Conflicting Windows XP Product Keys??

Question

Hi..this is my problem:

My computer is a 2004 Dell Dimension 4600 that came with Windows XP pre-installed. Now, I borrowed my cousin's XP Home installation CD because I want to format and reinstall XP. The problem is that the sticker that's on my computer says a completely different product key than the one I get when I use Everest or other programs to find out what your keys are.

Why could this be happening, and which one should I really use when finally reinstalling?

Answer 1

You PC is equipped with a so called OEM version of Windows XP, which means the product key is binded to the hardware, such as serial number of motherboard, processor, etc... And i would guess that the CD you used to install XP is also from a OEM computer, it will need the product key thats on the case of the computer it came with. You can always try to type in that key you have on the case of your computer. But you will probably not be able to activate your windows, unless you get a original CD for you version of Windows XP which is shipped with your PC...

Answer 2

Use the one from the sticker, it's the correct one. The one you're seeing with Everest is a mis-translation because you have an OEM product key. The sticker is always the way to go.
As a side note: unless your cousin's CD is from a Dell Dimension 4600, you're probably going to have some trouble reinstalling Windows. Dell is funny like that... they pack the Windows image full of proprietary software besides the operating system, including a negotiation portion between the CD installation and the BIOS. You may luck out, but as a forewarning...

Answer 3

Basically, most of what the others here have said is true.. The easiest way to do a wipe & reload, using a non-OEM XP disk, is to use the legitimate OEM keycode on the sticker on the side of the PC you're doing the install on..

I did a wipe & reload on my nephew's Dell Dimenstion 4600 in June of 2006.. The computer suffered some mild damage after a fire.. I cleaned up the system and made sure everything worked (using a basic install of DOS 6.22 just to see if the pc was even worth fixing).. The only thing that needed replacement was the hard drive and a CD burner..

After replacement, I had to use "my" copy of XP Home to install on the PC.. With XP, proprietary driver considerations for chipsets and such are minimal, as XP-SP2 already has most driver files for most of what's already out there)..

After the initial install, I tweaked out the system, got all the program software that my nephew wanted on there and got the system to peak performance.. When everything was ready, I went to do the "activation process"..

XP posted that there was an error in the KEYCODE and the install version (that's because it was "my" XP and not the OEM from Dell).. Then XP posted the toll free number to Microsoft and I called them.. I told them what I did and why I was calling.. They asked me for the keycode on the Dell, and then they asked me to read off the rows of numbers on my screen, provided by XP (XP has it's own keycode generator for Microsoft's tech support, so they can tell if it's a legit version of XP)..

After you read off all those numbers, the person on the phone will give "YOU" a list of numbers that you type in as they read them off to you.. When you're done, click OK and you're good to go.. It's that easy..

The only thing you have to make sure of is, the XP CD you're using is a valid copy (not downloaded or hacked/cracked) and the keycode on the pc is also valid (in other words, it's a Dell PC, the sticker/keycode on the pc must also be from Dell) If you're on the level with Microsoft, they'll help you.. Try to play games with them and they'll hang up ..

And that's all there is to it.. I also recommend writing down that long-*** keycode on a piece of paper so you won't have to keep looking on the side or back of the PC cabinet.. Hope this helps you out..

Answer 4

each CD as it's own ID key, now your going to have a problem here, you can't put anyone else's xp system onto your computer, your cousins xp will be registered to him and his pc, meaning

All the hardware in and on a computer as serial numbers chips, Bios, CPU, Hard Drive, Motherboard, graphics card, when you register a copy of windows the first time it sends these serial numbers back to Mr Microsoft server, so it know what is in that windows xp, data base. this is to stop pirating windows,

What you can do is move off windows on to Linux which is far better than microsoft windows, you can download it for Free, you will get all the software you will ever need Free, Do some research into Linux operating system there are many versions out there but the best and easiest to learn are Ubuntu,

Linux is more powerful than windows Vista in fact it leaves Vista in the shade, it is just like windows point and click

when you download the cd it is live meaning you can run it from the cd rom, without installing it. if your on broad band you can get on the internet just using the cd disk, play with it till you get used to it, then you can install it onto your hard drive

check out the web links below and do some research for yourself

Answer 5

With Windows XP you have to use the key that comes with the media you are installing. Anotherwards you will need to use the key that came with the one from your cousin. If she/he has activated it on hers/his computer then you won't be able to. You really should call Dell and get them to send you the media that goes with your pc. There is probably a replacement fee involved.

Answer 6

What version of XP was installed on your machine? Home or Pro?

Use the one that came with your machine, the disk shouldn't matter unless it's a version mismatch I would assume.