I gave my son my old desktop. Somehow he crashed the system (go figure). I can not find the original restore disk for this system, since it is a few years old. Nonetheless, I tried to use my xp home disk to reinstall windows on it. When it came the time to type in the key, I used the key that came with the system on the back of the desktop and it said the key is invalid. How is that possible? Isn't the key associated with the parameters of that machine? Shouldn't it recognize it? Please help me, since my son is driving me crazy without his computer.
Thanks
2007-10-11 12:02:38 · 10 answers · asked by tia r 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Just to make sure i have this straight... your using an XP disc from this same desktop you gave your son or from a different desktop (say, your newer one)?
Obviously if its from a different desktop, you'd have to use the key associated with that computer.
If its the same one that key should work.
Make sure you utilize correct capitalization and dont confuse 1's and 0's with I's and O's.
I use XP pro, which is made to be installed on multiple desktops (networking, etc..). I wonder if the home version only allows itself to be installed with a specific computer? If you have a Dell or gateway that would explain it most especially (proprietary software).
If you're sure the Key # is correct (verify with the product book that came with the XP disc). Then you'll have to contact MS support (fun..I know, sorry).
If Tech support isnt helpful, you may have to buy another OS.
2007-10-11 12:10:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each system disk is unique. The key assigned to the desktop will not work on another computer since too many of the components are different.
The desktop key is probably keyed to that computer by the manufacturer.
Doesn't your old desktop have the key sticker right on it from the original setup? Maybe inside the door if it has one or on the back or inside the case ??
Otherwise it's off to Best Buy or Staples and buy another XP setup.
Sarge
2007-10-11 12:07:44 · answer #2 · answered by lchasser 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "key" is associated with the CD, not the computer. So, if you are trying to install XP from a CD that was originally installed on another computer, you need to use the key from the other computer.
Most XP CD's will allow mulitiple downloads, up to 5 I believe.
2007-10-11 12:21:49 · answer #3 · answered by centsless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since you can't install windows on a second system windows knows that that is not the machine it was installed on in the first place. if the system cd is xp with service pack 2 then it knows.
for one you may not have enough memory in the old system. hard drive space for windows updates.
but what you could do is download Linux operating system and install it on the old computer, \linux is free and all the software that comes with it is also free, there are several versions of Linux. the easyiest one to learn is Ubuntu Linux or try edubuntu wich is deleloped for Schools Education.
Linux puts MS to shame. it is now being offered by computer manufactures Dell, HP, Compaq, as an alternative to windows check it out, as I have stated it is FREE..
It will not be long before Linux becomes popular
2007-10-11 12:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by Carling 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nope, the key is associated with the CD. The key on the back of the computer is for the one that came with the computer. Call your manufacturer, they may be able to send you a replacement CD.
2007-10-11 12:06:28 · answer #5 · answered by G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might help in case you knew in case you had a broadcom or intel controller. All Dell downloads could be self extracting while you're saving. attempt the intel and if it says you do not have an intel controller, then you certainly in all likelihood have a broadcom. I commonly choose for the community drivers first, then you certainly can enable xp seek for drivers via suited clicking and determining on replace driving force.
2016-10-06 12:46:44 · answer #6 · answered by raj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a drastic measure: Load that CD, boot from the CD (for this you must tinker with CMOS) and run SetUp from there, destroying the partition, recreating it, formatting it and re-installing XP from scratch. Maybe then the product key works. If not, sorry .....
2007-10-11 12:07:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can only install xp on one pc.
you may have to buy a new xp disc and install that onto his pc or use another version of windows, like millenium edition or something.
2007-10-11 12:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take it to a repair shop lol
2007-10-11 12:06:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes to all your questions...but is the system partitioned
2007-10-11 12:04:54 · answer #10 · answered by Patti_Ja 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