So, I decided it was high time to reformat my laptop. I do not have the Windows CD (didnt come with it) and all I know I have is my Office CD that did come with it. I figured it wouldnt be a problem, since I had the disk i made when reformatting my desktop(same scenario, have product key, but didnt have cd). Well, my desktop is back up and running and working well.
So today I delete my old partition and make a new one and install Windows XP from the cd I have. Everything went well enough. I copied my drivers from cd, took 5 minutes, and was on the web downloading mozilla, AVG, and malware bytes.
So, I can connect, everything is working as it should.
I notice a popup in the corner saying I have 30 days to activate my XP. So, I hit it and plug in my product key from the sticker. It says it is invalid. It provided me with a code that was 6 or 8 groups of 5 and told me to call a number. I did, and spoke with a machine asking for that code. I was told it did not recognize that code and here I am.
I cannot for the life of me figure out how the reformat/reinstall process worked with my desktop but not my laptop. So, now I am on a 30 day clock before my laptop becomes a brick.
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Reformatted my Laptop... wont recognize my product keyFollow
Recall the phone number, but when the machine comes on don't do anything. It should automatically transfer you to a customer service rep that will be able to authorize your copy and give you an activation code.
I had the same problem with my PC when I had to replace my motherboard; any major hardware changes will cause the process to kick in, even a full format.
Blame Micro$oft and their need to squeeze you for all you're worth. The Genuine Advantage Kit was added to find ways to make you buy a whole new copy.
Edited, Jun 25th 2009 5:49am by Shaowstrike
I had the same problem with my PC when I had to replace my motherboard; any major hardware changes will cause the process to kick in, even a full format.
Quote:
I cannot for the life of me figure out how the reformat/reinstall process worked with my desktop but not my laptop. So, now I am on a 30 day clock before my laptop becomes a brick.
Blame Micro$oft and their need to squeeze you for all you're worth. The Genuine Advantage Kit was added to find ways to make you buy a whole new copy.
Edited, Jun 25th 2009 5:49am by Shaowstrike
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I have no idea why they aren't supplying the CD anymore but it seems to be standard practice now.
Let me see if I understand you, the CD you used to install windows on your laptop was created from your desktop? Are you using the code from your desktop or laptop? Each copy of Windows is encoded with it's own product key so your desktop copy of windows won't recognize your laptop code. The only way you can use different codes is if you have a redistributable copy of windows.
This was the most BS thing Microsuck ever did. I had well over $1000 worth of legit, paid for codes become invalid when this happened and they refused to do anything about it. I know more then a few people who took a hit in the $10,000+ range when they pulled this crap.
About a year after I picked up my desktop my Vista decided to start spitting back invalid messages. After sitting on the phone with them for over an hour refusing to reformat, I had to go to the extent of matching the UPC from the receipt to the box, the serial number, the code on the sticker and the code on the System screen.
Only thing you can do is call them, just don't expect them to fix their own crap without a headache.
Let me see if I understand you, the CD you used to install windows on your laptop was created from your desktop? Are you using the code from your desktop or laptop? Each copy of Windows is encoded with it's own product key so your desktop copy of windows won't recognize your laptop code. The only way you can use different codes is if you have a redistributable copy of windows.
Quote:
The Genuine Advantage Kit was added to find ways to make you buy a whole new copy.
This was the most BS thing Microsuck ever did. I had well over $1000 worth of legit, paid for codes become invalid when this happened and they refused to do anything about it. I know more then a few people who took a hit in the $10,000+ range when they pulled this crap.
About a year after I picked up my desktop my Vista decided to start spitting back invalid messages. After sitting on the phone with them for over an hour refusing to reformat, I had to go to the extent of matching the UPC from the receipt to the box, the serial number, the code on the sticker and the code on the System screen.
Only thing you can do is call them, just don't expect them to fix their own crap without a headache.
This has happened to me multiple times with copy of Windows XP Home I have from the Dell I purchased years ago. I've formatted and reinstalled numerous times because I like to generally keep my computer nice and clean every 6 months or so, and every time I have to call Microsoft and argue with them for 20 minutes for them to give me the code to unlock the OS.
It's my OS. I paid for it. They originally told me I can only reinstall it X number of times. I told them they were out of their mind, and I demanded them give me the code. It's not a game, it's an operating system. Sure...people can abuse the priviledge by letting friends/family/etc. install it. But the verification process should come into play when OS's and whatnot are updating from multiple IP's on the same OS key, not when someone is trying to install the OS to get it running. Let someone get deactivated or block their windows update (which at this point with XP renders it partially broken since a lot of current software requires at least SP2).
Just call the number, get in touch with a CSR there and tell them you're reinstalling your OS after a format of your PC, and it won't let you. If they ask you why, tell them you spilled coke and replace the HDD...they just want an excuse before they do it.
It's my OS. I paid for it. They originally told me I can only reinstall it X number of times. I told them they were out of their mind, and I demanded them give me the code. It's not a game, it's an operating system. Sure...people can abuse the priviledge by letting friends/family/etc. install it. But the verification process should come into play when OS's and whatnot are updating from multiple IP's on the same OS key, not when someone is trying to install the OS to get it running. Let someone get deactivated or block their windows update (which at this point with XP renders it partially broken since a lot of current software requires at least SP2).
Just call the number, get in touch with a CSR there and tell them you're reinstalling your OS after a format of your PC, and it won't let you. If they ask you why, tell them you spilled coke and replace the HDD...they just want an excuse before they do it.
I tried called but could never get a Rep, was always the machine (this was 2am or so my time).
I was using the code from my laptop, but a Disc I used on my PC. If that makes sense. My desktop was purchased from someone, but does have a true VOA. Thing is, it is a HP not a Dell like my laptop, and I think that is why my Laptop kicked back that XP disc.
So, I remembered you could order cds from your manufacturer. But wait! Dell says you can only ever order them one time. Luckily I never had to before, but had to remmeber a lot of old stuff about my order.
Well, they messed up the address at first but after a quick email they got the right one and I got my XP cd, Drivers, Ati virus and other ******** Dell sends you.
Laptop works now yay!
I was using the code from my laptop, but a Disc I used on my PC. If that makes sense. My desktop was purchased from someone, but does have a true VOA. Thing is, it is a HP not a Dell like my laptop, and I think that is why my Laptop kicked back that XP disc.
So, I remembered you could order cds from your manufacturer. But wait! Dell says you can only ever order them one time. Luckily I never had to before, but had to remmeber a lot of old stuff about my order.
Well, they messed up the address at first but after a quick email they got the right one and I got my XP cd, Drivers, Ati virus and other ******** Dell sends you.
Laptop works now yay!
Make sure you used the right windows installation. If you have home you have to use a home disc/key. Same for Pro and Media Center.
thread says JUN not JUL. dont necro.
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