product ID

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Guest

changed my motherboard due to problems. Now I can't access windows to get
product key for help because windows wants to activate before access is
granted. The original key comes up as invalid but I know its correct and
authentic. How can I get someone to help when I can't get at the product
key? Catch 22.
 
Scott;
Are you using the original CD that came with that Product Key?
There are many different types and they are not compatible with each other.

If you have an OEM computer, you may no longer be able to use your Product
Key and CD.

Look very closely, S-5, O-0, I-1, G-6 and others look alike.
Have someone else try, sometimes another set of eyes and fingers can get it
correct.
 
scott said:
changed my motherboard due to problems. Now I can't access windows to get
product key for help because windows wants to activate before access is
granted. The original key comes up as invalid but I know its correct and
authentic. How can I get someone to help when I can't get at the product
key? Catch 22.
Click to expand...

If your original Windows XP came bundled with the new computer (= OEM
version) and if your replacement motherboard is not from the same
manufacturer/assembler that produced the computer then you may be out
of luck.

Many OEM versions of Windows XP, especially those sold within the last
3 years or so, use the SLP or BIOS Locking procedure. These OEM
versions are self-activating when installed on a computer with a
motherboard BIOS that is from that same manufacturer/assembler. These
versions will not activate over the Interent and a telephone request
for manual activation will usually be declined.

You might repeat might get some assistance from Microsoft if your
situation is as I have described it and if you are unable to obtain a
replacement motherboard from the original computer
manufacturer/assembler.

Hope this explains the situation.

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."
 
scott said:
changed my motherboard due to problems. Now I can't access windows to get
product key for help because windows wants to activate before access is
granted. The original key comes up as invalid but I know its correct and
authentic. How can I get someone to help when I can't get at the product
key? Catch 22.
Click to expand...

I bought an OEM version of windows and installed it because I was getting
blue screens of death & thought a software change would help. It hasn't. So
now I'm faced with doing what Scott has done or buying a new machine. I can
see that Dell/HP etc oem sofware will be linked to the BIOS but if I attempt
to install my non specific oem windows will it work on a new & different
machine? Or will I still not be able to use the oem windows even if it was
not part of an oem bundle?

Any thoughts welcomed.

Mike
 
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