NLite and Microsoft authentication process

[Cygnus]

Hi everyone...I have recently used nLite to do a clean install of Windows XP PRO SP2 2002 OEM version on a new PC with Vista home basic preinstalled, and there is an issue I'd like to discuss, so please bear with me.

- The problem I'm facing right now is that The Microsoft "Genuine" product utility failed my system authentication process and deemed it a pirated/not authentic and hence not eligible for updates.

- This copy of OEM Windows I puchased from a certain ebay store that had like 1000's of feedbacks with close to a 100% rating, and the guy seems to, almost exclusively, sell Microsoft software. Cost me $87 by the way.

- The package looked authentic to me, the holographic CD, the COA, but again I'm no expert.

- I did open a PayPal case to try and get the seller to help or get my money back. But this is not the issue here.

- When I first copied the contents of the Windows CD to a folder on my laptop, started nLite for the first time and right there at the Unattended setup, there was an existing product key that was different than the one on the COA. So:

Question 1: Is this a proof that this copy of Windows is not original?

- I copied this number, then erased it and entered the one on the COA. When Microsoft authentication failed, I downloaded a Microsoft utility to retype/change the product key. So, I retyped the same number on the COA, and still the same. But then I thought of entering the number that nLite extracted at the begining. Then the authentication utility gave a message saying that this is an authentic key, but is already registered to another machine!!!!?!??

Question 2: So, now what? Could this situation be fixed without having to resetup Windows again?

Question 3: Is there a possibility that this copy is indeed authentic but the fact that I used nLite, caused this problem?

I know I sound ridiculous here, but I don't really know. Your help and feedback is greatly appriciated.

Thanks.

Edited April 30, 2007 by Cygnus

[Ponch]

Answer 1: no, it does not mean that the cd is fake. Not all CDs are unique and some have a key included in setup (typically OEM). The sticker is unique though.

My question; does it not say on your CD "for xxx(brand) PCs only" ?

The problem might be, either you use the CD key and get a preactivated copy but for a certain hardware only (if you don't have that hardware, it doesn't work), either you use your sticker's key and need to activate, but apparently you can't because it's not authenticated anyway.

[Cygnus]

No it's not for a certain brand. It is the Microsoft Windows XP Pro for a new PC, and not an upgrade either.

The ones for a specific brand are usually sold much cheaper, I paid almost retail price for this one.

I thought to call Microsoft phone support, but what would I tell them? They will probably say my copy is not original and make me buy it again from them or something? I don't know, I'm shooting in the dark here.

Thanks any way for the reply.

[Cygnus]

bump. Anyone? Anything?

[dexter.inside]

The most probable scenario is that your OEM disc is genuine and your OEM serial key has already been activated that specific number of times allowed by the manufacturer. This usually happens because that serial leaked.

Tell me the name of your OEM and the first + last (25th) letter in the serial found in that unattended setup. so that I can ask my partners to verify the number of activations.

Buying OEM discs from eBay is a bad idea, because at some point someone will leak the serial. The idea behind OEM activation is that all the discs are handled internally in a controlled corporate environment. In case my suspicions prove to be true, you should take that CD to whatever OEM partner you have in your area so that you can get either another license or your money back.

[Cygnus]

Thanks for the reply. The 25th letter in the product key is a D. I don't know what you mean by the name of the OEM!!!!

The CD did not come with any hardware part, I bought it from the ebay seller as an OEM version of XP PRO.

I don't know about EU, but in the US you could LEGALLY buy the OEM version of Windows, the only caveat I know of is that you do not get any support from Microsoft for installation...etc. + you coud only install it on one PC.

Thanks.

[dexter.inside]

I don't know what you mean by the name of the OEM!!!!

Original Equipment Manufacturers produce these OEM editions of Windows to serve their particular needs in the corporate environment. For example, I, as OEM partner, can customize the desktop, include drivers and apps, and make the disc, that I supply my employees. (which is covered by the specific Microsoft licenses for OEM developers and resellers).

If you buy a OEM disc instead of getting through your employers' corporate system / having it preinstalled already on the new computer, this is the risk you get: you can't have any insurance that the serial key hasn't been already used to it's last activation. The entire idea of OEM editions of Windows is to serve this specific purpose, in productive environments when one person preinstalls one windows on hundreds of computers. Windows Product Activation is specifically designed for such purposes.

Now, in your case, it's clear that you need a normal Windows XP license, allowing only one activation of that serial key. In such a case, you actually own the serial key, as compared to OEM serial key, that is owned by the OEM Partner that produced it (a business) and only leases it to customers.