Windows XP Pro - activation needed but is being awkward

Crabman

Hey Hey

I've had a pop up message saying I need to activate my copy of windows, and now it rejects the 25-character cd key as "incorrect". I know I'm not seeing things and it's definitely the right one, what's going on?

This is a desktop machine upgraded from Win Me to XP Pro, though don't see why that would affect anything

Crabster

bingo_bango

Old problem, this one. It just doesn't like the key sometimes, legit or not. I had exactly the same thing, and found it easiest to call MS (freephone number provided during the activation process) who sorted it out on the phone in 2 minutes.

timberflake

bingo_bango wrote:

Old problem, this one. It just doesn't like the key sometimes, legit or not. I had exactly the same thing, and found it easiest to call MS (freephone number provided during the activation process) who sorted it out on the phone in 2 minutes.

Spot on, ring MS and tell them it doesn't work. They'll ask you how many times you've registered it (as the maximum you can use a key is 5 times, after which you must ring MS to activate Windows) and they'll then give you a code to put in which will activate windows for you.

Crabman

Done, but they are "unable to help me unless I have the XP Pro CD to hand". I know it should be kept in a safe place but it was over 4 years ago and we have moved house since then :rolleyes:

Anyway, I've been through to someone in UK HQ who will give me a product key to enter if I can scan and email him proof of purchase for the Win XP Pro upgrade pack. It's not looking good I must admit, I've more chance of finding the cd with product key than I do of the receipt

Shame Microsoft treat their customers this way - if they didn't have a complete monopoly then I'm sure they'd be a bit more helpful. I've given them all the information I have available to me all to no avail :rolleyes:

timberflake

I think they take these steps because they have a monopoly and because they chrage so much for the software. So many people use p*rate versions of Windows that being so strict is the only way MS can stem the flow. You also need to verify your copy of XP now before your allowed updates so using a dodgy copy is of no use really.

Do you not have the original product key to hand? As you say in your original post your definatley using the right key

Crabman

timberflake wrote:

I think they take these steps because they have a monopoly and because they chrage so much for the software. So many people use p*rate versions of Windows that being so strict is the only way MS can stem the flow. You also need to verify your copy of XP now before your allowed updates so using a dodgy copy is of no use really.

Do you not have the original product key to hand? As you say in your original post your definatley using the right key

The reason they can't help is because the product key stuck to the side of my PC is for Windows 98 Second Edition. My PC was an ex-demo (from Tiny, say no more) so when I actually bought it I asked for Win Me to be put on it, which it was, but without the new sticker. Win Me was released after this PC was made but before I bought it off the showroom.

Since then I have upgraded to Windows XP Pro, using an XP Pro upgrade pack. This is the pack which I can't get my hands on at the moment and due to that they can't help with the activation window that's randomly popped up. I'm still trying to find it but it was last used 4-5 years ago and we've moved since then.

A possible solution: I have a laptop running Win XP Home, would that product key suffice? I know it's probably "wrong" but so is the way I'm being fobbed off by Microsoft. It's clear I've used an authentic software key as I've got all the updates etc. but all they want is me to buy a new software pack. :mad: Why should I spend over £200 on a new pack when I could get Vista for that same price in about a month's time :rolleyes:

timberflake

You could use your laptop's product key although as you say its not strictly "right". However, from what you say you have got 2 legit versions of the software so go ahead! Let us know how you get on.

Crabman

timberflake wrote:

You could use your laptop's product key although as you say its not strictly "right". However, from what you say you have got 2 legit versions of the software so go ahead! Let us know how you get on.

Nope, no joy - I presume because my laptop is Win XP Home and the upgrade was Win XP Pro

elDeeJay

Am I missin something?
You bought a licence for Xp Pro, but lost the key, have no proof of purchase, no CD and nothing to validate your claims other than a win98 key on the side of your machine?
Im not being funny, but i can understand why MS wont give you a new licence key. Apologies if I've misunderstood the situation and AFAIK a XP Home key will not work on XP Pro.

timberflake

Crabman wrote:

Nope, no joy - I presume because my laptop is Win XP Home and the upgrade was Win XP Pro

Ahh, yes that would not work!

I don't really know what suggest now. It would appear you're stuck until/unless you find your proof of purchase or receipt. Either that or wait for Vista @ the end of Jan.

timberflake

It would appear you're going to have to put your hand in your pocket on this. Though you will have learnt a very valuable lesson.......keep all you computer related CD's and literature together and organised! I've never lost a cd/product key......touch wood!