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aceshighk

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21 years ago

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aceshighk

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April 19th, 2006 22:00

Activation Code not working

I bought an Inspiron 9100 in May of 2004, and I recently had to reinstall Windows XP Pro. However, the activation code on the bottom of my laptop is apparently invalid, as it does not work when I'm entering the product key in Windows installation.

What can I do?
  • rickmktg

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    Posted April 19th, 2006 23:00



    @aceshighk wrote:
    I bought an Inspiron 9100 in May of 2004, and I recently had to reinstall Windows XP Pro. However, the activation code on the bottom of my laptop is apparently invalid, as it does not work when I'm entering the product key in Windows installation.

    What can I do?


    Using the Dell OEM XP Pro CD, you shouldn't be asked for the key.  However, if you are for some reason, make sure you're not confusing ohs and zeros, 8s and the letter B.  If it is not the Dell CD, you cannot use the Dell key.
  • aceshighk

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    Posted April 20th, 2006 23:00

    Where can I get the Dell CD? I lost mine...
  • rickmktg

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    Posted April 21st, 2006 00:00



    @aceshighk wrote:
    Where can I get the Dell CD? I lost mine...


    You can buy a retail copy with a new key, or borrow a friend's CD if they have a Dell.  As you discovered, you cannot use a non-Dell CD and a Dell key.
  • Teine

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    Posted April 21st, 2006 00:00

    Something I learned from Microsoft a little time ago. Make sure you do not have the caplocks key on when inputting the validation key. If like a lot of people (me included) when you enter in registration keys you put it all in caps since that is what the validation key looks like. Microsoft validation automaticcly puts it in caps so if you have the caps lock on or hold the shift key down it will fail to validate properly.