reinstall-validation problem

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your

subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?

What third-party firewall (if any)?



Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the

computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought

it)?



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/ and click on the Validate

Windows and/or Validate Office button then restart your computer.



If you weren't able to Validate, proceed as follows:



1. Download this diagnostic tool, saving it to your desktop:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062



=> WinXP: Double-click on the executable to run the tool.



=> Vista & Win7: Right-click on the executable and select Run as

Administrator to run the tool.



2. After running the tool, click on the Windows tab and then click on Copy

(to clipboard).



NB: You may want to open a new Notepad file, paste the contents of your

clipboard into it & save for future reference.



3. Begin a new thread in the following Microsoft Genuine Advantage forum and

paste the results from the WGA Diagnostic Data tool in a detailed post:



http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads



4. A troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an

appropriate solution.

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002





pjp wrote:

> Hardware hit from lightning so new hd and video card and start over.

>

> All goes well with install using a slipstreamed XP-Pro SP3 disk but I

> notice

> it never asks for the Product Key during install yet it Activates itself

> during one of the boots and I think little of it until ...

>

> During the updates which followed (100+!!!) I notice Windows Defender

> doesn't seem to run or leave itself installed. As it is running on my

> laptop

> figured I just download it.

>

> When I run it, it wants to first do the Genuine Advantage bs which I let

> it,

> at which time it says "bogus". Ugh, guess got to somehow enter in the key

> I'm looking at on the guaranteed genuine Compaq label still attached to

> the

> side of the case.

>

> Thinking docs indicate straightforward, invalidte the "timer" in the

> registry, do the Therefore do the "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe

> /a"

> thingie and go to enter the key. It's not accepted! It's a XP Pro install

> andI'm trying to enter a REAL XP key. What's the problem?

>

> Haven't rebooted since then but willing to bet there'll be some bs when it

> needs to.

>

> P.S. System Properties/ General tab shows blank lines and has since

> install?

 

[Daave]

pjp wrote:



> All goes well with install using a slipstreamed XP-Pro SP3 disk



and



> When I run it, it wants to first do the Genuine Advantage bs which I

> let it, at which time it says "bogus". Ugh, guess got to somehow

> enter in the key I'm looking at on the guaranteed genuine Compaq

> label still attached to the side of the case.

>

> Thinking docs indicate straightforward, invalidte the "timer" in the

> registry, do the Therefore do the

> "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a" thingie and go to enter

> the key. It's not accepted! It's a XP Pro install andI'm trying to

> enter a REAL XP key. What's the problem?



Maybe you just entered it incorrectly. (Perhaps an 8 for a B...)



Have you ever successfully used this slipstreamed CD before? If not,

perhaps there is something wrong with the CD. Try the re-installation

media that Compaq provided.



Out of cuiosity, where did you get this CD from? Did you create it? If

so, how?



Is your Compaq licensed to run XP Home or XP Pro? (You can tell by

looking at the COA sticker on it.)

 

[Daave]

pjp wrote:

> Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.

>

> Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow

>

> -----------------------

> Validation Status: Blocked VLK

> Validation Code: 3

> Cached Validation Code: N/A

> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

> ------------------------

>

> Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it

> thinks it's pirated rather than it was used too recently already? I'm

> assuming I've used a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install then

> (it is hard to keep track of them) that automatically put in place a

> "no no product key" based upon the glimmer of the key it shows above.

> IT never did ask during install for a product key which I did find

> odd.



See:



http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...tnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=



> Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the

> reinstall as even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install right

> to SP3 rather than ...) I could change the product key afterwards.

> And Yes I will admit I have a few "no no disks" around. Local

> "fix-it" guy in rural area so it happens, sue me I don't remember

> what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even tell you how long ago

> did it



Lots of torrents floating around with that VLK Product Key. ;-)



I hope you are aware that torrent sites are swimming with malware...



> I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had

> it's share of problems over the years but still is legal and the

> sticker on the side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic

> the above at all) and the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago.

> Sticker is on there just as good and looks and feels exactly the same

> as the others on various other pcs in house.

>

> So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I

> reinstall any more apps) to install the product this key has to be

> good for? And how do I determine that when all I have to go by is the

> product key? It basically indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU" and

> other than the key itself...



You have a product key for the OEM version of XP Pro, not a volume

license. Best to use the media Compaq gave you to reinstall the OS.



You could also use a generic OEM XP Pro installation CD (the System

Builder's type) -- not VLK! Then you can enter the product key from your

COA sticker.



Listen. You have a license to run XP Pro; that's been established. It

shouldn't be that hard for a "local fix-it guy" to obtain the correct CD

to match the license and type.



VLK installation CDs are designed not to require activation (which

explains what you stated). Then again, if it's a pirated or expired key,

you'll probably eventually get flagged (as you have reported). Use the

correct media!

 

[Daave]

pjp wrote:

> "Daave" wrote in message

> news:OCgFgYpDLHA.4636@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>> pjp wrote:

>>> Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.

>>>

>>> Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow

>>>

>>> -----------------------

>>> Validation Status: Blocked VLK

>>> Validation Code: 3

>>> Cached Validation Code: N/A

>>> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

>>> ------------------------

>>>

>>> Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it

>>> thinks it's pirated rather than it was used too recently already?

>>> I'm assuming I've used a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install

>>> then (it is hard to keep track of them) that automatically put in

>>> place a "no no product key" based upon the glimmer of the key it

>>> shows above. IT never did ask during install for a product key

>>> which I did find odd.

>>

>> See:

>>

>> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...tnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

>>

>>> Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the

>>> reinstall as even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install

>>> right to SP3 rather than ...) I could change the product key

>>> afterwards. And Yes I will admit I have a few "no no disks" around.

>>> Local "fix-it" guy in rural area so it happens, sue me I don't

>>> remember what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even tell you

>>> how long ago did it

>>

>> Lots of torrents floating around with that VLK Product Key. ;-)

>>

>> I hope you are aware that torrent sites are swimming with malware...

>>

>>> I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had

>>> it's share of problems over the years but still is legal and the

>>> sticker on the side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic

>>> the above at all) and the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago.

>>> Sticker is on there just as good and looks and feels exactly the

>>> same as the others on various other pcs in house.

>>>

>>> So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I

>>> reinstall any more apps) to install the product this key has to be

>>> good for? And how do I determine that when all I have to go by is

>>> the product key? It basically indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU"

>>> and other than the key itself...

>>

>> You have a product key for the OEM version of XP Pro, not a volume

>> license. Best to use the media Compaq gave you to reinstall the OS.

>

> Good luck me finding that, as said pc is years old

>

>> You could also use a generic OEM XP Pro installation CD (the System

>> Builder's type) -- not VLK! Then you can enter the product key from

>> your COA sticker.

>

> Yea, appears that's what I'll need to do. In my looking I did come

> across another XP-Pro-SP3 disk in stack which if need be I'll use for

> 2nd try.

>> Listen. You have a license to run XP Pro; that's been established. It

>> shouldn't be that hard for a "local fix-it guy" to obtain the

>> correct CD to match the license and type.

>

> Nope, just some time and little effort but not much. Used CPM when I

> started

>

>> VLK installation CDs are designed not to require activation (which

>> explains what you stated). Then again, if it's a pirated or expired

>> key, you'll probably eventually get flagged (as you have reported).

>> Use the correct media!

>

> If I do reach point, reinstall with another disk I might as well

> check out how the various Validate/Gen-Advantage cracks work first

> don't ya think LOL

> Stupid, should be able to change the key, revalidate and life moves

> on.



Hey, you have a valid key. It won't hurt to try to change it using the

tool Shenan told you about. I have my doubts since I doubt you installed

an OEM version and you have an OEM key. But, still, it can't hurt to

try. If you can't locate the original Compaq media (perhaps the hard

drive has a hidden recovery partition?), use a generic OEM XP Pro

installation CD with the Product Key on your COA sticker. That should

work.

 

[pjp]

Hardware hit from lightning so new hd and video card and start over.



All goes well with install using a slipstreamed XP-Pro SP3 disk but I notice

it never asks for the Product Key during install yet it Activates itself

during one of the boots and I think little of it until ...



During the updates which followed (100+!!!) I notice Windows Defender

doesn't seem to run or leave itself installed. As it is running on my laptop

figured I just download it.



When I run it, it wants to first do the Genuine Advantage bs which I let it,

at which time it says "bogus". Ugh, guess got to somehow enter in the key

I'm looking at on the guaranteed genuine Compaq label still attached to the

side of the case.



Thinking docs indicate straightforward, invalidte the "timer" in the

registry, do the Therefore do the "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a"

thingie and go to enter the key. It's not accepted! It's a XP Pro install

andI'm trying to enter a REAL XP key. What's the problem?



Haven't rebooted since then but willing to bet there'll be some bs when it

needs to.



P.S. System Properties/ General tab shows blank lines and has since install?

 

[pjp]

Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.



Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow



-----------------------

Validation Status: Blocked VLK

Validation Code: 3

Cached Validation Code: N/A

Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

------------------------



Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it thinks it's

pirated rather than it was used too recently already? I'm assuming I've used

a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install then (it is hard to keep track

of them) that automatically put in place a "no no product key" based upon

the glimmer of the key it shows above. IT never did ask during install for a

product key which I did find odd.



Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the reinstall as

even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install right to SP3 rather than

....) I could change the product key afterwards. And Yes I will admit I have

a few "no no disks" around. Local "fix-it" guy in rural area so it happens,

sue me I don't remember what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even

tell you how long ago did it



I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had it's

share of problems over the years but still is legal and the sticker on the

side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic the above at all) and

the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago. Sticker is on there just as

good and looks and feels exactly the same as the others on various other pcs

in house.



So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I reinstall any

more apps) to install the product this key has to be good for? And how do I

determine that when all I have to go by is the product key? It basically

indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU" and other than the key itself...





"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

news:ukInzqoDLHA.5784@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your

> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than

> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?

>

> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the

> computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you

> bought it)?

>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/ and click on the Validate

> Windows and/or Validate Office button then restart your computer.

>

> If you weren't able to Validate, proceed as follows:

>

> 1. Download this diagnostic tool, saving it to your desktop:

> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

>

> => WinXP: Double-click on the executable to run the tool.

>

> => Vista & Win7: Right-click on the executable and select Run as

> Administrator to run the tool.

>

> 2. After running the tool, click on the Windows tab and then click on Copy

> (to clipboard).

>

> NB: You may want to open a new Notepad file, paste the contents of your

> clipboard into it & save for future reference.

>

> 3. Begin a new thread in the following Microsoft Genuine Advantage forum

> and paste the results from the WGA Diagnostic Data tool in a detailed

> post:

>

> http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads

>

> 4. A troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an

> appropriate solution.

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>

>

> pjp wrote:

>> Hardware hit from lightning so new hd and video card and start over.

>>

>> All goes well with install using a slipstreamed XP-Pro SP3 disk but I

>> notice

>> it never asks for the Product Key during install yet it Activates itself

>> during one of the boots and I think little of it until ...

>>

>> During the updates which followed (100+!!!) I notice Windows Defender

>> doesn't seem to run or leave itself installed. As it is running on my

>> laptop

>> figured I just download it.

>>

>> When I run it, it wants to first do the Genuine Advantage bs which I let

>> it,

>> at which time it says "bogus". Ugh, guess got to somehow enter in the key

>> I'm looking at on the guaranteed genuine Compaq label still attached to

>> the

>> side of the case.

>>

>> Thinking docs indicate straightforward, invalidte the "timer" in the

>> registry, do the Therefore do the "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe

>> /a"

>> thingie and go to enter the key. It's not accepted! It's a XP Pro install

>> andI'm trying to enter a REAL XP key. What's the problem?

>>

>> Haven't rebooted since then but willing to bet there'll be some bs when

>> it

>> needs to.

>>

>> P.S. System Properties/ General tab shows blank lines and has since

>> install?

>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Repost:



....2. After running the tool, click on the Windows tab and then click on

Copy

(to clipboard).



NB: You may want to open a new Notepad file, paste the contents of your

clipboard into it & save for future reference.



3. Begin a new thread in the following Microsoft Genuine Advantage forum and

paste the results from the WGA Diagnostic Data tool in a detailed post:



http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads



4. A troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an

appropriate solution.





pjp wrote:

> Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.

>

> Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow

>

> -----------------------

> Validation Status: Blocked VLK

> Validation Code: 3

> Cached Validation Code: N/A

> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

> ------------------------

>

> Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it thinks

> it's

> pirated rather than it was used too recently already? I'm assuming I've

> used

> a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install then (it is hard to keep track

> of them) that automatically put in place a "no no product key" based upon

> the glimmer of the key it shows above. IT never did ask during install for

> a

> product key which I did find odd.

>

> Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the reinstall

> as

> even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install right to SP3 rather

> than

> ...) I could change the product key afterwards. And Yes I will admit I

> have

> a few "no no disks" around. Local "fix-it" guy in rural area so it

> happens,

> sue me I don't remember what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even

> tell you how long ago did it

>

> I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had it's

> share of problems over the years but still is legal and the sticker on the

> side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic the above at all)

> and

> the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago. Sticker is on there just as

> good and looks and feels exactly the same as the others on various other

> pcs

> in house.

>

> So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I reinstall

> any

> more apps) to install the product this key has to be good for? And how do

> I

> determine that when all I have to go by is the product key? It basically

> indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU" and other than the key itself...

>

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

> news:ukInzqoDLHA.5784@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your

>> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than

>> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?

>>

>> Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the

>> computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you

>> bought it)?

>>

>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>>

>> Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/ and click on the Validate

>> Windows and/or Validate Office button then restart your computer.

>>

>> If you weren't able to Validate, proceed as follows:

>>

>> 1. Download this diagnostic tool, saving it to your desktop:

>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

>>

>> => WinXP: Double-click on the executable to run the tool.

>>

>> => Vista & Win7: Right-click on the executable and select Run as

>> Administrator to run the tool.

>>

>> 2. After running the tool, click on the Windows tab and then click on

>> Copy

>> (to clipboard).

>>

>> NB: You may want to open a new Notepad file, paste the contents of your

>> clipboard into it & save for future reference.

>>

>> 3. Begin a new thread in the following Microsoft Genuine Advantage forum

>> and paste the results from the WGA Diagnostic Data tool in a detailed

>> post:

>>

>> http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads

>>

>> 4. A troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an

>> appropriate solution.

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>>

>>

>> pjp wrote:

>>> Hardware hit from lightning so new hd and video card and start over.

>>>

>>> All goes well with install using a slipstreamed XP-Pro SP3 disk but I

>>> notice

>>> it never asks for the Product Key during install yet it Activates itself

>>> during one of the boots and I think little of it until ...

>>>

>>> During the updates which followed (100+!!!) I notice Windows Defender

>>> doesn't seem to run or leave itself installed. As it is running on my

>>> laptop

>>> figured I just download it.

>>>

>>> When I run it, it wants to first do the Genuine Advantage bs which I let

>>> it,

>>> at which time it says "bogus". Ugh, guess got to somehow enter in the

>>> key

>>> I'm looking at on the guaranteed genuine Compaq label still attached to

>>> the

>>> side of the case.

>>>

>>> Thinking docs indicate straightforward, invalidte the "timer" in the

>>> registry, do the Therefore do the "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe

>>> /a"

>>> thingie and go to enter the key. It's not accepted! It's a XP Pro

>>> install

>>> andI'm trying to enter a REAL XP key. What's the problem?

>>>

>>> Haven't rebooted since then but willing to bet there'll be some bs when

>>> it

>>> needs to.

>>>

>>> P.S. System Properties/ General tab shows blank lines and has since

>>> install?

 

[pjp]

"Daave" wrote in message

news:OCgFgYpDLHA.4636@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> pjp wrote:

>> Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.

>>

>> Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow

>>

>> -----------------------

>> Validation Status: Blocked VLK

>> Validation Code: 3

>> Cached Validation Code: N/A

>> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

>> ------------------------

>>

>> Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it

>> thinks it's pirated rather than it was used too recently already? I'm

>> assuming I've used a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install then

>> (it is hard to keep track of them) that automatically put in place a

>> "no no product key" based upon the glimmer of the key it shows above.

>> IT never did ask during install for a product key which I did find

>> odd.

>

> See:

>

> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...tnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

>

>> Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the

>> reinstall as even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install right

>> to SP3 rather than ...) I could change the product key afterwards.

>> And Yes I will admit I have a few "no no disks" around. Local

>> "fix-it" guy in rural area so it happens, sue me I don't remember

>> what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even tell you how long ago

>> did it

>

> Lots of torrents floating around with that VLK Product Key. ;-)

>

> I hope you are aware that torrent sites are swimming with malware...

>

>> I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had

>> it's share of problems over the years but still is legal and the

>> sticker on the side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic

>> the above at all) and the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago.

>> Sticker is on there just as good and looks and feels exactly the same

>> as the others on various other pcs in house.

>>

>> So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I

>> reinstall any more apps) to install the product this key has to be

>> good for? And how do I determine that when all I have to go by is the

>> product key? It basically indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU" and

>> other than the key itself...

>

> You have a product key for the OEM version of XP Pro, not a volume

> license. Best to use the media Compaq gave you to reinstall the OS.



Good luck me finding that, as said pc is years old



> You could also use a generic OEM XP Pro installation CD (the System

> Builder's type) -- not VLK! Then you can enter the product key from your

> COA sticker.



Yea, appears that's what I'll need to do. In my looking I did come across

another XP-Pro-SP3 disk in stack which if need be I'll use for 2nd try.



> Listen. You have a license to run XP Pro; that's been established. It

> shouldn't be that hard for a "local fix-it guy" to obtain the correct CD

> to match the license and type.



Nope, just some time and little effort but not much. Used CPM when I started





> VLK installation CDs are designed not to require activation (which

> explains what you stated). Then again, if it's a pirated or expired key,

> you'll probably eventually get flagged (as you have reported). Use the

> correct media!



If I do reach point, reinstall with another disk I might as well check out

how the various Validate/Gen-Advantage cracks work first don't ya think LOL



Stupid, should be able to change the key, revalidate and life moves on.

 

[pjp]

"Daave" wrote in message

news:%23c5zE%23pDLHA.4308@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> pjp wrote:

>> "Daave" wrote in message

>> news:OCgFgYpDLHA.4636@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>>> pjp wrote:

>>>> Hmmm??? Downloaded the tool you mentioned and ran it.

>>>>

>>>> Can't help but notice the first few lines which follow

>>>>

>>>> -----------------------

>>>> Validation Status: Blocked VLK

>>>> Validation Code: 3

>>>> Cached Validation Code: N/A

>>>> Windows Product Key: *****-*****-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

>>>> ------------------------

>>>>

>>>> Which explains now why it won't validate. I assume that means it

>>>> thinks it's pirated rather than it was used too recently already?

>>>> I'm assuming I've used a "wrong" slipstreamed disk for the install

>>>> then (it is hard to keep track of them) that automatically put in

>>>> place a "no no product key" based upon the glimmer of the key it

>>>> shows above. IT never did ask during install for a product key

>>>> which I did find odd.

