Windows XP Professional - Unauthorized Product Key

shanks84

Hi. I've got a problem with a copy of Windows XP that I've installed on a reformatted HD

I got the disc with my Dell, but I've installed it on a Samsung V25 that came with a copy of Windows HOME. However, this disc has since gone missing, hence why I've re-installed with the Dell version

Now, I've since learned that you can't do that, and I am unable to activate Windows on the Samsung! Is there any way I can get round this? Microsoft don't want to know and Samsung don't want to know. What can I do? Really can't be doing with having to buy another version of windows!

Many Thanks

pcombo

LOL for christ sake dont buy another copy of windows xp, so what you installed it on 2 computers nothing will happen not like its piracy or something.

shanks84

But it's the fact that I can't activate it, and am getting the 30-day countdown!

Taffybiker

Did you use the right code? XP Home code is different to XP Pro code.

shanks84

Taffybiker wrote: »

Did you use the right code? XP Home code is different to XP Pro code.

I've used both codes - The Pro and Home codes - and neither work

Taffybiker

The only thing you can do now (except buying another copy) is to call microsoft for activation. You can tell them you changed your hardware - not really lying...

[Deleted User]

Could you borrow a Windows XP Home CD from anybody?

Samsung should be able to sell you a new Windows XP Home CD - did you ask them to do that? Note that this should not cost very much because it would be a Samsung-specific disk for which you already have a license (not like buying a new copy in the shop when you have to buy the license).

pcombo

phone the free 0800 numbers and it gets activated

Paul_Varjak

I think you can download a Windows XP Home ISO image - burn that image onto a bootable CD and then activate it using your existing poduct key.

shanks84

The Microsoft 0800 number on the activation page say that I must contact Samsung, and Samsung say that because I wasn't issued with the original copy, then the code is wrong!

[Deleted User]

Major manufacturers have installation CDs that will automatically activate on the computers that they make. They do this with customized files called OEMBIOS files. If you search the net, you should be able to find Samsung OEMBIOS files that will allow automatic activation. You will also need to enter a different product key, which Microsoft give on this website:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457078.aspx

Microsoft allow this OEM pre-activation because they know that anybody buying a computer from a major manufacturer will pretty much always get a valid Windows license along with it and so it is not open to exploitation by people who did not buy a copy of Windows, as their hardware will not be suitable for pre-activation (at least not without some kind of hacking).