Help with XP Activating issues

jimbo77 · 10-31-2009, 12:04 AM

hey, try to make this brief.

my pc i bought long ago with xp pre-installed, but got no software.

i am building a new PC and only have a "backup" cd of XP pro OEM

i "borrowed" a key "to get it working so i could always change it out if i could find my original key..."

anyway, it installed fine.

i even activated it with a work around, and it said already activated when i checked.

but then got the 30 days to activate. nags when i rebooted.

and could not enter windows. and it would not activate via internet (said couldnt connect or something.)

So---- i have a new drive, a fresh backup of xp pro sp3 oem,
now... what can i do ?

can anyone help?

samus of rico · 10-31-2009, 12:07 AM

contact microsoft

jimbo77 · 10-31-2009, 12:11 AM

hi, wish it was that easy.

been at this for days.

ive only got "alternative methods" open to me at this point.

there seems to be no sticker on my HP case ! (old computer)

and of course nothing on the new one im building.

this sucks

killer · 10-31-2009, 12:19 AM

You can't legally transfer OEM licenses. They're for the computer they're put on only.

samus of rico · 10-31-2009, 12:20 AM

well im no help then

jimbo77 · 10-31-2009, 12:25 AM

key kill--

that's the weird thing...

even for "Experiment sake" -- when a past oem key was used on a new backup of oem xp pro, it worked, but

even though the key was used and accepted, it still wanted it to be activated after everything was all installed and running.

and i believe the activation is the same code as the product key.

so, i got no clue... might not even be a "legal" issue (like modding psps is legal, haha)), but more simply not working?

killer · 10-31-2009, 12:29 AM

So you're saying it did work, but then it didn't. Seriously dude, look up on the MS site, OEM licenses are not meant to be transfered. Just go and buy Windows 7.

samus of rico · 10-31-2009, 12:31 AM

told you.

go to microsoft

jimbo77 · 10-31-2009, 12:33 AM

killer.... no man, it seemed to work, it said it was activated,

but as soon as i rebooted, i was locked out of windows and would not go online to try activating again.

thats what im saying.

naw, i dont want win7, just like i didnt want to just buy a complete system with vista.

i like XP actually... even though i hated it when i used win2000 (grin)

and i know, actually no license is meant to be "shared" across computers, but is able.
@samus -- fraid micro can't help... it's been too long since my first computer, and as a sticker wasnt put on it when i bought it with OS... they don't honor anything 8(

no worries, just thought someone in here would have interest in helping a guy out.

thanks anyway

samus of rico · 10-31-2009, 12:43 AM

ok sorry let me see wat i can do

killer · 10-31-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo77

killer.... no man, it seemed to work, it said it was activated,

but as soon as i rebooted, i was locked out of windows and would not go online to try activating again.

thats what im saying.

And i'm saying what do you think the reason for that is? MS have checked the activation and realised it's not legal.

jimbo77 · 11-01-2009, 02:45 AM

hey killer

i thought that could only happen if you check online?

i checked with the computer itself and it said it was activated.

then after reboot wasn't. you mean it can somehow check with itself?

i got a fresh drive, fresh authentic "backup" of pro oem, used (for testing purposes) a volume key (the kind supposed to be preactivated for multi-computer), and it allowed the windows install,

but again, it still wants to be activated after it was installed. i didnt apply a work-around this time...

so, trying to figure things out.

but guess what? one a new Hard drive, fresh xp install, it assigned my system drive a "I" letter ?

im wondering if the mobo aint wacked.

monisd · 11-01-2009, 05:52 AM

You can not activate the key online if it has already been activated. You need to call ms support and let them generate a new install id for the key. You need to just call ms support and give a reason why you are installing the key on another machine. Once the key is registered to your machine, no other machine can use it and get updates.

btw It was a mistake to format the original install because you could have backed it up with Tuneup Utilities. The program has a feature to look up your key. Thus you would not be in this predicament.

kkndking · 11-01-2009, 11:36 PM

did u install on a new drive if so u can look on your old one and get your key form there with a key finder, you can use a oem key on any pc i have dun it menny a time im a pc tech. and if u have not looked there is a sticker with your key on your old case

redmistpete · 11-02-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkndking

did u install on a new drive if so u can look on your old one and get your key form there with a key finder, you can use a oem key on any pc i have dun it menny a time im a pc tech. and if u have not looked there is a sticker with your key on your old case

Activate it over the phone - I'm on the same OEM version of XP that I had about 6 computers ago. ring them up, type in a Product Key and then type in the Key that they read back to you. Simple as that. It's anonymous and automated (no person on the other end).