The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Windows XP Home Install Issue

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by nyafACE, Nov 30, 2011.

  1. nyafACE

    nyafACE Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    138
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I have Dell Desktop with XP Home COA
    When I used my XP Home CD to install, the COA is invalid.
    I do not want to use the Key that cam with the cd because
    I'd already used on another pc.

    How can I get around this?
     
    nyafACE, Nov 30, 2011
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,857
    Messages:
    16,212
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    466
    I've been reading about a few XP activation issues. Try calling Microsoft and manually activating the installation.
     
    Greg, Nov 30, 2011
    #2
  3. nyafACE

    nyafACE Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    138
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ummmmm, I could do that if it's vista or windows 7, but this is XP, you need the key to install.

     
    nyafACE, Nov 30, 2011
    #3
  4. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    2,844
    Messages:
    2,736
    Likes Received:
    896
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Obtain XP SP3 install disc, it allows you to install without key (bypass it like in Vista & 7) and there's 30 day trial time.

    I don't know if slipstreaming SP3 in the current media would also do that, worth a try? :)

    I know Microsoft also provides a tool to change the key after install (install with any key that fits the CD, then replace it later with the tool) but I cannot find the link. It works, I've used it myself but I didn't bookmark the page... doh.
     
    KLF, Dec 1, 2011
    #4
  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,857
    Messages:
    16,212
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    466
    You do need the key to install, yes, but the activation itself does not require internet access as there is an option to call.

    How to activate Windows XP
     
    Greg, Dec 1, 2011
    #5
  6. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    2,844
    Messages:
    2,736
    Likes Received:
    896
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Pre-SP3 install discs won't proceed installation if there's wrong key. That makes calling impossible option :)
     
    KLF, Dec 1, 2011
    #6
  7. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,857
    Messages:
    16,212
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Oh snap...thank's for pointing that out. Completely forgot about that; I guess that says something about how long I've been using Vista or W7.
     
    Greg, Dec 1, 2011
    #7
  8. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    2,844
    Messages:
    2,736
    Likes Received:
    896
    Trophy Points:
    131
    KLF, Dec 3, 2011
    #8