Windows XP Pro

[geokilla]

Microsoft has done it again....

I have a genuine Windows Pro Product Key (OEM). I updated my Windows product key using the Update tool from Microsoft's site. I type in my new product key and it says my Windows is genuine. Yay!

I used Norton Ghost to restore my computer. Then, I tried updating my product key again, but it says that my product key is already in use. I called Microsoft Tech support, talked with them for like 5 hours and they were of no help. So is there any way for me to use this genuine product key?

I understand that OEM keys cannot be transferred from one computer to another, but this key is being used on the same computer. I don't have the OEM CD or anything like that since I got this key from an old computer that my mom got from her workplace; all I have is the OEM product key.

I placed a similar topic under Technical Support because I didn't know that AT had a OS thread

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: geokilla
Microsoft has done it again....

I have a genuine Windows Pro Product Key (OEM). I updated my Windows product key using the Update tool from Microsoft's site. I type in my new product key and it says my Windows is genuine. Yay!

I used Norton Ghost to restore my computer. Then, I tried updating my product key again, but it says that my product key is already in use. I called Microsoft Tech support, talked with them for like 5 hours and they were of no help. So is there any way for me to use this genuine product key?

I understand that OEM keys cannot be transferred from one computer to another, but this key is being used on the same computer. I don't have the OEM CD or anything like that since I got this key from an old computer that my mom got from her workplace; all I have is the OEM product key.

I placed a similar topic under Technical Support because I didn't know that AT had a OS thread

You need to clarify your comments. Is this the computer your mom got you from work that you are trying to activate, or did your mom get you the product key from the old machine and your trying to activate that on your new rig?

Bill

 

[pcgeek11]

I don't have the OEM CD or anything like that since I got this key from an old computer that my mom got from her workplace; all I have is the OEM product key.

It sounds like you are transferring the OEM key from the old PC to your PC listed in your sig? If so it is obvious why you are having problems, if not then>>> ? please clarify

pcgeek11

 

[geokilla]

Ya. I'm using the product key from the old computer that my mom got and trying to activate it onto my rig. The product key worked before in my rig. It was working like a month ago and it's been working up until last week when I restored my computer using Norton Ghost. I forgot to make a new image that has the new product key.

Currently, I'm using the old "non-Genuine" product key and would like to use my OEM product key again on this computer. The old computer that my mom got is now....garbage.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: geokilla
Ya. I'm using the product key from the old computer that my mom got and trying to activate it onto my rig. The product key worked before in my rig. It was working like a month ago and it's been working up until last week when I restored my computer using Norton Ghost. I forgot to make a new image that has the new product key.

Currently, I'm using the old "non-Genuine" product key and would like to use my OEM product key again on this computer. The old computer that my mom got is now....garbage.

In which case there is nothing wrong, your attempting to use an invalid license key and are now complaining that you got caught. There is nothing we can do to help you other than suggest you buy a legitimate copy and install it.

 

[geokilla]

The one I'm trying to use is LEGIT. I have the certificate of authenticity sticker. I even told Microsoft the LEGIT product key and they said that it's a valid product key. I don't think work offices will use pirated copies of Windows....

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: geokilla
The one I'm trying to use is LEGIT. I have the certificate of authenticity sticker. I even told Microsoft the LEGIT product key and they said that it's a valid product key. I don't think work offices will use pirated copies of Windows....

You are incorrect. You posted that this is an OEM key, that OEM key is tied to the motherboard on the machine to which it was originally installed (or replacements if the motherboard failed). As YOU posted you took the OEM key from machine A (the office machine) and are now trying to use it on machine B (your machine). That is against the license, and as such piracy.

Sorry, what your trying to deal isn't allowed according to the license the company purchased their copy of Windows by. You taking or being given the sticker doesn't change that.

 

[geokilla]

How is that piracy? That OEM key worked on machine B (my computer). It doesn't work right now because I restored my computer using Norton Ghost to the point before the OEM key worked on machine B.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: geokilla
How is that piracy? That OEM key worked on machine B (my computer). It doesn't work right now because I restored my computer using Norton Ghost to the point before the OEM key worked on machine B.

Please read my answer. The license you are using is tied to the original machine. The fact that it worked for awhile on macihne B was just good luck on your part, you were still in violation of the license.

Sorry your not getting the answer you want, but you can't legally do what you want to do, therefore we can't help you get it fixed.

 

[geokilla]

So in the end...I guess this product key is useless?

 

[Mayfriday0529]

What bsobel has said is correct.
When you buy a system with a OEM license it is not transferable.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: geokilla
So in the end...I guess this product key is useless?

