Windows XP Validation problem

[Spike]

I put this in the software section first as I was too blind to notice the OS forum...

Ok, first off let me specify, I, like lots here, had my pirate days with software but now that I have a steady job I am getting away from that. If what I am trying to do is illegal then please, let me know. As far as I know I tried something that I thought was legal and appears to not have worked. On that note, let me continue...

About a month ago my wifes IBM T23 laptop hit that time in it's life when it needed to be reloaded. After a few days of searching, I could not find her reload CD anywhere. Being the smart person I am, I figured I would use another copy of XP pro (non oem, non retail version recieved at a MS launch event for free) and use the code stuck to the bottom of her laptop. Naturally that code did not work as the versions where different so I used a key I found online in the meantime. After installation I went to activate it and tried to use her legite key. This did not work as well so I had to call up MS, explain the situation, get a activate code, and activate her copy.

Well, that worked just fine until after I finished installing SP 2. I go for more updates and it tells me my copy failed validation. I know that I can get around this by that simply command in IE but this bugs me as I called them up specifically for an activiation code.

Fast forward to a few days ago. Same thing again, only this time with a friends machine. He is having problem after problem with his HP desktop. I reload it using my CD as his is nowhere to be found, use his key (yes, he has a XP pro key on the side of his box) go through the same activiation thing and whammo, same issue as before.

Now I know that if I turn auto-update on these machines (which I did) they update automatically though it is kinda bugging me that MS sees them as invalid. What are my options to get a "valid" Windows XP install short of finding the original reload CD's and doing reloads on the machines? If my friend could find his CD then it would be no big deal as I only have his machine loaded with XP, I am letting him update/reload everything else. With my wifes machine a reload would be a much bigger deal so I am keen to avoid that.

Sorry for the long post, I am just a little confused about this whole validation/activiation thing, you would thing that having a MS activiated product would also mean it's valid...

Thanks for any replies!

-spike

 

[RebateMonger]

As you are discovering, losing your original OEM CD is a big deal. Make an archival backup of the CD when you get a new PC and put it away somewhere safe. Some manufacturers won't even sell you one after your original warranty expires.

This is one reason why I consider OEM XP as "throw away". You get it dirt-cheap with a new PC. If you lose it, be prepared to simply buy a new Retail copy or to pay for an OEM CD from the manufacturer. Or to run around in circles with Microsoft's Activation and Validation engines.

As you are also discovering the Activation and the Validation databases at Microsoft appear to be independent. It's entirely possible to successfully Activate XP and still have the Validation engine refuse you.

 

[Spike]

Yah, that is what I am finding out. I am pretty much ready to say "screw it" and leave them doing the auto-update thing. If anyone ever comes along and cry's foul I will simply point to the genuine MS sticker on the side. I may be able to get a new cd for the IBM laptop as it had a three year warranty and I believe three years is not quite up yet...

-spike

 

[TG2]

On either of those systems (yor friends and your wifes), you wont be able to activate online, you will have to call to get an activation code.
This is because MS disabled Internet activation for the CDKeys from large OEM's.
(there reasoning is you wont be using an install CD and typing in the CDKey on the side of the case, youd be using the restore CD that came with the PC containing an already activated image)

 

[Smilin]

if you are having problems with your OEM copy from IBM, why are you calling MS?

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: TG2
On either of those systems (yor friends and your wifes), you wont be able to activate online, you will have to call to get an activation code.
This is because MS disabled Internet activation for the CDKeys from large OEM's.
(there reasoning is you wont be using an install CD and typing in the CDKey on the side of the case, youd be using the restore CD that came with the PC containing an already activated image)

Originally posted by: Smilin
if you are having problems with your OEM copy from IBM, why are you calling MS?

*sigh* Did either of you actually read the thread? TG2, as plainly stated I DID call MS and had them give me an activation code which properlay activated both copies of windows, it is the validation that is failing.

Smilin, as I stated above I am looking for solutions outside of contacting the companies that issued the computers as each is most likely outside of it's warranty. I want to see if anyone has the ability to make the machines valid with their legal keys without reloading. If all I have to do is call HP and IBM(Lenevo now) and have them send me a new CD for free then I would be all over that, but I doubt that is the case.

-spike

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Spike
Yah, that is what I am finding out. I am pretty much ready to say "screw it" and leave them doing the auto-update thing.

The problem with the auto-update thing is that, sometimes, you want other downloads, and you can't download them. And you can't install certain MS add-ins, like the "Windows XP Shared Computer Toolkit" until you've Activated AND Validated.

Regarding obtaining XP Install CDs from OEMs. I had a client that recently called Gateway to replace a long-lost XP Install CD. The computer was out of warranty. She tells me that Gateway wanted $300 for the XP CD and $300 for the Applications CD. I didn't make the phone call, so I can't verify those numbers.

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: Spike
Yah, that is what I am finding out. I am pretty much ready to say "screw it" and leave them doing the auto-update thing.

The problem with the auto-update thing is that, sometimes, you want other downloads, and you can't download them. And you can't install certain MS add-ins, like the "Windows XP Shared Computer Toolkit" until you've Activated AND Validated.

Regarding obtaining XP Install CDs from OEMs. I had a client that recently called Gateway to replace a long-lost XP Install CD. The computer was out of warranty. She tells me that Gateway wanted $300 for the XP CD and $300 for the Applications CD. I didn't make the phone call, so I can't verify those numbers.

$300 is freaking crazy. I am really tempted to dl a OEM verson of XP and use that to reinstall the HP at least and maybe the IBM when I feel I have the time. I'm sure the next time we move I will find the cd sitting around...

-spike

 

[bruceb]

See this link as an easy way to bypass Windows Validation ... you do have a legit os and key from ms

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/fo...xp/23046-windows-validation-trick.html

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: bruceb
See this link as an easy way to bypass Windows Validation ... you do have a legit os and key from ms

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/fo...xp/23046-windows-validation-trick.html

Thank you so much!! That worked prefectly and saves me from having to dig through my closets forever. It may not be the best way to fix my issue but since it works I have no complaints. Thanks again!

-spike

 

[Smilin]

Originally posted by: Spike

Originally posted by: TG2
On either of those systems (yor friends and your wifes), you wont be able to activate online, you will have to call to get an activation code.
This is because MS disabled Internet activation for the CDKeys from large OEM's.
(there reasoning is you wont be using an install CD and typing in the CDKey on the side of the case, youd be using the restore CD that came with the PC containing an already activated image)

Originally posted by: Smilin
if you are having problems with your OEM copy from IBM, why are you calling MS?

*sigh* Did either of you actually read the thread? TG2, as plainly stated I DID call MS and had them give me an activation code which properlay activated both copies of windows, it is the validation that is failing.

Smilin, as I stated above I am looking for solutions outside of contacting the companies that issued the computers as each is most likely outside of it's warranty. I want to see if anyone has the ability to make the machines valid with their legal keys without reloading. If all I have to do is call HP and IBM(Lenevo now) and have them send me a new CD for free then I would be all over that, but I doubt that is the case.

-spike

Yeah dude I read it. You're having problems with your OEM copy of Windows. Call IBM. Tell em you paid your money fair and square and to fix that crap. If you lost a restore CD they should be replacing it. You are somehow trying to skip calling IBM by pulling some shenanigans with various copies of Windows then calling MS when you have problems.

Grr.. I hate the whole "restore CD" concept that OEMs try and pull these days. You paid your money you should get an actual OS CD.