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XP key code

J

JK949

Senior member
Is there a way to check a Windows XP key code to make sure it is valid and
will work before actualy installing windows. I want to make sure it will work
first before going through the long instal process first.
 
Originally posted by: JK949
Is there a way to check a Windows XP key code to make sure it is valid and
will work before actualy installing windows. I want to make sure it will work
first before going through the long instal process first.
Click to expand...

Why would you think it wouldn't work? Do you think Windows just randomly doesn't take valid keys?
 
You could PROBABLY enter the Key in another, working, XP computer. Tthe other computer would have to have the same version (Retail/OEM/Full/Upgrade) of XP installed.

You go into the Activation Screen and tell it you want to activate via Phone. You'll get a screen where you can enter a new Key. I SUSPECT that XP will do a preliminary validation of the new Key within XP before it tries to actually Activate XP across the Internet. But I have NOT done this lately, so I can't be 100% sure. Unplug your Internet connection before attempting this.

Be aware that I have also seen where XP allowed the new Key. But, when you actually went to MS to ACTIVATE the software, it was refused.
 
It is a legal key code but from my brothers Compaq computer.
I was curious whether it would work on a home built compter that
he has. I'm not going to use it but he would like me to install windows
on his sons computer that he and I built. I know this dosen't sound
ethical or politically correct and some may say it's stealing from
Microsoft so forgive me for inquireing if that is your thinking on
the matter. I don't want to affend anyone.
 
Originally posted by: JK949
It is a legal key code but from my brothers Compaq computer.
I was curious whether it would work on a home built compter that
he has. I'm not going to use it but he would like me to install windows
on his sons computer that he and I built.
Click to expand...

Is the key still in use on your brother's Compaq computer? If it is, then the licensing doesn't allow it to be installed on another machine. The key can only be activated on one machine at a time.

I found that there really isn't a way to see if the key will work until you try activating it with Microsoft.

It also helps during the install process to have the original XP install disk handy that is associated with that key. I found trying to use older keys with newer install disks may not work, but, going the other way (e.g., original XP disk and a key associated with a disk that came pre-configured with SP2) does get accepted and the install process goes through.

 
Thanks for the info. I will suggest against using it.
One more question. How do you go about buying another license / keycode
from Microsoft. I can't find anything on the web site offering this option.
 
I got my Windows XP from my college. But when I try to validate the code, like to download updates and such, it says that the code is invalid. Anyone know what I can do?
 
Originally posted by: Tigge
I got my Windows XP from my college. But when I try to validate the code, like to download updates and such, it says that the code is invalid. Anyone know what I can do?
Click to expand...

If it's a student evaluation copy of XP then you are going to probably run into problems. They have a time-limit on them that starts after the first activation IIRC.
 
What were you doing with the XP at college.. When i was in my Microsoft Classes they gave us Eval copys of software which had 180 day limits on them. If that is the case then you are SOL. If it isn't and they sold it to you then you have a problem and they need to talk to microsoft about it.


Will G>
 
Originally posted by: JK949
Thanks for the info. I will suggest against using it.
One more question. How do you go about buying another license / keycode
from Microsoft. I can't find anything on the web site offering this option.
Click to expand...
Microsoft doesn't offer just "Key Codes" for sale. Neither can anybody else, legally. Windows XP must be sold with an original Microsoft CD, a COA sticker or Retail Key sticker, and a manual. Anybody who tries to sell you anything less than that is, at best, in violation of Microsoft's licensing terms. More likely, it's counterfeit or stolen software or keys.

The safest way it to buy a full Retail Box version of XP from a reputable dealer. It really doesn't cost much more than the illegal versions available on the 'net.

 
Do you know the price diff between Full Retail Box and OEM? There is more than 50 bucks diff on newegg. I could spend that on more ram.


Will G.
 
Originally posted by: ShellGuy
Do you know the price diff between Full Retail Box and OEM? There is more than 50 bucks diff on newegg. I could spend that on more ram..
Click to expand...
Huh?

At this time, Windows XP Home - Retail is $100 at Newegg.com
Windows XP Home - OEM is $94 at Newegg.com.

XP Professional OEM is $147.
XP Professional Retail is $188 for Upgrade, $200 for Full.

If you ever want to buy a new motherboard or move your XP to a new computer, you're at Microsoft's mercy if you install OEM.


 
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