Windows XP Yelling about CD Key

[Arcane_Disciple]

I had the most unfortunate experience of having my main computer's hard drive die this week. Since I was planing an upgrade it was no biggie, but thats not why we are here. My problem is that when I install windows xp it tells me that the cd key is already registred. Well no kidding, its mine. Go fig. Who do I call? Do I call Dell since it is still under warrenty or do I call Microsoft to attempt to explain to them what went on?

I don't want any smart @$$ comments about installing linux. I just it, it's on its on computer. I need windows to run some programs for school.

[sharth]

well, its the whole offtopic thing.

but its call dell or call up your buddy microsoft.

[Darkbolt]

I know you didnt want any wisecracks, but this IS a linux help forum, and probably ISN'T the best place to get windows help :p

[CaptainPinko]

look for an oem version of xp. the oem version checks the bios and if it confirms that your bios then it then it disab;e all that product registration stuff. else find a copy of xp pro with the devil's own cd key... you can't upgrade to SP1 but even with it there ar eso many holes it really doesn't matter

[JusKickNit]

Originally posted by CaptainPinko
look for an oem version of xp. the oem version checks the bios and if it confirms that your bios then it then it disab;e all that product registration stuff. else find a copy of xp pro with the devil's own cd key... you can't upgrade to SP1 but even with it there ar eso many holes it really doesn't matter


Why would you call D/L an illegal version of software. When you have a legit copy. Choose Register by telephone. And it gives you a number to call. When you call them the already have your computer on file so I't shouldn't be any trouble.

[janet loves bill]

Originally posted by JusKickNit
When you call them the already have your computer on file so I't shouldn't be any trouble.

A secondary point is this.........M$ should not have anyone's computer on file....it's none of their business what equipment people use..............
this is why most consider XP to be spyware!! You should not have to call Uncle Bill and get permission to upgrade your hardware or do a Re-install.

[glussier]

A secondary point is this.........M$ should not have anyone's computer on file....it's none of their business what equipment people use..............


Winxp check the changes on your hardware locally on your hard-drive. In fact, the winxp install doesn't even check online for your cdkey. The cdkey is inquired, even before your computer is configured to go online. So, if Arcane_Disciple had a wrong cd key message during the winxp install, he either made a mistake when he typed the key on his keyboard, or he is using a bootleg copy of winxp.

[deanrantala]

Not to promote bootlegin'.... But...

If you are having problems with that copy, try the err.... "kazaa" version. Ahem... Once installed with the FCKGW-..... key, use the product ID crack to change the ID BACK to your legit key. Call MS and tell them you need to re-activate your windowsXP. They will argue for a couple minutes and (hopefully) fix it.

In any event, you got a working XP copy that you are LEGALY ENTITLED to use on a single copy (you do have the liscence sticker on the side of the pc - right?)

I have had to do this for a couple customers im my shop who completely lost the restore disk.

Even if MS isn't nice - you still got a working copy of XP that you are LEGALY entitled to use....

[dungscooperdave]

Originally posted by janet loves bill
A secondary point is this.........M$ should not have anyone's computer on file....it's none of their business what equipment people use..............
this is why most consider XP to be spyware!! You should not have to call Uncle Bill and get permission to upgrade your hardware or do a Re-install.
BUT, of course there's no need to complain about this since no one's forced to purchase, install, or even use WinXP in the first place.

[YorkshireYank]

The problem happened becuse your computer was "Activated" and as part of that process, XP takes an inventory of your system's hardware and creates a unique key from that inventory... when you changed your HDD you changed your system's inventory which therefore generates a differnet key and is not recognized as your machine...

if you call dell then they're just going to tell you to call M$ (trust me, i work for gateway and do it several times a week) because dell doesn't have any way to help you, there is a direct number to M$ for these kind of activation issues - i think it gives you the tel # if you say you want to activate by phone, call that number and explain what happened, the people over there are usually happy to help in genuine cases like this..

it may actually be worth calling dell to find out if they have an automated XP install, i know with gateway' system restoration program, if you do it wrong then it will ask for a PID and refuse to accept anything..

good luck

[irlandes]

I realize the XP topic was not related to linux. But, I can sure understand the OP´s use of this forum, because justlinux has some of the smartest people in the world, so why not? I´ve done it myself.

[deanrantala]

M$ is also much more inclined to help you when you got a system biulders liscense:)

[dungscooperdave]

what the heck is that and what do you need one for

[deanrantala]

A liscensed system biulder is someone who registers with M$ and gets nice benifits like $60 - $90 dollars/copy of Windows XP. Once you are registered (wich is free), you get in touch with a M$ authorized dealer and buy the OEM system biulder kits and all the nice little cracking tools that warez sites are always trying to get ahold of - except with Billy's blessings:) You usually have to open an account with the dealer, but it is well worth it if you biuld a lot of systems for people with windows - and do it leagally.

