Windows XP Home product Key problem (please read)

[JoshO]

Hi everyone, I have had a similar problem with my windows XP, allow me to explain:

I had a new PC, around 4 years ago, with windows XP installed for me ( I was far younger at the time) well anyways, we had to chuck the thing as it had to keep getting repaired.

Yesterday, I set up my new computer, i had the product key written down on it, that did not work it said it was invalid, I then placed the disk into my dad's laptop and went into a folder called unattend.txt" or something like that, i discovered a different product key and then tried setting windows (and my PC) with that, once again I got told it was invalid. I then used my dad's product key (with the same disk i used before, he had windows pre-installed on his own laptop) and it worked, although I am getting worried about having to activate my windows XP home, as I have just under a month and am unsure of what to do.


Do i activate it anyway? Will it cause a problem if I do?

Any suggestion would be helpful, i have read past posts, but i would like to what action i should take.

Thank you in advance.

[sowalmatt]

Your best bet is to ring microsoft and tell them the situation. I had a similar problem before where I'd purchased a key and it told me it was invalid. Tell them that you've had to reinstall windows a few times before as sometimes this can be the problem. They simply gave me a new product key without questioning it.

all the best

[snowmonkey]

JoshO,

I you bought a system that had Windows XP and non that computer is not operatable of in the landfill.....your Windows Serial number is still good. Microsoft doesn't care if you have the computer in your basement or using it as door stopper.....as long as you have a valid key for it, you should be able to use it.

Even though you didn't use you own Windows CD to install Windows that doesn't mean you Windows Serial number is garbage.....what if your Cd is scratched! so what, you can use ANYONE else's CD as long as you use your own serial number and operating is the same.

So here is my suggestion, get "A" Windows XP Home CD and try installing the operating system, if it doesn't work then you can call MS, they are very understanding with this kind of stuff.


Cheers

[JoshO]

Hey guys, thanks for your help, I was just wondering, it is just the product key right? Are there any others i need to know about?

Just I've got a key know, looks like I've got to re-install windows, which is a bit annoying but needs must I suppose.

Just wondering though, what would happen if I just activated the key I have already? would something bad happen to my PC and my dads'?

Thanks again
x

[snowmonkey]

Nothing bad will happen...worst case scenario, it will come back and tell you that you can't activate or this number has been activated and you are victim of piracy.


Cheers