Re-Installing XP

[NZ255]

Hi, I want to re-install XP on my computer because it's playing up and doing funny things. (Can't right click in the start menu, log off and shut down buttons disappeared, until I changed something in the reg and got them back) When I bought the computer it came with XP Pro, was an old work computer (from my dad's work). But it didn't come with a key (was already installed) so I don't know what it is. I have looked on the net for a solution and found a tool call "find key" or something, but when I tried it on our other computer (I know what the key is for that one) it didn't match, didn't even come close to a match.

What can I do? I really don't want to buy another copy of Windows.

Thanks,

Nick

[SeanG]

Hi Nick,

I've used this before (in a former life as an computer-fixer-monkey)
http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/prodkey.php

As it says, if your Windows came pre-installed the key may not match......

Hope that helps... a little

SeanG

[Stumpy]

On the outside of the box itself there should be a sticker with the key. There should also be a recovery partition on your hard drive (unless you removed it) which should restore the computer to what it was when you got it, i.e. drivers already installed

[HardCorePawn]

I would look for the WindowsXP Licence sticker on the case... As the machine came from a company I would expect it to be there... and it should have the key on that...

[ZK-MAT]

Try:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Usually works quite well.

[NZ255]

OK, so there was a Product key on the side of the case, thanks HCP. But when I ran the keyfinder, it didn't match. I guess I should use the key on the side on my case?

[ZK-MAT]

Try the case one first and if it doesn't work try the one the keyfinder found. If that doesn't work follow the prompt and ring Microsoft on the number for NZ that shows on screen. I did that once when the key was invalid (on the side of the kids' PC) and it was a painless procedure to get a new key. Didn't even speak to a human!

[SENECA08]

Hey

Alcould always try produkey. lists all serials and stuff that you have on computer.

[ZK-LGD]

QUOTE

Alcould always try produkey.[/quote]

Fine ... if you want to infect your rig with spyware (and from everything I've read, it's a real bugger to remove once installed).

[HardCorePawn]

QUOTE (NZ255 @ Apr 29 2008, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK, so there was a Product key on the side of the case, thanks HCP. But when I ran the keyfinder, it didn't match. I guess I should use the key on the side on my case?

I am going to guess that the product key on the side is for the 'OEM' version of Windows that would have been pre-installed... the keyfinder one is probably finding a 'Volume Licence Key' for the version that the company re-imaged the machine with...

The VLK basically means a company can use the same key on all their machines and they dont have to worry about doing the whole product activation thing... saves having to install each machine individually (you can just use an imaging program like Ghost) and you dont have to activate each one (imagine doing product activation on a couple of hundred machines!!! )

[NZ255]

So try the VLK then the one on the side of the case?

But will it activate anyway, because it's already been used?

[HardCorePawn]

Technically the VLK is only for use by the company on their computers... so I think you may find that is classified as 'illegal'... You may also find that the VLK will not work on a 'retail' version of XP...

You would be best to use the key on the side of the case... I doubt you will have issues activating it unless you've changed the hardware etc... if you do, just call MS... the sticker is on the case, so you have every right to use that license...

[NZ255]

I was planning to use the same version of XP when I upgrade my computer

[Stumpy]

QUOTE (NZ255 @ May 1 2008, 12:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was planning to use the same version of XP when I upgrade my computer

My bro and I upgrade pretty much our entire system last year, we've gone through 3 or 4 hard drives on the same cdkey. Now whenever we reinstall xp it automatically activates. This is on a legit version of xp. Maybe ms have lowered security cos of vista but I don't know. If worst comes to worst as others have said, phone em up.

[bobmcc]

Nick,

Download a copy of Belarc Adviser from belarc.com, install and run it, and somewhere in the listing it will show you the installed key.


Regards,

Bob.