XP Activation Fail

ChazZTheSpazZ · 02-09-2010

Some stupid virus I downloaded (bad me for forgetting this one time to scan the keygen before executing -.-) screwed my system up (I know, I should have expected that blah blah). Nothing I tried on it worked to make it boot properly again (and I did try everything), so I downloaded a copy of XP Home. I only had to download it because two of the four recovery CD's Sony packaged with the computer are now missing. Anyways, I used the 'Press R for Repair' option in Windows setup to replace the system files instead of completely reinstalling my OS. Unfortunately, for whatever reason the idiots at Microsoft have, this erased my product key/activation information. I tried using the key I already own from the sticker on the back of my tower, but it was denied as invalid. I know it's valid, it was on there when the computer came out of the box. So why was it denied? Do I need to download the OEM version instead? Also this is legal right, downloading the OS to use my own key that's already paid for? I don't want to use any activation hacks or cracks unless I really have to, which is why I'm posting here instead of just doing so.

Also apparently there are no torrents anywhere for my Sony recovery CD's... Meh.

Miyuki · 02-09-2010

You sure you're using the same version as your original oem version? Like, your oem is home edition, then you've to use home edition of windows xp.

Change your key by using this software.
Download Windows XP Product Key Modifier 1.0.0a - Automates the task of changing your Windows XP product key - Softpedia

How to change the Volume Licensing product key on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 1 and later versions of Windows XP

But mostly OEM version, that come preinstalled with windows xp, mostly already been pre-activated by the manufacturer.

ChazZTheSpazZ · 02-09-2010

I think it was pre-activated. I don't remember ever having to use the key on the sticker before. The sticker says "Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" and below it in smaller text "Sony Corporation". I downloaded and used XP Home with SP3. Looks correct, right? According to Microsoft (in that second link you posted):

Quote:

If the installation media does not match the product key, you receive the following error message:

Product Key is invalid.

So maybe I need to modify the CD if I'm going to use it with my computer in the future? I'll mess with that later.

Right now it won't even let me log in until I activate it, so I click yes to activate. Then it loads my wallpaper and does nothing else, like all I see on the screen is my wallpaper and mouse pointer. I'm guessing this is aftermath and remains of whatever damage that virus did, so I'm just going to do a complete reformat and reinstall. I guess I'll just activate it with a pirated key, then use the program you linked to replace it with my valid key. Does this sound correct? I'll write back when it's finished.

kag · 02-09-2010

You should have downloaded the OEM disc instead of the normal disc.

You can also call microsoft activation hotline, and see what solutions they have for you.
But don't tell them you downloaded the disc, but there is a high chance they would want you to take a photo of your license key and probably ask you to purchase a new CD excluding the license cost.

ChazZTheSpazZ · 02-09-2010

I just went ahead with a fully pirated version using the WPA Kill patcher. It's a shame since I technically own my own copy of XP, but whatever. I'll be getting a new compy in about a year anyway. Thanks for the effort guys.

SilentSaber · 02-09-2010

You could have just called them. They gave me the activation by phone code without asking any questions.