So it restores it This included downloading all of the necessary Security Updates and Service Packs. However, it came up and said that I didn't have a valid copy of Windows. I figure, no sweat. I go through the Product Key changing process only to have it come up and say that that Product Key has already been activated or is currently in use. Well duh So now I'm pissed. I've since gotten my computer back to Service Pack 2 by downloading the Network Installer and doing it manually.
I've done the Regedit trick and then reactivating Windows and at the "Activate by Telephone" screen, clicking change product key It says it's not a legitimate product key. Please help me. I can't tell you how pissed and frustrated I am at this. The one time I feel guilty about having pirated software and I decide to remedy it, I get bitten in the butt I got an email that said Microsoft has sent out my CD that comes with the kit When you purchased it, the previous owner had replaced the genuine installation with a nongenuine installation.
The solution to the problem is simple, reinstall the correct license for XP. The Product Key Updater Utility is a stopgap measure designed to temporarily get a nongenuine installation of XP genuine again. In order to "lift the flag" you have to do a clean installation with the CD when it arrives. I was afraid of something like that. Thanks for your help. At least my computer is up and running, even if it is with this horrible nagware that they call windows.
It came with my HD I had no idea it would cause me such fits or I'd have dumped it as soon as I got it. Before I asked for help in here I phoned their technical helpline they were just soo rude to me.
So your saying if I get a proper cd no matter what product key it uses and i do a clean instalation with that cd i will be able to enter my product key during instalation? Product Keys are designed to work with their matching "flavor" and edition of CD, but are not so specific that this one individual Product Key will only work with this one exact Windows CD and no others. Any genuine retail XP CD of the right matching flavor and edition retail has two flavors, full and upgrade edition can be Home, Pro, Tablet, and Media Center will work with any genuine retail Product Key for that corresponding flavor and matching edition.
Sign in. United States English. Ask a question. Quick access. Search related threads. Remove From My Forums. Answered by:. Archived Forums. Sign in to vote. Saturday, April 28, PM. Tuesday, May 1, PM. Tell us: 1. Or, does it have the computer manufacturer's name in black lettering?
Sunday, April 29, AM. Monday, April 30, AM. Yer, your right it says Monday, April 30, PM. Thanks I will do now please leave this Thread open so i can post an update thanks.
Can you post the exact model of your Compaq Evo? I have a cd rom drive and i can either download the Recorvey disc or order and pay i dont want to pay and i do not have a burner I have a copy of XP Pro cant i use that?
Is it possible we could speak through a chat program etc Msn? What happened to your post? I type it in and it tells me that the "Product ID you entered is not valid" Please help.
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Cancel Submit. Previous Next. Perhaps one or the other has a different service pack. How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. How can I tell from the COA? In reply to MattZetterquist's post on March 25, In the new window look for a file named Unattended. If the file is present it will contain the original product code.
If the text file is not present then you will need to contact the person who sold you the disc or contact Microsoft who may or may not be willing to assist you in activation. I suspect they will since the copy of Windows is Xp. There is no guarantee however. How to contact a Microsoft Product Activation Center by phone. Noel D Paton. In reply to Tech-Geek's post on March 25, The only times that a valid Key is present in any Windows disks is in the case of Recovery disks from large manufacturers - and those Keys rely in the presence of other factors in the hardware and software for activation, not the MS servers or activation operators.
The disk will have a number of files in the root directory - these indicate the SP level, and also the data of the folders will indicate the SP involved. Is this local distributor still in his business?