Heres some of the nice little peices of software that you can get once registered and have an account..

1)rollback software that forever resets the product activation.
2)Easy to use software that lets you put custom logos and personal support info (i.e. your bussiness logo/ phone#) on the "help and support areas of winows and in large print when you right click on "properties" for "my computer"
3)Nice pre-installation kits that include really nice diagnostic software and other utilities.
4) And of coarse, the Copies of windows itself - except it does not come in the "retail" boxes. Instead it is a simple shrink wrapped CD, "getting started manual", and liscense sticker to stick on the case.

A lot of the M$ reps, are usually a little nicer when you say " I'm a liscensed system biulder and need to re-activate a customers PC":D

Find out more about it here http://www.microsoft.com/oem/main.asp

[JusKickNit]

Originally posted by janet loves bill
A secondary point is this.........M$ should not have anyone's computer on file....it's none of their business what equipment people use..............
this is why most consider XP to be spyware!! You should not have to call Uncle Bill and get permission to upgrade your hardware or do a Re-install.



I agree, but that's why I'm using Linux and not XP. But he asked about XP and that's the way that M$ runs.

[Artimus]

I've had to call M$ before. I flat out lied and they gave me the activation code, anyway...

[ibzrg470]

Originally posted by dungscooperdave
BUT, of course there's no need to complain about this since no one's forced to purchase, install, or even use WinXP in the first place.

Not to get into a debate here or anything but, youre wrong. Sure no one holds a gun to anyone else's head while you hand M$ the cash, but be realistic about it at the least.

Simple fact is, MOST (not all) companies develop software for windows only. There are some apps you just cant get to run with wine, or other "emulator" or "compatability layer" software. Microsoft currently holds 95% of the PC desktop market, thats a fact, and depending on what software you want to run, you may NOT have a choice.

[deanrantala]

Good point. But you should know that once you have broken loose of those restraints, you find much more pleasure in choice.

[JusKickNit]

Originally posted by ibzrg470
Not to get into a debate here or anything but, youre wrong. Sure no one holds a gun to anyone else's head while you hand M$ the cash, but be realistic about it at the least.

Simple fact is, MOST (not all) companies develop software for windows only. There are some apps you just cant get to run with wine, or other "emulator" or "compatability layer" software. Microsoft currently holds 95% of the PC desktop market, thats a fact, and depending on what software you want to run, you may NOT have a choice.



You have a point, But he's not wrong. You alway's have a choice. You choose to run those apps, and you DON'T have too.



My .02

[Arcane_Disciple]

Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to give M$ a call tonight to see what I can get done. I also have to get a new key for my copy of .Net anyhow so I might as well. Aside from gaming thats the only thing I really use XP for anyhow. For everything else, there's Linux.

I do have an authentic copy of XP with the key on the horried orange sticker for all of those who may be wondering. Not that I am saying you are, but you are. Don't lie. I don't mind, really...

[CMonster]

deanrantala - thank you for proving that not all Linux users lack integrity, I like what you had to say, particularly this:A liscensed system biulder is someone who registers with M$ and gets nice benifits like $60 - $90 dollars/copy of Windows XP. Once you are registered (wich is free), you get in touch with a M$ authorized dealer and buy the OEM system biulder kits and all the nice little cracking tools that warez sites are always trying to get ahold of - except with Billy's blessings You usually have to open an account with the dealer, but it is well worth it if you biuld a lot of systems for people with windows - and do it leagally. "and do it legally" gotta love that! finally an honest man! Sometimes it seems like 50% of users have unlicensed copies of Windows.

[dungscooperdave]

Originally posted by ibzrg470
Not to get into a debate here or anything but, youre wrong. Sure no one holds a gun to anyone else's head while you hand M$ the cash, but be realistic about it at the least.

Simple fact is, MOST (not all) companies develop software for windows only. There are some apps you just cant get to run with wine, or other "emulator" or "compatability layer" software. Microsoft currently holds 95% of the PC desktop market, thats a fact, and depending on what software you want to run, you may NOT have a choice.
Actually, I know people that were able to survive perfectly fine years before Microsoft was even founded. ;)

[dungscooperdave]

Originally posted by JusKickNit
You have a point, But he's not wrong. You alway's have a choice. You choose to run those apps, and you DON'T have too.
My point exactly.

[psi42]

Originally posted by deanrantala
Not to promote bootlegin'.... But...

If you are having problems with that copy, try the err.... "kazaa" version. Ahem... Once installed with the FCKGW-..... key, use the product ID crack to change the ID BACK to your legit key. Call MS and tell them you need to re-activate your windowsXP. They will argue for a couple minutes and (hopefully) fix it.


Sounds great. In order to comply with M$ activation rules, you need to use an illegal crack to use the operating system you already paid for. Wonderful.

Is it just me or is micro$oft's logic a little off?

:)

[deanrantala]

Thats how it goes.

