Windows XP activation

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Guest

I'm attempting to install a new motherboard and have already had major
problems as I have been unable to use my existing hard drive as it has not
been recognised. I have therefore reinstalled Windows XP Pro on a new hard
drive and I intend to copy over files and settings from the old drive using
the Files & Serttings transfer wizard. However, in trying to update XP with
Windows Updates I have to activate my XP software and the activation site
won't accept my authorisation code. I assume this is because it has already
been activated on my original installation. Is it possible that this will be
copied across when I transfer settings with the wizard, or have I come up
against an insurmountable problem? Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Rod Smith said:
I'm attempting to install a new motherboard and have already had major
problems as I have been unable to use my existing hard drive as it has not
been recognised. I have therefore reinstalled Windows XP Pro on a new hard
drive and I intend to copy over files and settings from the old drive using
the Files & Serttings transfer wizard. However, in trying to update XP with
Windows Updates I have to activate my XP software and the activation site
won't accept my authorisation code. I assume this is because it has already
been activated on my original installation. Is it possible that this will be
copied across when I transfer settings with the wizard, or have I come up
against an insurmountable problem? Any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...

If your Windows XP came bundled with the computer when it was new then
you likely have a BIOS Locked OEM version that will not activate
automatically unless it is installed on a motherboard from that
specific OEM and which Microsoft will not activate by telephone.

Is your old motherboard still usable? Can you reinstall it and boot
back into Windows XP with your old hard drive? If so then right-click
on My Computer, select Properties, and look at the Product i.d. code
which is shown on the last line of the "Registered to" section. If
the second secgment of that code reads OEM then you have an OEM
version of Windows XP. If the second segment is numeric then your
Windows XP is a retail or volume license version.

If your Windows XP is OEM then look in Programs - Accessories -
System Tools for an "Activate Windows" item. If that item is not on
the menu then your OEM Windows XP is BIOS Locked and you will not be
able to activate it on a motherboard from a different company.

Hope this is of some assistance.

Good luck

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

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
 
Thanks to both of you for your help. I have got an OEM version so I have
bought a full version to overcome the problem.
 
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