I'm afraid so IF you indeed have an OEM license. If your COA is for a full or upgrade version it IS transferable. The difference is the original purchaser was given a discount for accepting the license restriction (thats why OEM versions are cheaper than full or upgrade retail versions).

So, if your sure its OEM your stuck (sorry, I don't get any satisfaction telling you that, you obviously didn't know it wasnt allowed). If its retail then it is transferable and you just need to call the activaton number and tell them that.

Bill

 

[geokilla]

It's OEM. Well at least you guys were more help than of Microsoft and their Technical Support. Microsoft called me today though, trying to follow up with my product key incident.

Many thanks bsobel.

Microsoft even gave me another product key, but that key doesn't work.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: bsobel
That is against the license, and as such piracy.

Sorry Bill, but license/EULA violation != copyright infringement.
Companies are not allowed to dictate copyright law itself, that what the legislature is for.
The most they could do is sue for a contract violation. Which in this case is unlikely.
Stop drinking so much of the Microsoft kool-aid.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: geokilla
It's OEM. Well at least you guys were more help than of Microsoft and their Technical Support. Microsoft called me today though, trying to follow up with my product key incident.

Many thanks bsobel.

Microsoft even gave me another product key, but that key doesn't work.

Sounds like something else is the problem, and that MS were going to let you re-use the license. I've seen quite a few cases of that posted here, even for "OEM" licenses.

What about the new key "doesn't work"?

 

[sjandrewbsme]

I have an OEM copy of XP Pro I bought for a build with a gigabyte based P4 motherboard. When I upgraded to a new Asus A64 it wouldn't validate so I called MS and they gave me a new key over the phone and it validated fine. This was a while back (maybe ~1.5 years). It took about ~2 minutes and was pretty painless.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry

Originally posted by: bsobel
That is against the license, and as such piracy.

Sorry Bill, but license/EULA violation != copyright infringement.
Companies are not allowed to dictate copyright law itself, that what the legislature is for.
The most they could do is sue for a contract violation. Which in this case is unlikely.
Stop drinking so much of the Microsoft kool-aid.

In this case the OP doesnt have a valid windows license. There really isn't any need for you to try and confuse the issue.

 

[geokilla]

The new key that they gave me was invalid when I tried activating online through the updater tool.

 

[sjandrewbsme]

I would call them back. I've done this over the phone several times - some via their automated system and some with a real (albeit foreign) person. Every time it worked and wasn't that bad...

 

[bendixG15]

I find these type of threads very confusing.

I have WinXP Home, OEM, that I purchased here a few years ago (it is OEM for sure)
Last week, I switched out my Asus Mobo and stuck in a Gigabyte, reformated the hard drives, installed WinXP, and it validated without a hiccup.... no phone calls necesary.

The only thing I can think of is that its been over a year since my previous WinXP install.

Good Luck

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
I find these type of threads very confusing.

I have WinXP Home, OEM, that I purchased here a few years ago (it is OEM for sure)
Last week, I switched out my Asus Mobo and stuck in a Gigabyte, reformated the hard drives, installed WinXP, and it validated without a hiccup.... no phone calls necesary.

The only thing I can think of is that its been over a year since my previous WinXP install.

Good Luck

It may work if you get lucky, however you do not have a valid windows license based on what you said above.

 

[bendixG15]

bsobel - All I can say, is that if it works, it must be valid.

I got one OS on one computer, that satisfies the spirit of the law.

I did not buy the OS with any computer, so how can it be tied
to one motherboard ?

Anyways, I do not wish to waste time arguing a dead issue.

If it bothers you, then report me to Microsoft.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
bsobel - All I can say, is that if it works, it must be valid.

I got one OS on one computer, that satisfies the spirit of the law.

I did not buy the OS with any computer, so how can it be tied
to one motherboard ?

Anyways, I do not wish to waste time arguing a dead issue.

If it bothers you, then report me to Microsoft.

I have no intention or interest to report you. You however made a statement, and while you got lucky and it works, you've broken the license agreement. Now that you know that, you can decide what (if anything) you care to do about it. It's not my job to enforce MS's licenses.

As far as not buying with a computer, the OEM license you got states that once you install it on a machine it's tied to the motherboard. Read it if you like

 

[bendixG15]

Sure got some some self-righteous people on this forum who shout condemnations from ignorance.

They call that " deformation of character " which is illegal, assuming they are of age.

Hey, I didn't call you a thief.

Keep posting those half truths and sleep well.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
Sure got some some self-righteous people on this forum who shout condemnations from ignorance.

They call that " deformation of character " which is illegal, assuming they are of age.

Hey, I didn't call you a thief.

Keep posting those half truths and sleep well.

Which part of what he said is half-truth?
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/YourPC_do.mspx

I don't think he said you were a thief. He said you were not complying with the Microsoft license agreement.