Actually, the crack that changes the product key is NOT illeagal. The only ehh... "fuzzy" part of what I described is the hour it takes for you to finish installing the OS before you change your ID back. Technically speaking.

I have installed "fuzzy" copies of XP on personal systems from time to time, but they usually don't last more than a week - just for testing a particular system or to walk someone through the installation proccess (yeah, I do that once and a while).

Software piracy has got to the point where it almost seems "ok". Saddly, if you think about it, Microsoft has done the magority of making it as bad as it is.

Remember, anyone who can make it in this business - and do it honestly, is that much better than Billy and the storm troopers.

[elderdays]

Just call SCO. I can hear it now...."What?! Microsoft uses a 'key' code. We own that idea. They owe us a gigabillion dollars. By the way....you owe us $30 for us letting you use XP and 29.95 for our time on the phone, which we invented."

[deanrantala]

We don't want to be using that 3 letter word on this thread now (S*O) - otherwise one of them mods might lock it for illeagal use of someones intellectual property - i.e. their name.:)

[psi42]

I wonder if I could claim intellectual property rights to the phrase "intellectual property."

[leonpmu]

maybe we need to ask the mods to create a new forum called way,way,waaaayyy off topic :D

I mean the way the last few threads were heading with SCaaaarghh, I cant even say the name... anyway you guys know what I mean!!!

LOL

:D :D ;)

[psi42]

Originally posted by leonpmu
maybe we need to ask the mods to create a new forum called way,way,waaaayyy off topic :D


How about a /dev/null forum? :):):D:)

[ibzrg470]

Originally posted by dungscooperdave
Actually, I know people that were able to survive perfectly fine years before Microsoft was even founded. ;)

True, but prior to M$ and the boom of the PC market in the 80's an 90's; the world was not dependant on computers.

People do have a choice, there is always a choice, but certaint choices may not be available. Unless I misread the thread, I though the poster said he needed an installation of XP to do schoolwork, and I assumed that just not using XP all together was not an option, so I omitted that option in my post.

[deanrantala]

If I'm not mistaken, before M$ became the superbully, VAX/VMS, CP/M-80, and Unix ruled the Computer world.

BTW: MSDOS was almost a clone of CP/M - if you've ever used CP/M you would especially know what I mean. DOS was more less a 16 bit version.:rolleyes:

[ibzrg470]

Originally posted by deanrantala
If I'm not mistaken, before M$ became the superbully, VAX/VMS, CP/M-80, and Unix ruled the Computer world.

BTW: MSDOS was almost a clone of CP/M - if you've ever used CP/M you would especially know what I mean. DOS was more less a 16 bit version.:rolleyes:

We still use VMS where I work. Talk about a piece of crap. I do have to give M$ this much, they really put the GUI in the mainstreem. I dont have a problem with the command line, but GUIs are just so much easier.

[glussier]

If I'm not mistaken, before M$ became the superbully, VAX/VMS, CP/M-80, and Unix ruled the Computer world.


If I'm not mistaken IBM, with the mainframe 360s and 370s were the kings in the 60s and 70s. And, in the mini, probably PDP was more popular than VAX. And, finally while CP/M 80 was the most popular o/s on micro-computers, it was at a time when the micro computer wasn't popular at all, except for the few exceptions who were running Visicalc and Wordstar.

[JusKickNit]

It's funny how a post starts out, and then how it ends up:D

[deanrantala]

We should start a "battle of the OS's" thread just for the hell of it.

Before you bash me for doing it, just head over there and see what it's about.:)

[Arcane_Disciple]

I like how this is all ending up. Its like a conversation that one would have in person. Just flowing from one topic to another.

[sasKuatch]

Originally posted by ibzrg470
Not to get into a debate here or anything but, youre wrong. Sure no one holds a gun to anyone else's head while you hand M$ the cash, but be realistic about it at the least.

Simple fact is, MOST (not all) companies develop software for windows only. There are some apps you just cant get to run with wine, or other "emulator" or "compatability layer" software. Microsoft currently holds 95% of the PC desktop market, thats a fact, and depending on what software you want to run, you may NOT have a choice.

The only certain things in life are death and taxes. In other words, you do have a choice regarding OS's.

[glussier]

Oh, both of these cd keys are everywhere on the net so its not like I'm letting them out of the bag or anything.



Still, seems to me that this is against the Acceptable Use Policies of this forum.

[Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379]

Originally posted by glussier
Still, seems to me that this is against the Acceptable Use Policies of this forum.

Quite right. It's been deleted.

Please folks, let's keep this on-topic. The guy needs help with the activation code on his system, and there are perfectly legal ways of remedying this problem. Let's knock off the warez or "fuzzy" suggestions, please, or else this thread will have to get locked.

[glussier]

Well, if the key doesn't work and he calls Microsoft, they will issue him a new key, as simple as that.