Windows XP Licencing Problem

StuntMonkeh · 8 Mar 2007 at 18:10

I am trying to fix a laptop for a friend of mine but she has lost the discs that came with it. I installed Windows XP Home Edition (off a Dell disc for a computer I have) but it never asked for the licence so I changed to licence number after the install to what is on the COA on the bottom of her laptop but it won't activate, Microsoft come back with invalid key IIRC when I try. I'm assuming it must have something to do with the Windows XP version on the Dell disc. The COA on the laptop says its for Windows XP Home Edition.

Is there a work around for this in some way or will she need to buy another version and licence?

P.S. The laptop is a Packard Bell if thats any use...

StuntMonkeh · 8 Mar 2007 at 19:12

Burnsy - Only tried online activation.

I will have to ask around a few friends to see if anyone has XP Home.

StuntMonkeh · 9 Mar 2007 at 19:24

burnsy2023 said:
Before doing anything else, phone using the number provided, they'll most likely activate for you.

Burnsy

I'm a little worried that MS will get the wrong end of the stick and blacklist her licence even though its perfectly legit.

StuntMonkeh · 10 Mar 2007 at 17:23

Robotica said:
how did you change the key?

Its possible to change the key in the registry and there is a walkthrough on one of the MS support pages as well as a 3rd party program that will do it for you.