OEM License Issue

[DotNetNewbie]

Hi,

I need to rebuild a work computer, sadly we are unable to locate the original CD's. However we do have the OEM license code (still stuck on the PC) and a copy of Windows XP Pro.

However the XP Pro installation will not accept the OEM license code?!?

Any ideas why?

Cheers

.net

 

[cdeer]

There are different types of CD keys depending on the license agreement, such as Retail key, OEM key, Corporate Key, or Volume License key.

They are all mutually exclusive and cannot be used interchangeably as they won't work.

 

[DotNetNewbie]

Cheers for the info,

As an experiment I have a brand new HP desktop here in my office, it comes with both Vista and XP. I installed XP Pro and as a test used sysprep to reseal the computer and rebooted.

Interestingly the OEM license will not work and again states it is invalid...not sure why. Not even sure if that anything to do with my original post lol!

.net

 

[SimonDavies]

The reason it's not working is that each OEM has a little bit of code in the OS that recognises the BIOS of the PC, if it matches the BIOS code in the OS then it allows you to skip putting in the OS key, if it doesn't you can't put it in. The problem you will also be facing is that the OEM code you're trying to use is also associated with the brand, no good putting a code from a Dell onto a HP pc because that won't be accepted either. You would need a VLK license for you to use the same media across different brands.

What you could do is see if the hardware supplier still has OEM cd's around for your hardware, failing that it's either a retail copy or VLK.

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[eyec]

try going to belarc.cmo and download their analyzer and run it. it will show the license key of that machine

 

[Lemon13]

microsoft licence faq.

6. What is the difference between OEM product and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)?

ANSWER. OEM products are intended to be preinstalled on hardware before the end user purchases the product. They are “shrink wrapped” and do not come in a box like the retail products do. Full-Packaged Product (FPP) is boxed with CD(s), manuals, and the EULA and is sold in retail stores in individual boxes. The End User License Agreements (commonly referred to as “EULAs”) for OEM and FPP products are slightly different. One main difference is that an OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC. However, the FPP version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product.

 

[cdogg]

The bottom line here is that even when you own an OEM license, you should be able to reinstall it as a clean install. When it was first installed, it generated a hardware "hash" code based on multiple hardware components like the NIC and video card. As long as major components have not changed since that time, then reinstalling Windows should go through without a hitch including activation.

The only problem here is that DotNetNewbie needs to use the right OEM disc to match the OEM license labeled on the PC. Without the right disc, that license key is useless. Usually generic OEM keys will work with Dell or HP OEM CD's, but not the other way around. If that's what you already tried, then that OEM key labeled on the PC is not generic (it's branded).

We would need to have more info about the computer you're trying to rebuild (brand/model) and what OEM XP discs you've tried...

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
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[linney]

A possible workaround?

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.


A quickie re-install based on the above procedure, which will take you back to day 1 and the time you first installed Windows or made a System Backup using ASR involves using the C:/Windows/Repair folder.

Windows stores the original Registry files from day 1, or from the last time you restored your System State via backup files or ASR (see help program for details of ASR) in the folder C:\WINDOWS\repair. If you can replace the files in C:\WINDOWS\system32\config with the same named files from "Repair", and IF the machine boots, you will have a day 1 unactivated version of Windows.

Easier to replace or find the missing CD isn't it?

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[DotNetNewbie]

Hi,

Thanks for everyone who has taken the time to respond to my question.

I spoke with my computer supplier late Friday and as stated I should be able to cleanly reinstall the OS as the original hardware is still in place. However for some reason this does not seem to be the case.

My supplier is kindly shipping me a new PC and I can return this one without cost. Hopefully the new PC that arrives will work correctly!

Thanks again.

.Net

 

[SimonDavies]

One question for you, are you using the OEM cd from that PC or one from another PC? if it's from that PC then I agree with you, it should work, however if you are using an OEM cd from another PC (even if it's potentially the same brand) you can experience issues. There are HP cd's that will only work with certain variants of HP, try using them on newer HP's and they have the same issues you're experiencing.

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[DotNetNewbie]

Simon,

This CD came with the new PC I purchased, during configuration of another producted it killed the OS, so I had to do an install, it was during that install that it kept asking for the license code, which i duely entered, and which it duely would not accept.

Having also spoken with Microsoft this morning they have also pointed me to a tech net page describing how I can overcome this, so I now have 2 solutions

.net

 

[Sympology]

I may be wrong on this, not 100% sure, but when you buy an OEM (either seperate or with the PC), the support is with the supllier, e.g HP or yourself.
If you buy a retail, you can get MS support direct.

Like I said, not 100% sure on this (never had to call MS)

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[Johnthephoneguy]

You are correct STU!! When I had to replace my MB the 2nd time, Windows made me activate again. Being the 2nd time it forced me to call MS. There were some issues that I don't remember and they had to verify I had a full version of XP before they would help beyond the activation issue.

JohnThePhoneGuy

"If I can't fix it, it's not broke!

 

[BionicJohn]

Yes, Stu is correct. I had an issue over an OEM version of Office 2K3, and was referred back to the supplier. