can't actvate XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lisa
  • Start date Start date
L

Lisa

My kid's computer (no internet) crashed. I had to reinstall windows. I
did not receive a CD with that acer computer, so I used a different XP
CD. Well, apparently that will not work. I called with the code and the
recording at Microsoft would not give me an activation code. I only
have 6 days left. My autistic son is going to freak if his computer
goes down again. Please help! Thanks
 
The 'different' XP CD you used is it installed on another computer? What i'm
saying is, did this XP CD come with a computer that you are currently using?
The problem is that you are not allowed to install the same copy on two
computers. This maybe the reason why you cannot activate.

Did the install go well without any problems? If it did i'm assuming you
have a retail copy rather than an OEM which would have been tied to the
original pc it was installed on.

Another reason for none activation is if the wrong numers are typed into
your telephone keypad. I've done it myself and know how frustrating it can
be. Did you get through to a 'real' person after the automated activation
refused to activate XP. If so what was there reason for refusing activation?

You say your son's pc crashed, what happened that was so terrible you had to
re-install. re-installing is the last resort, usually it is possible to get
the machine working again without a re-install - well unless the hard drive
or some other hardware component dies.


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this mail..
 
'Lisa' wrote:
| My kid's computer (no internet) crashed. I had to reinstall windows. I
| did not receive a CD with that acer computer, so I used a different XP
| CD. Well, apparently that will not work. I called with the code and the
| recording at Microsoft would not give me an activation code. I only
| have 6 days left. My autistic son is going to freak if his computer
| goes down again. Please help! Thanks
_____

Contact Acer customer support. Acer is responsible for supporting Windows
XP for their products, and should be a source for a copy of their OEM
Windows XP installation CD.

Phil Weldon

| My kid's computer (no internet) crashed. I had to reinstall windows. I
| did not receive a CD with that acer computer, so I used a different XP
| CD. Well, apparently that will not work. I called with the code and the
| recording at Microsoft would not give me an activation code. I only
| have 6 days left. My autistic son is going to freak if his computer
| goes down again. Please help! Thanks
|
 
Lisa said:
My kid's computer (no internet) crashed. I had to reinstall windows. I
did not receive a CD with that acer computer, so I used a different XP
CD. Well, apparently that will not work. I called with the code and the
recording at Microsoft would not give me an activation code. I only
have 6 days left. My autistic son is going to freak if his computer
goes down again. Please help! Thanks
Click to expand...

If the Acer computer was purchased new then they were required to
provide you with *a method* by which the operating system could be
reinstalled. This does not necessarily mean a CD. It could be a disk
image file contained in a hidden partition on the hard drive.

Contact the vendor your purchased the computer from or Acer tech
support for assistance with this.

If you purchased the computer used then you need to contact the person
who sold it to you.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
I purchased this computer from a guy who bought it from a school
auction. I have no way of contacting him. I'm not even sure it's an
acer, it may just be an acer case. I have no way of contacting him. I
don't have his number anymore.
I had no idea my "easy fix" of reinstalling the OS (was just games on
it no data) would have turned out to be so complicated. The computer
was no longer detecting the hard drive, that's why I reinstalled and
then it worked except for this SMALL activation problem.
Do I need to buy the retail version to fix this mess, or is there some
way to get a code from Microsoft?
Lisa
 
I purchased this computer from a guy who bought it from a school
auction. I'm not even sure it's an
acer, it may just be an acer case. I have no way of contacting him. I
don't have his number anymore.
I had no idea my "easy fix" of reinstalling the OS (was just games on
it no data) would have turned out to be so complicated. The computer
was no longer detecting the hard drive, that's why I reinstalled and
then it worked except for this SMALL activation problem.
Do I need to buy the retail version to fix this mess, or is there some
way to get a code from Microsoft?
Lisa
 
Lisa said:
I purchased this computer from a guy who bought it from a school
auction. I'm not even sure it's an
acer, it may just be an acer case. I have no way of contacting him. I
don't have his number anymore.
I had no idea my "easy fix" of reinstalling the OS (was just games on
it no data) would have turned out to be so complicated. The computer
was no longer detecting the hard drive, that's why I reinstalled and
then it worked except for this SMALL activation problem.
Do I need to buy the retail version to fix this mess, or is there some
way to get a code from Microsoft?
Lisa
Click to expand...

You need a full retail version and do a clean install. Probably a
generic OEM would work too, but they can be almost as expensive as
retail to the end user. You would need to get drivers, too. I'll give
you some links to free system inventory programs.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#reinstall_Windows - What
you need on-hand

Malke
 
Lisa said:
I purchased this computer from a guy who bought it from a school
auction. I have no way of contacting him. I'm not even sure it's an
acer, it may just be an acer case. I have no way of contacting him. I
don't have his number anymore.
I had no idea my "easy fix" of reinstalling the OS (was just games on
it no data) would have turned out to be so complicated. The computer
was no longer detecting the hard drive, that's why I reinstalled and
then it worked except for this SMALL activation problem.
Do I need to buy the retail version to fix this mess, or is there some
way to get a code from Microsoft?
Lisa
Click to expand...

Try contacting Acer Tech Support anyway. Explain the situation fully
and see if there is any way you can acquire a new set of System
Recovery disks for this model. That would probably be cheaper than
purchasing a new copy of Windows, which is about your only other
option.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
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