XP Pro does not recognise COA

[Åmbrosius]

Hi all,

First off apologies if this is in wrong section, but it seemed logical at the time.

OK, after the nightmare of repairing my WinXP SP2 installation with my OEM SP1 disc (Which didn't go too well.) I decided it was time to create a slipstreamed disc, which led me here, naturally.

Firstly found out that my OEM disc wasn't too keen on being Slipstreamed, so I guilt tripped the IT manager at work into lending me an SP1 disc.

Ok, to keep things simple at first, I just slipstreamed SP2. Taking it one step at a time seemed less dangerous

All goes well from there, till I come to test it. It seems to work okay, up until it asks for the CD Key.

The CD Key is from my OEM disk, which is definately valid. But the installer won't accept it. I, err, borrowed the key off the sticker of my office PC, and it worked fine, though obviously I can't authenticate it as it's already in use.

I'm considering getting it to install with the 'borrowed' work key, then changing it to my legal one before authenticating, I'm just not sure it'll work.

So to all you vastly superior intelligent folks out there, am I stuck with my original SP1 disk? Or is there something I've missed? 'Cause I sure as hell aint going to buy another key. PLEASE HELLLLP!!!!

(**** I miss the old days, honestly I'm starting to think it'd be easier to hack M$ products than is to try and stay legal these days. )

[Aegis]

Copy over the setupp.ini file from your OEM disk onto your new disk. You might have to reinstall Windows...

[X-Ecutioner]

Uhhhh.... Someone correct me if I am wrong....But since u have an OEM key, your workplace may have either a Retail or Volume Licence Key. In which case, you can mix and match keys to versions. There are a couple files in the I386 folder that distinguish between versions...like there are file for a retail cd that are sightly different in an OEM disc....find and replace the files from your cd onto the other cd your making (I dont know which files)

hope this helps.

[duomenox]

The setupp.ini file in the i386 directory is the only file that dictates what key can be used during install.

If you are using an oem key, you need to get the setupp.ini file from the OEM CD that came with your PC (like Aegis said).

SP2 will modify this file, so if a straight copy will not work then you will need to slipstream SP2 onto the OEM CD. Just copy the OEM CD to a directory on your hard drive, then slipstream SP2 into it and make a new bootable image. That will take care of it unless your OEM Key was blacklisted.

If you got your Key from Dell... you will have to call them for an updated SP2 CD as they have a specific set of Keys from MS and use an alternate method for validating the install.

If you have any questiosn or need to download an image building utility see the unattended CD/DVD creation guide (linked at the top of the page).

[Åmbrosius]

Nope, sorry folks, that plan didn't work as planned. Still won't install because it's convinced the key isn't valid. Any more ideas?

Unfortunately I cannot just slipstream the original HP OEM disc, as it flatly refuses to do so, something about already having incorporated updates. Don't suppose there's any way around that issue?

The flaming key is definately valid, as I mentioned, Windows Update has already verified it's authentic, and I've never used it on another PC (Until I tried to test this slipstream of course.)

My only theory now is to install with a borrowed key, then try change it post-install before I let it dial home. Problem is I've no way of testing that theory without formatting my system, which'll leave me up the proverbial creak if it doesn't work. So not an overall good plan really.

Thanks for the advice so far, I knew you lot would be much brighter than me

Keep it coming. PLEEEAAASE HELLLLLP!!!!

Oh, woe is me :'(

[Åmbrosius]

Just a desperate BUMP

[dman]

This thread explains some things about keys. Hope it helps.

http://www.thetechguide.com/forum/index.ph...t=0entry32402