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XP Professional key won't work

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gamefreak
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05 Apr 2009, 4:45 pm

I just bought a OEM/ System Builder copy of Windows XP Pro w/ sp3 on ebay. I try to use the product key that came with it but it won't work. Any help, or maybe a Product Key just to get through setup and then change it later.



computerlove
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05 Apr 2009, 6:59 pm

pirate


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gamefreak
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05 Apr 2009, 7:11 pm

computerlove wrote:
pirate


I just spent $135 for my copy on eBay. It came new in package w/ product and said it was for system builders.



kip
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05 Apr 2009, 7:25 pm

Call Microsoft. They built the crap...


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GeorgeM
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05 Apr 2009, 8:53 pm

I bet the key had already been activated. In which case you will have to call Microsoft to get them to sort it out. Unless it's a VLK then it should have unlimited activations.

EDIT: You should be able to install Windows without a product key, or is it only Vista that gives you the 30 day grace period?


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GreatCeleryStalk
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05 Apr 2009, 11:48 pm

System builder copies are IIRC meant to be used with separate license keys. I'm sure you can find a key generator online somewhere if you wanted to do that.



kip
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06 Apr 2009, 2:18 am

GeorgeM wrote:
I bet the key had already been activated. In which case you will have to call Microsoft to get them to sort it out. Unless it's a VLK then it should have unlimited activations.

EDIT: You should be able to install Windows without a product key, or is it only Vista that gives you the 30 day grace period?


XP lets you install with a bad key, but most versions of the disk ask for the key during the install. You have to feed it something it likes.

OP, you could always rescind the EBay sale. Return the product, contact paypal... it's a pain. But, the package may have been opened previously.


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Keith
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06 Apr 2009, 3:52 am

If you are installing Windows XP Home or Professional, I have noticed there are keys for ONLY Home and ONLY Professional. I would check the COA sticker and that sit says Professional, and the install comes up with Windows XP Professional.

If they both match, the CD key should still be valid as it matches one in it's database, although I doubt such a huge record of keys would be held in full, but more like a set of rules to follow or a checksum to adhere to.

Was the copy sealed and not tampered with? Does it look as though someone could have opened and resealed it? The original XP disc should be a hologram style.

It IS only Vista that will allow you to install without entering a key based on the rules that are told. The key must match the version you are trying to install.

If you need further assistance, please let me know, there are ways around this.
Calling Microsoft - may refer you to the supplier
Keygen - may contain trojans
Public CD-Key may be a locked one which doesn't allow you to upgrade beyond a certain update.
and so on...

My copy of Windows XP SP1a finally bit the dust, so I copied my brother's version. It's still legal as I bought the Key...



gamefreak
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06 Apr 2009, 10:32 am

Problem solved. I suck at reading small text and had my brother get the key for me of the COA. Thanks!! !