Getting windows validated + old topic

http://www.southperry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10648

Anyone got a solution for this yet? The back side thing doesn't work while the front does. I'd greatly appreciate anyone at least giving me a basic idea of the problem besides just "driver" if that is the case

-------------------------------

After my computer reformat, my windows isn't "genuine" anymore when microsoft runs its test. When dling some of their stuff, i can usually bypass it by other means but I can't find a way to install windows media player w/o it trying to validate and telling me it isn't genuine. How would I go about handleing this by either making it genuine or finding a workaround

*Can't use iTunes atm cause it's being stupid + I can control windows media player with my keyboard during MS and such but can't with itunes

If you reinstalled Windows from a CD/DVD you bought, or one that came with your computer, you should be OK. Is your Windows "activated"? I'm assuming yes, otherwise you only have a few days left to use it. If it activated without any hassle, it should also be able to validate.

If it won't validate, you either have some weird problem or you have not installed a "legit" copy of Windows. Where did the disc come from that you used to install?

I had my computer reformatted and had to use the tech person's disc who came to my house. My old copy of windows was genuine, product key and etc..

Sometimes your product key is attached to your computer case. Look around your case to see if the manufacturer (assuming there was one) attached the Validation Sticker to your case.

Note that since you used another person's disc, that CD-Key may not work because OEM and regular windows XP CD-Keys are not interchangeable. In that case, see if your buddy has an OEM copy and reinstall on that. Enter the CD-key and you should be good to go.

I have my product key on the side of my computer/cpu. Only problem is, I'm pretty nooby at this stuff (When handleing it first time) and not sure exactly what to do with it. So any help would be appreciated :]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

Look at "How to activate Windows XP by using the Internet"

This might also be of interest: Windows Genuine Advantage does not validate a copy of Windows XP

It includes some things to help find why it's not validating, and also how to change your product key without reinstalling. (This is easy in Vista, but not so obvious in XP.)

Fiel's got a good point as well: The tech probably had a "full" retail version of XP (able to install on any computer), but most likely the key that's on the label on your case is for what they call an "OEM" version. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) copies are linked to specific hardware and, once activated, can only be reinstalled on the same machine. So if he installed a full version, he may not have done you a favor.

There may still be some options to help you without reinstalling.

I don't know if this still exists, but if can't activate your windows xp. You can 1, change your product key to what you had and then try to activate.

If you still can't activate, you can choose to call microsoft, it will be long and tedious and it will tell you that you can't activate the first time, then it might transfer you to a live person and he/she will force activate it for you.

In my experience, the different serial key only prevents me from installing when using different disks. Example, if I use a SP2 XP disk retail serial with an Dell recovery disk, the serial won't count as valid. Other than that, once the operating is installed, you have the option to change the serial or call in to activate windows.

Also, it might be worthwhile to slipstream an SP3 XP disc. Having this disc means that you don't have to put in the CD-Key during installation and can instead put it in after you've already loaded Windows. This means you won't have any crisis problems while installing Windows and not having a correct CD-Key.

To learn how to slipstream, check out nLite. Google is your friend.

I had my computer reformatted and had to use the tech person's disc who came to my house. My old copy of windows was genuine, product key and etc..

protip, Tech guys usually use a pirated windows. thats one of the many reasons why i hate these people.