Need help Activating Windows XP with Dell CD...

[Chadder007]

I had to install a new hard drive to an Averatec laptop that is 2 years old, but I couldn't find the Windows XP Home CD. I borrowed a Dell XP Home CD and installed it and then used a Key changer so that I could change the Windows installation key to the one that is on the bottom of the laptop. (So yes, this laptop does have a license that is supposed to go with it for XP Home). Activation wizard keeps popping up and says that my key is invalid....Does anyone know what else I could do? Anyone have an Averatec restore cd?

 

[Chadder007]

Just realized....this thing didn't come with a restore CD but one of those @*()#@() restoration partitions.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Chadder007
Activation wizard keeps popping up and says that my key is invalid....Does anyone know what else I could do? Anyone have an Averatec restore cd?

Activate by phone

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: Chadder007
Activation wizard keeps popping up and says that my key is invalid....Does anyone know what else I could do? Anyone have an Averatec restore cd?

Activate by phone

^^^^ What he said by phone using the Avertec CD Key.

pcgeek11

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

^^^^ What he said by phone using the Avertec CD Key.pcgeek11

:thumbsup:

 

[1kayaker]

I have the same situation. But I didn't think a Dell CD would work to install on a non Dell computer. Can someone clarify this before I waste my time? I have a valid Averatec CD Key but no disk. I do have a Dell XP home disk from another computer. Are you saying I can use the dell disk and call in the activation using my Averatec Windows key?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: 1kayaker
Are you saying I can use the dell disk and call in the activation using my Averatec Windows key?

Microsoft considers it a form of piracy to do this....but they may allow a telephone activation anyway.