XP registration..

[richardcanham]

I can't find a product-key on the back of my cd as it was a re-install cd from the dell computer as the one on the back of the cd pocket the disc was in doesn't work as it doesn't enter, like it wont allow me to enter certain characters at certain points?

any help please as it says I have 30 days to register and don't want to lose windows on my mac...thanks

 

[EngBrian]

While I can't comment on whether you can use a dell OEM windows cd for a mac XP installation (because I don't know the rules regarding that (edit: as stated below, you can't use an OEM copy as it is against the law). A lot of times the CD key is on the computer case. Have you looked at the Dell box you have? Try phoning microsoft?

 

[cwedl]

I can't find a product-key on the back of my cd as it was a re-install cd from the dell computer as the one on the back of the cd pocket the disc was in doesn't work as it doesn't enter, like it wont allow me to enter certain characters at certain points?

any help please as it says I have 30 days to register and don't want to lose windows on my mac...thanks

What I gather is that this is an oem version of windows xp which was originally installed on your dell computer? if so we can't help you as its against the law.

If it was originally a retail version and you have 30 days to activate it, use online activation you will be fine. The product key is only needed when you install which I assume you have done if you are saying you have 30 days to register/activate?

 

[richardcanham]

I said that I've tried to register it online but it keeps saying the key is invalid although it must be because its the one on the cd case and I opened it from the plastic so hasn't been used before.

 

[JNB]

Your post was not completely clear. What characters won't it let you enter?

The CD Key is typically a label on the back of the ORIGINAL envelope or sleeve containing the disc. If you mixed it up or put it in a different sleeve, you're pretty much SOL.

Not getting into the possible EULA violations (I'm going to assume that the Dell in question cannot be used any longer - the license is for one CPU), the CD Key for most any XP install has always been the same: five sets of five alphanumeric characters each (0-9, A-Z). You don't enter the hyphens, that's why there are five individual boxes for the Key entry.

EDIT: Just saw your post before mine. If the Dell had already been activated, you'll have to call Microsoft and let them know that the old machine is out of service, and you are installing on new hardware. The CD license is for ONE CPU only.

 

[cwedl]

You can use this tool to modify the product key - Link

Just type in the product key again and make sure that its correct. otherwise if this doesn't work, exactly what's the error message, any error numbers? that would help, where did you get this copy of windows from?

 

[SMM]

Welcome to OEM! EngBrian is correct - the Windows sticker is always on the case, or bottom of a Dell computer. Cwedl is correct in stating you cannot install this on another machine. The OEM license is for a specific computer. With that being said, you can re-activate the software, but it still has to be on the same machine. Dell installs, then activates the software. That is why you cannot activate it now. This is the way it is in the MS world..get use to it. The same situation happens with Office, Visio, Project and Crystal. That is why I only buy Retail versions, except for the OS. Believe it or not, it is actually going to get worse.

 

[richardcanham]

will I lose windows if I don't activate it after the 30 days because right now I can't seem to find a working key from anywhere and I fear that if I call microsoft and tell them the problem they may shut off the xp connection to the dell pc...whats my best option?

bloody microsoft, no wonder people hate it!

 

[JNB]

will I lose windows if I don't activate it after the 30 days because right now I can't seem to find a working key from anywhere and I fear that if I call microsoft and tell them the problem they may shut off the xp connection to the dell pc...whats my best option?

bloody microsoft, no wonder people hate it!

Well, that's because you only have a license for ONE INSTANCE of Windows. If the Dell is still up & running than you are in violation of the EULA. Get thee to Amazon or a brick & mortar store and buy a new copy.

Or, try using Crossover (still not free, but allows you to avoid that whole have-to-pay-for-an-OS thing).

 

[richardcanham]

what if i buy a key from microsoft.com where I read I could as people dont always have valid copies and you can pay £60 and they send you an activation key?

 

[Photo Monkey]

Why can't I delete this?

 

[JNB]

what if i buy a key from microsoft.com where I read I could as people dont always have valid copies and you can pay £60 and they send you an activation key?

That's about the price you'd pay for a fresh copy from Amazon. I'd suggest to do that. Clean, separate, legal. Easy peasy.

 

[richardcanham]

That's about the price you'd pay for a fresh copy from Amazon. I'd suggest to do that. Clean, separate, legal. Easy peasy.

thats exactly what I'll do then, I never intended to use an illegal copy, I thought I had hit the jackpot though finding an un-opened copy! Thanks for all the help

Richard