

THank you.

Windows General

Upgrade From XP Home to Pro error Can't get license information.

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