Windows XP wants another key?

[Chaotic42]

Ok, I got it to install, but now it wants another product key?

I guess I'll have to call them tomorrow. Do I need anything special for that?

 

[AtTheGates]

I assume this is the reason for the reinstall. I was researching this error a while back and could not find a consistant cause. A lot of people had conflicts with their AV and some had hardware probs. Having problems during installs points to the latter. Microsoft's page suggests the problem may be with memory. If the install error is related to this problem then the only tip they that might help is to try disabling memory caching in BIOS.
Other than that, use the minimum amout of hardware and try every combination of memory modules and slots.

Edit: fixed link

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: AtTheGates
I assume this is the reason for the reinstall. I was researching this error a while back and could not find a consistant cause. A lot of people had conflicts with their AV and some had hardware probs. Having problems during installs points to the latter. Microsoft's page suggests the problem may be with memory. If the install error is related to this problem then the only tip they that might help is to try disabling memory caching in BIOS.
Other than that, use the minimum amout of hardware and try every combination of memory modules and slots.

Edit: fixed link

Good tip. Thanks.

 

[Chaotic42]

Well, I got it to install. I'm just worried that my CD may not have another install in it... 🙁

 

[Cheetah8799]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Well, I got it to install. I'm just worried that my CD may not have another install in it... 🙁

what are you talking about? You can re-install it as many times as you want. Just not on multiple machines at the same time.

When you install, it will want you to call the Microsoft people to verify everything. They give you a long key thing to type in, then you are good to go. As long as you tell them that you are "re-installing" on your same rig, you will be fine.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: Cheetah8799

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Well, I got it to install. I'm just worried that my CD may not have another install in it... 🙁

what are you talking about? You can re-install it as many times as you want. Just not on multiple machines at the same time.

When you install, it will want you to call the Microsoft people to verify everything. They give you a long key thing to type in, then you are good to go. As long as you tell them that you are "re-installing" on your same rig, you will be fine.

I dont deal too much with product activation so I may be wrong but I think the activation server will allow you to re-activate it as many times as you want so long as the hardware hash hasnt change (no changed hardware components).

The "activate over the web" feature may allow you to reactivate it as many times as you need; if not than yes just call them and tell them what happened...

 

[Pete32B]

I've run into a similar problem trying to re-activate an XP install on a Dell. The realllllllllllllyyyyyyyy long set of letters/numbers that you key in on the registration page will say something to the effect that it's invalid. What I had to do was click the button (same page) for "Product ID" and input the set of numbers / letters off of the side of the case. I could then go back through the activiation process. FYI

 

[Cheetah8799]

The "activate over the web" feature may allow you to reactivate it as many times as you need; if not than yes just call them and tell them what happened...

I believe when it notices that your key has been activated before, it tells you to call the 1-800 number to talk to a rep and explain the situation.

It's been a while since I did it, so my memory is a little vague.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Cheetah8799

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Well, I got it to install. I'm just worried that my CD may not have another install in it... 🙁

what are you talking about? You can re-install it as many times as you want. Just not on multiple machines at the same time.

I mean the CD is messed up in some way, and I don't know how much longer it will last.