Activating XP after a full system restore

[Hottub]

I am working on my boss' kid's laptop. It was f-'ed up. I needed to to a format and full reinstall. However, he couldn't find his system CD. I used one of mine.
Now I have 30 days to authenticate, and Microsoft won't accept the license number from the back of the laptop or off of my system CD.
What should I do now?

Thanks.

[PapaBear]

I'm not sure why it won't accept the license key from the laptop, but it may help if you call Microsoft. I've had several cases where the key had been used too many times, because I rebuilt computers. I call Microsoft, and they ask a series of questions about how many comps the license is being used for, and they give you a new code to use.

[Nothing Sound]

I'm not sure why it won't accept the license key from the laptop.

If the editions are different it won't accept the key.
For instance, the laptop may have a Media Edition Key and the disc might be Home.


.... call Microsoft, and they ask a series of questions about how many comps the license is being used for, and they give you a new code to use.

I've had to do that a few times as well and it works like a charm.
As a matter of fact I'm using the same product key on 3 different computers right now.
Just make sure you make it clear that you're only using the Product Key on ONE computer and it won't be a problem.

[OGC]

I'm not sure why it won't accept the license key from the laptop, but it may help if you call Microsoft. I've had several cases where the key had been used too many times, because I rebuilt computers. I call Microsoft, and they ask a series of questions about how many comps the license is being used for, and they give you a new code to use.


The last time I had to reformat and reinstall, "Bob" at dell told me that I had to used the disc that came with it if I wanted to use the number on the bottom of my laptop.
I argued with him for about 15 minutes and then went ahead and did it with an XP disc that came with another computer and used my serial number. I had to call microsoft but it wasn't much of a hassle.

"Bob" was an idiot

[Nothing Sound]

The last time I had to reformat and reinstall, "Bob" at dell told me that I had to used the disc that came with it if I wanted to use the number on the bottom of my laptop.
I argued with him for about 15 minutes and then went ahead and did it with an XP disc that came with another computer and used my serial number. I had to call microsoft but it wasn't much of a hassle.

"Bob" was an idiot

Yes, Bob is an idiot.
I've used my Dell XP Disc on a multitude of computers and have never had a problem unless the Key was for a different edition.

[KC2OSO]

Long as it's the right version of XP, the install disk should not matter.
Stupid question but was it the right version of XP Home or Pro?
Failing that, call MSFT as others have suggested. Should be a pretty quick call.

[donnie_darko]

some discs are of course different, depending on the manufacturer

i have a dell laptop restore disc which is simply a xp install disc, if i use it to reinstall on my laptop i dont have to enter a serial number, but on any other computer it will prompt me for it.

seems you used a disc with the serial tied in with it, like other have said just call em, if you're using a cell phone call at night so you dont waste your minutes on hold.....

[mendyweiss]

Different Subject, Sorry
Just Happpened Recently.
Why Does My Previous History Dissapear On The Address Bar ?
Everything Else Seems Fine !
Thanks In Advance