help w/ installing XP Pro on some HP Desktops....

[ctcsoft]

I've been trying for a couple days to reformat and install windows XP Pro on these HP d530 towers I bought from a company that went under..

I cannot get XP Pro to accept my license key that comes from the COA sticker on the case.

Anyone have any ideas why? Its really aggravating and I hope I don't have to order some special install CD from HP.

TIA...

 

[redbeard1]

Where in the process is it complaining about the key? During the install from CD? Or when you go to activate it?

 

[RebateMonger]

First, you aren't using an HP OEM Install CD. If you had HP disks you wouldn't have to insert a Key at all.

Second, the type of Key must match the type of Install CD. OEM Keys for OEM CDs, Retail Keys for Retail CDs. You want an OEM Install CD to use an OEM Key. Preferably an HP OEM version, but a generic OEM CD will work, too. See below.

Third, once you get past this issue, Mcrosoft doesn't allow online Activation of name-brand COA Keys. You'll have to Activate via telephone. This is to prevent folks from stealing Key numbers from HP PCs sitting on store shelves and using those Keys to install XP on their own PCs.

 

[ctcsoft]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
First, you aren't using an HP OEM Install CD. If you had HP disks you wouldn't have to insert a Key at all.

Second, the type of Key must match the type of Install CD. OEM Keys for OEM CDs, Retail Keys for Retail CDs. You want an OEM Install CD to use an OEM Key. Preferably an HP OEM version, but a generic OEM CD will work, too. See below.

Third, once you get past this issue, Mcrosoft doesn't allow online Activation of name-brand COA Keys. You'll have to Activate via telephone. This is to prevent folks from stealing Key numbers from HP PCs sitting on store shelves and using those Keys to install XP on their own PCs.

got it thanks.

 

[DrGreen2007]

Yeh, you need an OEM CDKey, I just redid (8) D530's with an OEM XP Pro Sp2 cd.

weird..2 activated over the net fine, 3 I had to call in and get the automated activation system, the other 3 I had to speak to someone to get the activation code