Problem with XP.

[sirdanrhodes]

I have recently had to do a complete wipe of my 2001 Packard Bell(don't act shocked why I had to do the format), and I didn't have any code or disc. My mate has lent me his copy of XP Home edition, and my serial is on the side of the pc, but it says invalid registration, any ideas?

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I am asking here because I have been on google for ages, and the day I pay for a premium rate helpline is the day I go back to AOL.





DOUBLE POST, PLEASE DELETE ONE OF THEM MODS, ACCIDENT

 

[BlazeTheVampire]

It's very possible that your friend has overused his discs. That happened to me when my father reformatted my laptop back to XP (I had been stuck with Vista). When he went to go reformat his own computer, nothing would install because he'd already used those startup discs too much. They're meant only for your computer, and I think you only get to register it five times through Microsoft. So if your friend's in the habit of lending out his discs, he may be out of registration uses and you'll have to buy your own. Windows XP isn't very expensive anymore, especially if you're a student (or just know a student) at a University. Microsoft gives student discounts.

 

[sirdanrhodes]

So there's no way to get my current code working?

 

[tiredinnuendo]

The discs themselves do not have a registration limit. The closest you'll get to something like that is discs that will only install on certain hardward platforms (Dell tends to ship their systems with Dell-only copies of XP, for instance). Here's what's probably happening.

If it was simply a case of the key being used too often, it would still allow you to install, and then would fail at activation. Your issue sounds more like a key format that doesn't match your version of XP. What version of XP is your key for? There's the obvious, like a pro key that won't activate home, but there are other nuances, like a Home key that won't unlock Home with SP2 included, or a key that will only unlock a "Dell only" copy of XP. Your best bet to get your key working is to figure out exactly what version of XP your key is for, and try that disc.

- J

 

[sirdanrhodes]

Well, how can I find out, all I know is my code is for windows xp home 32bit edition.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

yeah it seems like the key is for a different version of xp

the bonus is borrowing the disk is ok, it's sharing the key that is wrong.

just find another friend with a copy of xp and try that

 

[sirdanrhodes]

Will do, would it be legal if I got the disc off the net, but use my code that belongs to me.

 

[WiseHacker]

Hm...... I think your problem could be that the Key on the side of your computer is a simple OEM key which only works once or twice.

Have you tried contacting Microsoft via Phone and explaining to them what your problem is?

 

[sirdanrhodes]

Hm...... I think your problem could be that the Key on the side of your computer is a simple OEM key which only works once or twice.

Have you tried contacting Microsoft via Phone and explaining to them what your problem is?

I will never, NEVER contact a premium rate helpline, even for my 360.

 

[OneHP]

Will do, would it be legal if I got the disc off the net, but use my code that belongs to me.

I believe so yes.

 

[crenn]

Last I checked, it was a free call.

The key on the side of your computer is an OEM copy. You'll have to contact the manufacturer most likely, but I'm not sure that they will help you.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

Hm...... I think your problem could be that the Key on the side of your computer is a simple OEM key which only works once or twice.

Have you tried contacting Microsoft via Phone and explaining to them what your problem is?

I will never, NEVER contact a premium rate helpline, even for my 360.

yeah both calls, including the 360 call, are free. i've had to call once or twice for my key, it was being dumb and you have to redo xp's key if you change a couple pieces of hardware at once, tho i think it was my ide card messing up

you could try and call the ppl who you got the pc off of and request the disc as well, they must give you the genuine xp cd, not the restore disc they like to