Windows serial # at the bottom sticker

Hello everybody

Recently, I got an old HP nc4000 without the original CDs, and with XPpro installed.

I wanted to try the new Ubuntu, so I erased the XP, telling myself that as long as I have the serial number at the bottom sticker, I can reisntall the XPpro from an original (retail version) CD of XPpro I have.

Now I can't reinstall XPpro, because the CD of the retail version don't accept the number from the sticker.

HP says I'm not "eligible for e-mail support", so I'm stuck with Ubuntu, which is fine for me but not for the family.

Any help or hints ?

Thank you.

 

That's odd. I just did what you describe after replacing the HDD in a Compaq desktop - worked fine. You might try calling MS.

 

The cd-key on the sticker applies to OEM versions of Windows XP. OEM, Retail, and Upgrade all take difference cd-keys

If you can find another OEM CD it MAY work with that. I say MAY because sometimes these cd-keys are set to a very specific Windows OEM cd.

I have not run into this with HP, though. In such cases, generic OEM disks have always worked for me (wish I could say the same for emachines--what a pain)

 

Just call the number listed on the activation window and have MS activate it over the phone. They will validate your installation ID, and you'll be set. The whole process takes about 3 minutes.

 

You can't jumpstart any copy of XP with any licencekey. Call MS. But don't you have a recovery disc for your laptop? (Or partition for the matter?)

 

ttupa,

He cannot get to the point of activation, because the installation key is required to install XP in the first place. Activation occurs AFTER installation.

Punisher,
As he has a used HP laptop, that had an OEM install, he is not elligible for help from Microsoft. OEM installs only get support from the OEM, and since he is not the original owner, HP will not give him support. Now, he could simply call up with the model and ask them to install the recovery media -- if that model ever was supported by recovery media, there may be a fee.

Either way, he needs and OEM CD to work with his OEM key

 

1) Make an OEM CD from your Retail CD. LINK
2) Use this key: MVF4D-W774K-MC4VM-QY6XY-R38TB when asked. LINK

 

Good links, +rep for you.

 

Thanks to tall of you.

Much obliged.

 

Are you making fun of my height?

 

lol
(10 chars)