Why do full versions of Windows sometimes refuse to install on notebooks?

[uOpt]

Why do full versions of Windows sometimes refuse to install on notebooks?

Some time ago I had my full legal boxed version of Win2K refuse to install on my thinkpad. Says invalid key, installs elsewhere.

Now a friend of mine is now struggling with installing XP professional (which she needs for some stuff required for SQL) on a Fujitsu notebook that came with media edition. Full boxed version, installs on desktops, refuses on the notebook. Says invalid key on the Fujitsu, installs elsewhere.

Is that because they have some other version of Windoze in the hidden partitions used for recovery?

How do I solve this?

 

[imported_Ned Flanders]

Are you using the OEM key from the laptop or the Retail key to install?

 

[uOpt]

The key that comes with the retail OS.

I don't want/need any trace of the old OS.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: MartinCracauerIs that because they have some other version of Windoze in the hidden partitions used for recovery? How do I solve this?

That is a possibility. A solution is a total FDISK/start over with the HDD - eliminate all partitions. Or . . . try a different HDD that is totally clean.

 

[uOpt]

You know, in Germany they have a law that says that things that require accessories to make any real use of must be sold with those accessories.

For example, if you sell electronics that require batteries you have to include those batteries.

They now want to force Microsoft to ship Windows XP with a rope.

 

[corkyg]

Ha. ha! That makes sense. But - if I were Microsoft, and that were an issue - the solution is easy. Don't sell it in Germany. The free market is a two way street.

 

[Nocturnal]

The keys are locked to specific versions such as OEM, retail and or corporate. You need to actually use the right version. So, if your friend is trying to install WinXP Pro onto his or her laptop using his or her Windows XP MCE CD-Key that does not work and will not work.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Ha. ha! That makes sense. But - if I were Microsoft, and that were an issue - the solution is easy. Don't sell it in Germany. The free market is a two way street.

Revenge would be a bitch, but don't forget the many millions of (insert local currency here) that would be lost in retreating from any market, especially a whole damn country.