Me said:
i have recently had to re-install windows xp, as i had to re-boot
the hard disk.... windows now seems to not recognise the product
key i have for my computer... is there any way i can fix this? or
is gates such a bitch i have to buy a new copy of the OS?
Will said:
What, if any, error messages are you seeing?
none.......... it just says that the product key is not valid, even
though its the one on the bottom of my laptop (on the windows
certificate sticker)
I assume "re-boot the hard disk" means the hard disk drive had to be
replaced?
In any case, you are installing Windows XP onto this computer. You have the
CD Key on a sticker stuck to the bottom of the computer (in this case, this
is a laptop.) What this means is that you have an OEM installation media
and that key has to match the CD you have.
The question is - is that the original CD that came with the laptop?
Have you contacted those you purchased the laptop from to see if they can
help? (they chose to sell you and OEM license for Windows XP - they are your
direct line of support for said software.)
If it is not the original CD that came with the laptop - you should contact
them and see if they will send you a new one.
You may be able (MAY) to borrow a generic OEM Windows XP CD (of the same
version - Home, Pro, etc) from a friend/co-worker/etc and use it with your
CD key.
You will also want someone to look at and read off the CD Key to you - you
write down what they say.. Why? Because everyone has their moments of "Oh -
you mean that's a zero and not an O? Or a five and not an S?" <- don't let
your frustration build up to a boiling point because of a smeared letter otr
mistake such as that.
