Incorrect Windows Key upon Activation

Hey all,
I want to ask for ideas. Here's the issue:

I reinstalled Windows Home on my zv6000. I used the OS recovery disk that HP has provided me with and the windows key at the bottom of the laptop. Installation (new installation) went smooth as ever, no problems at all. Yet, when I finally entered windows it prompted me to Activate my Windows. I went on with the activation and it returned me that the product key was incorrect. I checked it multiple times, I enter the exact same key as on the sticker.

I chatted with HP and exchanged lots of mails with the email support. They made me do all kind of unnecessary stuff and read alot about WPA. I gathered WPA for OEM windows is stricktly locked to the BIOS and the hardware of the computer. Yet, I have made no changes in the hardware. None.
They made me reflash the BIOS, to no avail.

The only useful thing was a program called ViewKeyXP, which was supposed to show me my original product key (which was strange as I entered the key on the sticker for the new installation). Yet, this program did show a completely different product key!? Unfortunately, this new key, just like the key at the bottom of the laptop, could not activate my Windows.

Now I have 27 days left to activate windows. HP reps gave up and told me to call Microsoft (which I will probably do as soon as I manage to get a couple of hours free and get some tranquillizers for the lenghty and taxing call...). Yet, calling Microsoft may not do since I am currently in Bulgaria, while the laptop was bought in the USA. I will call the regional Microsoft office but frankly I don't expect much from them in terms of understanding. I hope they prove me wrong.

Can anyone give some help? Any ideas as to why Windows does not accept my code? Right now, I can think of the one big mistake I made - delete the i368 folder before reinstallation...maybe this was the key element. Yet, it's stupid. I have the disks, I have the key (even the keyS, obviously) but I can't run my very own Windows properly!?

Hm, I forgot to tell that I have no recovery partition, nor have I ever had. I don't know why but my zv6000 did not come with this partition or the recovery creating software (I only have the Recovery Software DVD and OS Recovery disk). It's absolutely the same case with my L2000.Maybe I should have noticed that a year ago.....anyways, I cannot return the laptop to factory default.

I higly appreciate any help anyone can give me.
Thanks
Vasil

 

Do this, Windows is a pain sometimes when asking for keys:

This may not be the easiest way but it will work for sure.

Reformat the Hard Drive so it is blank, then Install Windows, enter the Product Key on the bottom of your computer.

You always have to activate Windows usually unless it's a type of recovery CD, so when you get into Windows after the install activate it. This should work. If it doesn't then perhaps ur product key was stolen and banned or something, because it should work on a fresh install of XP. Then you must make a large cup of coffee, smoke a bowl or whatever and call Microsoft lol, best of luck to yah, feel free to AIM me if you need help.

 

I forgot to mention- make sure the recovery cd or dvd is the same version of Windows as your product key is for, have you used it in the past? If not maybe they sent or gave you the wrong version, just a thought anyways.

 

Thanks Airman.

What makes you think that formatting the harddrive will help. After all I completely erased the previous installation...
I can't understand what for is the key on the sticker? It seems that my original Windows used a different key but why?

 

I don't know if this will help, but there is often a windows sticker (i have one on my v2000z) on the bottom of the laptop, which has a key that should work to activate windows.

 

This is exactly the key that is not working for me...

 

Update:

Just to say that i called Micrsoft. I was pretty impressed by the excellent service and all-in-all 5-min problem solution. They gave me the necessary conformation code and now everything's Ok.
It's amazing how many people hate Microsoft but the truth is that Gate's company always has ways to mend its OS. Probably because of these "back-up doors" it's relatively easy to hack Windows but who knows, maybe the price is worth it.

 

Microsoft wanted me to buy an additional copy of XP Pro for $300 though I already had a valid COA on my T42 since IBM did not supply me with one. I offered to pay for a disc, but $300 for something I already owned seemed a little much.

 

ZaZ...how did that end?

 

Sorry to hear that. Actually, I've heard many such stories where Microsoft turned out as real jerks and that's why I was quite nervous to call them (my first post). Maybe I have just been lucky with a good rep. She didn't even ask me for my Product Key. All she wanted was the installation ID...I guess it tells her everything.

With Utorrent, I guess. That's what I would've done, had Microsoft turned me down. No one pays twice

 

If you keep calling, you may eventually reach a rep that is more helpful. This often work with various products and services. If the rep isn't helpful, just hangup.

 

I called and emailed on several occasions.