Interesting XP install problem!

bigG · 11 Dec 2009 at 15:30

Hi all,

I have got an old Toshiba A120 laptop, with XP PRO installed (or did have

)

I had to format and re-install, I have re-installed XP PRO OEM and entered the key from the COA. Laptop boots up into windows, but won't validate the software, it says i have miss typed the key.

I phoned MS up and they gave me another key to try (this took all day to prove i had a valid copy of XP)

Any way it still won't let me validate it and says the key is miss typed.

How can i solve this, as they want $46 to speak to tech support.

Cheers ~G

MikeHunt79 · 11 Dec 2009 at 15:33

you need to install from the toshiba disk....

Are you sure the COA isnt for XP home?

bigG · 11 Dec 2009 at 15:41

I'm sure it is defo. XP PRO

SiriusB · 11 Dec 2009 at 15:43

What about the disc, is that Toshiba? A generic OEM disc might not work. Certainly doesn't with Dell or Acer from experience.

UKDTweak · 11 Dec 2009 at 15:43

It will say on the COA what version it is, however, if the key is for XP Pro OEM (NO SP) and you have installed XP PRO OEM SP3, this could be the issue...
Basically, you need to make sure you are installing the correct version for the key supplied.

bigG · 11 Dec 2009 at 17:21

i don't know weather it is the original or not, it is however a genuine XP CD.

I think it is slipstreamed with SP2, should i try it without SP2

SiriusB · 11 Dec 2009 at 17:23

Would be a worth a try.

OEM discs tend to have the manufacturers name on them somewhere.

UKDTweak · 11 Dec 2009 at 17:29

SiriusB said:
Would be a worth a try.

OEM discs tend to have the manufacturers name on them somewhere.

Yes, as I said, some OEM keys will only work on the Non SP versions.

bigG · 12 Dec 2009 at 22:51

Ok i tried a non sp version and even though it installed ok, it still won't validate the key.

Does it matter what year the os disc is? The disc is a version 2002.

bigG · 12 Dec 2009 at 22:59

Without trying to swear!! I popped down to my local mainstream computer supermarket. (not sure weather i can say the name on this board).

They assured me that they can reinstall xp and validate with my key, using their media.

How is this, do they have a special disc?

MikeHunt79 · 12 Dec 2009 at 23:46

google "windows xp royalty key"

Brian Stuart · 13 Dec 2009 at 11:08

I have installed XP both Home and Pro on all manner of OEM PC's using the serial on the PC. Some times it will tell you it cannot activate and all you have to do is phone MS and it will activate automatically over the phone using the activation code on the PC. I use a slipstreamed copy of SP3 with IE8 added. No problems at all.

jas72 · 13 Dec 2009 at 12:47

just an idea but i had the same problem before and it was because i choose the wrong keyboard instead of the AZERTY that I have here in Belgium I choose UK in regional options and it gave me querty keyboard which means the QWAZ M are in the wrong place.

Also you need to SHIFT to get numbers.

just a thought.

bigG · 13 Dec 2009 at 15:57

I think i have got somewhere

I will try it on the toshiba laptop tomorrow, but it has worked on a virtual setup.

Not sure, am i allowed to post my findings?