clueless222

updated

16 years ago

0

6206

May 9th, 2011 20:00

Windows XP Professional Activation problem.

I have recently obtained a new computer tower. Seeing as it is bigger, I decided that I would migrate my old desktop components (CPU, Hard disks, CD/DVD drives, and PCI cards) over to the newer and empty tower as it has more room and an added AGP slot (as my old desktop didn't). After completing the migration (and finally finding a working set of peripheral settings) I managed to boot it up properly. However, immediately after booting up, a box saying "Your copy of Windows is not Genuine, would you like to activate now?" popped up. Of course I clicked yes so that I may re-activate my copy of Windows. For whatever reason, it wouldn't load my drivers so I chose phone activation. After spending a few minutes on the Microsoft automatic activation hotline, it tells me that my Installation ID is not valid. I spoke with a representative for several minutes trying to explain my desktop migration, only to find out that I need my product key. Unfortunately, my father got me the old computer from his work, so the Product Key sticker on the side doesn't match the operating system (the sticker is for XP Home). What is even worse, is that the re-installation OEM CD he gave me with the computer isn't in a proper Dell CD sleeve and has a Norton GHOST product key on the back instead of Windows XP Pro.  I tried installing a copy of windows into a virtual machine (I do this as precaution so that I don't accidentally delete important school or work files) only to find out the the product key is no longer valid. Since I cannot login to the desktop anymore (it won't let  me due to my dilemma) I cannot retrieve my product key in any way (to my knowledge)

Long story short: I do not have my product key for the install of Windows that I currently have, however I do know for a fact that it was and should still be Genuine.

  • hrova

    2 Intern

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    Posted May 9th, 2011 22:00

    If it was originally an OEM installation, the bottom line is....

    According to the OEM End Users License Agreement, you could only replace the motherboard with the same model or a revised version of the same model. Anything else is considered by Microsoft to be a new computer, and a new copy of Windows is needed.

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    Posted May 9th, 2011 22:00

    If I were to put all the hardware back into the original tower with the first motherboard, would I still need to re-activate (and if so would it still be possible given the situation?) or will it revert back to how it operated before with no re-activation needed?

  • hrova

    2 Intern

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    2242 Posts

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    Posted May 9th, 2011 22:00

    I do not know the answer to that. Sorry.

    Maybe another user can give their input.

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    Posted May 10th, 2011 10:00

    Alright, thanks. I guess I'll just use trial and error to see if that works or not.

  • bddog

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    Posted May 11th, 2011 03:00

    That information is on the old hard drive. There are freeware programs that will retrieve all product keys from your hard drive.  MS is very sensitive these days to piracy. I suggest you format that new hard drive and start over once you have retrieved the product keys from the original hard drive! I have had similar problems with valid MS programs, original to me.They are on an anti piracy campaign these days. - Stephen