Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

rickdude40

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 19, 2008
10
0
I've just installed a copy of XP sp2 on my macbook pro using the Bootcamp setup, and as far as I can tell it all went well. My problem is that now I have a popup saying that I have 30 days to unlock the product. The copy I used is one that came with the pc that I bought several years ago, and the key is the one on my pc. Because I purchased the xp copy with my previous pc I don't think I'm doing anything inapropriate, is there a way to unlock this software for my mac, or do I have to purchase a new copy?
 

MagicBoy

macrumors 68040
May 28, 2006
3,969
1,059
Manchester, UK
If the key came with the PC then it's likely OEM. This means it's tied to the mainboard in that system.

If it's a retail key then you can phone Microsoft and get them to reset the activation.
 

rickdude40

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 19, 2008
10
0
Well this copy of XP did come with a Dell pc that I purchased 4 or 5 years ago, does this mean that I'm out of luck? Do I have any other options or do I need to purchase a new copy of XP?
 

OllyW

Moderator
Staff member
Oct 11, 2005
17,196
6,800
The Black Country, England
If the key came with the PC then it's likely OEM. This means it's tied to the mainboard in that system.

If it's a retail key then you can phone Microsoft and get them to reset the activation.

Even if if you have got an OEM copy, you can phone Microsoft and get them to reset the activation. Just tell them your PC broke and you have had a replacement motherboard fitted and they should give you an activation code.
 

rickdude40

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 19, 2008
10
0
OK, so I called in to Microsoft and explained that I was having a problem getting my key to work, they asked a few questions to verify that I was indeed the registered owner. After that they walked me through with a new key and all is good. Thanks for the help. Cheers.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.