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    Windows XP CD Key for 8200

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by riceman2k5, May 18, 2006.

  1. riceman2k5

    riceman2k5 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I just did a clean install with a separate windows xp sp2 cd. I am trying to use the cd key located at the bottom of my laptop, but it wont allow me to.. it says its invalid? Is the windows xp cd key located at the bottom specified for a certain version of windows? Like corporate edition or anything like that??
     
    riceman2k5, May 18, 2006
    #1
  2. jujube

    jujube Notebook Deity

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    I believe it's unique to the Windows CD that came with it - so if you had home, did a clean install with another Windows and try to use the key - it wouldn't work.
     
    jujube, May 18, 2006
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  3. CoolHotCold

    CoolHotCold Notebook Evangelist

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    The key on the bottom is a batch key which cannot be used to install a oem version of XP
     
    CoolHotCold, May 18, 2006
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  4. riceman2k5

    riceman2k5 Notebook Enthusiast

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    so is there any way to do a clean re-format? I don't want to use the ACER backup thing.
     
    riceman2k5, May 18, 2006
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  5. fergasm

    fergasm Notebook Enthusiast

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    The key on the bottom of the notebook is useless. The OEM version of windows pre-installed on your computer does not need a key because of the way it is made.

    If you want to install a retail version of windows, you need to use the key that came with that version.
     
    fergasm, May 19, 2006
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  6. Ma2T

    Ma2T Notebook Guru

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    Sheez. don't listen to that.

    I have two acer notebooks, I didn't want to use the acer recovery thing, as I wanted to convert HD to NTFS.

    If you use the acer restore thing, it uses a global type windows cd key.

    After I installed windows, it said I had 30 days to activate windows, simply phoned up microsoft, told them some number code things windows told them, and the cd key from, yes THE BOTTOM on the laptop, and they told me a code, and done!......they are very friendly and helpful.

    What I think of it, is, the cd key at the bottom is not active untill you phone them. I did this twice with two different cd keys / laptops and no problems.

    Hope this help.

    fergasm, CoolHotCold, why would they print a uselless code on the bottom? lol
     
    Ma2T, May 23, 2006
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  7. clintb

    clintb Notebook Guru

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    If you have the i386 directory from the factory install, look in winnt.sif for the key.
     
    clintb, May 23, 2006
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