Windows XP Activation Issues

[DaGato]

Hello, everyone.

I bought an original OEM version of Windows XP. I know that it's authentic because it accepts the Product Key. However, when I attempted to activate it online, it said that the CD key is not valid for the country I am installing from. If Microsoft is truly a global company, they shouldn't have placed restrictions like these. And so what if it's OEM, as long as the copy is legal, isn't it?

Now my question is, I know of several workarounds, but I really would like to try doing things the Microsoft way for the sake of experience because I finally managed to save up to buy an authentic copy. Is there any workaround to this prior to me contacting Microsoft? I tried activating through various proxy servers in various countries, and I tried changing my region in my System - both to no avail. I keep getting redirected to a page coaxing me to buy Windows 7 Home Premium, Pro or Ultimate....

BUT I WANT TO ACTIVATE WINDOWS XP!!!

 

[lxskllr]

They're just looking out for you. Win7 really is better :^P

I don't have much to offer. Maybe try reinstalling, and list everything according to the appropriate country, and activate through a proxy first time through. Maybe something is getting saved somewhere, that a reinstall would fix.

 

[corkyg]

If you contact Microsoft, they would solve the problem quickly.

 

[Nothinman]

Hello, everyone.

I bought an original OEM version of Windows XP. I know that it's authentic because it accepts the Product Key. However, when I attempted to activate it online, it said that the CD key is not valid for the country I am installing from. If Microsoft is truly a global company, they shouldn't have placed restrictions like these.

MS can be a global company and still have certain products with random restrictions in various countries, usually related to local laws.

And so what if it's OEM, as long as the copy is legal, isn't it?

Not if you're using in some way that violates the license. If you're not, why not just call MS?

 

[Lifted]

Is there something on the packaging that says not for sale outside 'some country', or other wording that says it will not work outside of a certain country or region? Call MS and ask about it.

 

[bruceb]

Run this tool and see what it says

http://wga-diagnostic-tool.software.informer.com/

You may need to post at Microsoft support forum here:

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/genuine

 

[tcsenter]

Now my question is, I know of several workarounds, but I really would like to try doing things the Microsoft way for the sake of experience because I finally managed to save up to buy an authentic copy.

In your zeal to "buy an authentic copy", it seems you may have went for some suspiciously cheap copy from a questionable source or reseller who is selling misdirected product that isn't supposed to be acquired or sold outside of the region it was intended.

IOW, try a little "harder" to get legit next time. In the meantime, I would contact the seller and demand an exchange for legit product.

 

[Baasha]

doing things the Microsoft way

lol....

 

[Sephire]

Call them.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

You didn't buy this from a Nigerian Prince did you?

 

[Lanyap]

Where did you buy it from and what country are you in?