Windows XP key not working.

warren_1979 · 10 Apr 2010 at 19:09

Hi, My friend bought a 2nd hand computer about a year ago. I'm trying to do a fresh install of XP as he got some malware, and the COA sticker on the computer that states the key isn't working. The COA states its a Windows Home edition, has the key and says 'DSG Retail Limited'. I take it DSG own dixons and currys etc. so I presmue its a normal retail XP COA?

At first I tried to use a XP Pro cd as its the only copy of windows I have, as my mate never got any disks with the computer, but that won't work as I now know. I downloaded an XP home edition ISO and tried that but still no joy.

I'm stumped what to do next? Is there anyway to install windows without getting asked for the key during setup? Then maybe I could try using the key to validate it?

Cheers.

Over Clocker · 10 Apr 2010 at 19:16

You need an XP Home OEM CD.

Key will not work with a non OEM copy.

Rroff · 10 Apr 2010 at 19:17

The XP Home ISO is probably the retail version and the COA is an OEM (keys only work on the same version).

CaptainCrash · 10 Apr 2010 at 19:37

warren_1979 said:
I downloaded an XP home edition ISO and tried that but still no joy.

I'm stumped what to do next? Is there anyway to install windows without getting asked for the key during setup? Then maybe I could try using the key to validate it?

Cheers.

You could try changing the contents of the file \i386\setupp.ini, so that the last three digits of the PID are "OEM" as opposed to "000" (you'll need an ISO editor, such as the trial version of UltraISO).

If it's a relatively recent SP3 ISO, you *might* also need to change the CD label so that it matches the specified channel (OEM or retail). I don't have a list of the relevant labels to hand, but I'm sure a search of the interwebs will be enlightening.

edit: the volume label of the Windows XP Home (SP3) Retail disc is GRTMHFPP_EN, so if you have one of those you'd change it to GRTMHOEM_EN. I'm not sure if it's always necessary, but if you're editing the ISO anyway you might as well do it to be on the safe side.

warren_1979 · 10 Apr 2010 at 21:38

Yes its a retail version. I also downloaded an OEM iso but never got round to using it as after 2 tries we sort of just gave up. I will get the oem iso burnt and give it a whirl and let you know.

Cheers.