>>>

>>> See:

>>>

>>> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...tnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

>>>

>>>> Ok, didn't really think that'd be a problem when I started the

>>>> reinstall as even if I had the wrong disk (just figured install

>>>> right to SP3 rather than ...) I could change the product key

>>>> afterwards. And Yes I will admit I have a few "no no disks" around.

>>>> Local "fix-it" guy in rural area so it happens, sue me I don't

>>>> remember what I used to slipstream that disk, can't even tell you

>>>> how long ago did it

>>>

>>> Lots of torrents floating around with that VLK Product Key. ;-)

>>>

>>> I hope you are aware that torrent sites are swimming with malware...

>>>

>>>> I'm sitting right here looking at the way too old Compaq that's had

>>>> it's share of problems over the years but still is legal and the

>>>> sticker on the side clearly has the product key (which doesn't mimic

>>>> the above at all) and the thing came direct from Compaq YEARS ago.

>>>> Sticker is on there just as good and looks and feels exactly the

>>>> same as the others on various other pcs in house.

>>>>

>>>> So what do I have to redo (from scratch if necessary before I

>>>> reinstall any more apps) to install the product this key has to be

>>>> good for? And how do I determine that when all I have to go by is

>>>> the product key? It basically indicates "XP Professional 1-2 CPU"

>>>> and other than the key itself...

>>>

>>> You have a product key for the OEM version of XP Pro, not a volume

>>> license. Best to use the media Compaq gave you to reinstall the OS.

>>

>> Good luck me finding that, as said pc is years old

>>

>>> You could also use a generic OEM XP Pro installation CD (the System

>>> Builder's type) -- not VLK! Then you can enter the product key from

>>> your COA sticker.

>>

>> Yea, appears that's what I'll need to do. In my looking I did come

>> across another XP-Pro-SP3 disk in stack which if need be I'll use for

>> 2nd try.

>>> Listen. You have a license to run XP Pro; that's been established. It

>>> shouldn't be that hard for a "local fix-it guy" to obtain the

>>> correct CD to match the license and type.

>>

>> Nope, just some time and little effort but not much. Used CPM when I

>> started

>>

>>> VLK installation CDs are designed not to require activation (which

>>> explains what you stated). Then again, if it's a pirated or expired

>>> key, you'll probably eventually get flagged (as you have reported).

>>> Use the correct media!

>>

>> If I do reach point, reinstall with another disk I might as well

>> check out how the various Validate/Gen-Advantage cracks work first

>> don't ya think LOL

>> Stupid, should be able to change the key, revalidate and life moves

>> on.

>

> Hey, you have a valid key. It won't hurt to try to change it using the

> tool Shenan told you about. I have my doubts since I doubt you installed

> an OEM version and you have an OEM key. But, still, it can't hurt to try.

> If you can't locate the original Compaq media (perhaps the hard drive has

> a hidden recovery partition?), use a generic OEM XP Pro installation CD

> with the Product Key on your COA sticker. That should work.



Looks like installed VLK version that's been released to the wild and can't

change over to OEM.



Well went back thru stacks of disks and believe I found a copy of the

original cd for that pc. Has marking etc. on it including same key as what's

on box so suspect it's a copy I made at time of purchase. Drag it's only SP2

but worst comes to worst I don't mind hosing system and starting over. As

mentioned does give me some play room see what's available to avoid it.



And so you know, send me some private addy and I'll damn well send you a pic

of the side of the box in my rec room with inserted blowup of the label.

Geez been around long enough I'd not expect this newsgroup to help with that

kinda bs, that's IRC channel stuff isn't it

 

[Daave]

pjp wrote:

> And so you know, send me some private addy and I'll damn well send

> you a pic of the side of the box in my rec room with inserted blowup

> of the label. Geez been around long enough I'd not expect this

> newsgroup to help with that kinda bs, that's IRC channel stuff isn't

> it



Huh? Where is this coming from? I know that you have a valid product

key; I never disputed that. You just need to make sure you use the

correct, matching installation CD.