[help] invalid key during validation?

[janus zeal]

I have a hp laptop [hp compaq nx9010] i just reinstalled windows on it. i used the original xp cd, and the serial number on the sticker on the bottem. however, when i try to activate windows it says the key is invalid. why would this be happening? i called MS and they were less then helpfull "you must be typeing it wrong", "maybe you have the wrong windows cd.." etc

[MrGuy]

Hmmmm, something's not jiving there. Only thing I can think of that would cause this is if the manufacturer of your laptop used a different XP operating system then what the code is keyed for. This happens if you use a OEM XP cd-key with a volume license license installation disk. Microsoft should straighten this out for you. Call again hopefully you'll get someone who is more than helpful. Give them all the laptop info (S/N , model type...). This really sounds like they were using a different OS then what the key is for. If this was pre-activated by manufacturer with the key on the case then you're re-installation should have been a snap.

[stickzilla]

Just to be completely sure, when you say the original XP cd, do you mean a normal Retail Windows XP cd - or the exact cd that came with that laptop ?

[Nakatomi2010]

There a few different variants of XP CDs and keys are designed for em', so the sticker is for an XP OEM CD, to verify what CD you have open up the EULA.txt and scroll to the very bottom of the document and look for what version the CD is, it'll say OEM, VLM or RTL, if it's OEM then there's probably an issue with the CD, if it's VLM then you need an OEM disc, or rather modify the setupp.ini file so that it says it's an OEM disc...

The other way to check is DURING the install when it asks for the product key there should be a picture of a COA, an orange sticker or a little blurb about contacting your Sys Admin for the key...

[janus zeal]

Just to be completely sure, when you say the original XP cd, do you mean a normal Retail Windows XP cd - or the exact cd that came with that laptop ?

the exact hp cd that came with the laptop. and yes, its an oem cd, and an oem key. Edited June 2, 2006 by janus zeal

[T D]

If this is happening in a virtual machine, you can go here to use silent activation for OEM systems.

[janus zeal]

If this is happening in a virtual machine, you can go here to use silent activation for OEM systems.

I could try modifiying those directions to work with my laptop, but would the WGA tool and windows update still say the key is invalid?

[LLXX]

I believe M$ released a set of generic OEM product keys... search their site for it (there was also a thread here with the link to it). You could try using those.

[T D]

but would the WGA tool and windows update still say the key is invalid?

In theory, no, it should say as valid. The oem files on your preactivated files are legit for your serial. So it should work unless M$ has crapped up again.

Edited June 3, 2006 by T D