I have windows xp home purchased with an hp computer (pavilion 743a). Have recently reformatted the computer and don't have the original xp install cd. Tried using a friend's xp cd with my product key but it's invalid. Contacted hp and they don't stock the cd's for that particular model any longer. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance, Will
2006-12-28 14:11:26 · 13 answers · asked by wumy_4567 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
This is one of the unfortunate things HP, Dell & other big PC manufacturers have been doing and that is tying your product key to a specific CD. It is good in preventing piracy but kills you in these types of situations. I find it very hard to believe that HP cannot help you, I'd try them again.
If they can't send it to you for free your best (legal) bet is to purchase a new copy or see if they can sell you one at a reduced price based on your circumstances.
Did you also try a non-branded XP CD? Maybe your friend's was also tied to a specific PC or brand and couldn't work on yours. A boxed or licensed CD may do the trick with your specific key.
2006-12-28 14:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by Gravyboat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not listen to the dumbasses on here that suggest you use your friend's product key, because software piracy is illegal. If you truly lost the product key, then your only course of action would be to contact Microsoft licensing and prove to them that you own a legitimate copy of Windows XP so that they can issue you a new license key. Illegally using a friend's product key and CD constitutes piracy and when it comes to to activating XP, it will fail and end up invalidating your friend's installation as well. Do the right thing and call Microsoft to get a legitimate product key.
2006-12-28 14:26:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should purchase the origional XP Home Edition
HP did the same with me. I bought a laptop from them (dv9000t) and they never provided me with System Recovery DVD's. Now I want to format my Windows but I'm afraid how will I be able to re-install my Windows Media Center...
HP has good products but I am not satisfied with their service. Everytime I call them for little help, I have to hold on the phone for like an hour because "All representatives are currently busy with other customers"
2006-12-28 14:15:00 · answer #3 · answered by Λir§trikę X³ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need an OEM version of Windows Home Edition. You can borrow a copy from someone to install Windows. When you will need to activate windows select to activate it over the phone. On this screen you will have an option to change the product key. Change the product key to YOUR key on the sticker on the side of your computer. If it accepts it great, activate windows online, if not, call the 800 number and explain the situation to Microsoft and they will be glad to give you a code to enter to activate your copy of Windows. But you must remember you need an OEM version of Windows, not retail. Good luck.
2006-12-28 14:24:11 · answer #4 · answered by curiousgal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Won't your friend let you use his key as well? I know Microsoft dosen't like to allow multiple installations off the same key but, they will. I've seen this done more than once. Tell them you formated & want to reinstall. If they say the CD belongs another person, tell them you puchased his pc. They're gona lighten up on XP now that Vista is with us. Good Luck !
2006-12-28 14:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by ibtrigger2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it truly is going to fuss that in case you registered that key to different hardware. So in case you replaced a perplexingcontinual, greater the three products of hardware, or decide directly to go it to a various device, you are able to desire to compliment the choice to speak to an MS operator and get an authorization code. that's a soreness interior the butt, yet different sensible they do no longer ask too many questions. I had a working laptop or computercontinual crap out and as quickly as I replaced it, it violates the license to have it on onecontinual so I had to call them all the time. After awhile it grow to be of their database and that i don't have themes now.
2016-10-28 14:38:40 · answer #6 · answered by uday 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Friends CD should of had a product key that came with that try using the key that went with his computer
2006-12-28 14:20:11 · answer #7 · answered by bill f 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call up Microsoft Tech Support. After around half an hour, they will give you a replacement product key that you enter in the boxes from "activate by telephone".
2006-12-28 14:13:56 · answer #8 · answered by AoPS-er 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM
(DONT LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLE)
call hp, and tell them the problem. u will need your model number and serial number from the computer. they will charge about $10 on your credit card and send u a restore CD. after installing the new CD, your computer will be same as you turned it on very first day
2006-12-28 14:15:49 · answer #9 · answered by Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps HP can look up your product key based on your computer's serial number.
2006-12-28 14:13:14 · answer #10 · answered by MarnenLK 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