WinXP Home OEM

[SportSC4]

I have a compaq that came with winxp home sp2 oem. Wow... it's terrible with just how much compaq stuff they cram into it. Software, games, they changed the regular help file... whatever, i'm sure everyone knows about how bad that stuff can get (compaq's stuff is way worse than dell).

Compaq doesn't include a clean install cd. Just a partition with an image of the infested install and an option to burn a couple dvds which installs a partition with an image of the infested install. Yuck.

So I tried my WinXP home sp2 oem DELL disk (from my notebook, they gave me an option to burn a clean install disk) and my Compaq COA worked. It installed. However, the activation doesn't work. I type in the COA and it tells me that i probably misstyped it or whatever and that if it continues to not work, call up the 1800 number.

I don't want to crack the activation or anything like that but is there anything I can do to get my compaq activated with this clean install besides calling? Even if I call, would they even allow this? Suggestions besides buying a new OS or using Linux, etc?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

If you call, they'll allow it. Did you choose to "use another product key" on the activation screen? It works for me without having to call. I've done the same thing 2 Or 3 times.

 

[TG2]

MS stopped allowing XP from large OEM's (Dell, Compaq, HP, etc) to be activated over the internet, you will have to call to tell them your reinstalling the OS, they should give you the activation code.

 

[orion23]

They should allow you. Take no for an answer and ask to speak to a supervisor if you have to.

I've done it a few times using a Dell CD on Sony and Compaq pcs!

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Originally posted by: TG2
MS stopped allowing XP from large OEM's (Dell, Compaq, HP, etc) to be activated over the internet, you will have to call to tell them your reinstalling the OS, they should give you the activation code.

Where did you hear this? I just activated my OEM HP laptop on the internet 3 days ago...

 

[SportSC4]

Here's an update. Windows wouldn't activate over the automated telephone system. On the second unsuccesfull attempt it transfered me to a live person and they gave me the activation code with no problem. It was painless but I hope to not do this again... so it looks like it's time to make a drive image backup 🙂

 

[TG2]

About 1/3 down the page, I have the correct linked page at home someplace, this is the best I could find now though

LINKY

That happened back in Feb 2005 I believe

heres a BETTER link

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: TG2
About 1/3 down the page, I have the correct linked page at home someplace, this is the best I could find now though

LINKY

That happened back in Feb 2005 I believe

heres a BETTER link

*******************************

Microsoft disabled Internet activation for all Microsoft Windows XP product keys located on COA labels that are adhered to PCs from large, OEMs who have direct licensing agreements with Microsoft.

Large OEM Branded Windows XP does not require activation over the internet or over the phone, and it will pass the Validation process. Activation is not required, as long as the key in the Winnt.sif file is not changed!!! This means that the CD Key on the sticker attached to the case will not activate over the internet. If you use Magic Jellybeans program and check the OEM system installed key you will see it is different than the key on the COA Sticker.

Directly licensed OEMs are authorized by Microsoft to customize their branded re-installation and recovery media so that if installed on the hardware it shipped with the Windows XP operating system will not require end-user activation.

They code the Volume License CD Key into the " Winnt.sif " ( Unattended setup ) file and it doesn't require activation. It will pass the WGA test as long as the key is not changed. As the install process also checks the BIOS using these 4 files: OEMBIOS.BIN, OEMBIOS.CAT, OEMBIOS.DAT, and OEMBIOS.SIG.

If the machine doesn't pass these 4 file tests then another CD Key will be required along with an activation.

I hope this clears up some misconceptions.

Of course if you install a Dell OEM CD onto a Compaq machine a phone call will be required along with the Compaq OEM CD Key. This is because it will fail the BIOS Test.

pcgeek11