Problem registering windows

Auslander

Hello Everyone,

I'm having a few teething problems with a laptop I bought

I'm bought a second hand laptop a T42 yesterday through a friend.

The laptop is from Australia originally, I believe and was used by a telecoms

engineer. The Computer was running on an XP OS, and had all his work

programs on it. Before I got the computer he wiped the thing, and re-

installed the OS.

The laptop is working fine now, and a friend in college installed a copy of

OpenOffice , cos there were no application packages.

The problem I am now having is that when I go to activate windows online,

The Product Key on the laptop is not working.

Does anyone have any advice, or help as to what I should or should not do.

I believe the laptop is legitimite and above board. Can anyone help?

Capt'n Midnight

Do you mean the OEM serial number on the sticker on the Laptop ?
Did you use the original CD that came with the laptop or a different one ?

Auslander

Dia duit Captain midnight,



Not sure if the installation CD is the right one. I got a bag from the last

owner with the XP installation CD, I have it at home.

Is the the OEM number written on the XP CD aswell?

What other avenues do I have open to me if they don"t match?

Someone mentioned to me that once XP has been activated, it can't be

activated again, is that true?




Padraig.

Auslander

bump..

seamus

Auslander wrote:

Not sure if the installation CD is the right one. I got a bag from the last

owner with the XP installation CD, I have it at home.

Is the the OEM number written on the XP CD aswell?

The OEM Key should* be written on a sticker on the case of the machine.

What other avenues do I have open to me if they don"t match?

Tell us exaclty what message you're getting when you try to activate it.

Someone mentioned to me that once XP has been activated, it can't be

activated again, is that true?

No. In theory, you can activate it as many times as you want on the same machine, though MS "officially" limit it.

*Many manufacturers are sometimes too lazy or incompetent and neglect/forget to put the sticker on the case.

Auslander

Is the OEM sticker the one with microxoft printed on it?

As soon as I attempt to activate windows,

I'm promted to wait and the screen says "checking connectivity'

Then I'm asked if I would like to registar, or just activate.

I'm selecting, activate only.

The next screen is then prompting that I've entered the

'incorrect product key', before I type anything.

When I type in the code on the hologram sticker (which has not been

tampered with), the message stays the same

That any help?

Thanks

ai ing

Each key can only be used I think 3 times before it is locked so if the guy who owned the windows cd reinstalled a few times those 3 times could be gone.

This means that you have to contact microsoft and get them to unlock the key that you are using.

seamus

Contact Microsoft and explain the situation. They'll be able to confirm if your version of XP is the right one.

Auslander

OK guys

I'll give microsoft a ring and see how I get on.

I'll be back in touch, thanks for the help

Paddy

Auslander

Was just on to Microsoft and spoke to my friend Bill, think he's living in Bulgaria now 'cos he has developed a really strange accent.

Have a new code and all my ducks are starting to come into a line.

Thank-you all.

seamus

Nice to hear a good (and legal!) outcome.

aidan_walsh

The latter being unfortunately rare these days

MrVestek

So all I have to do is call up microsoft and say that i'm you with a dodgy serial and get a new completely legit one due to social engineering?.... Interesting. Hell it worked for getting an online serial key for Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast... back in the day :rolleyes: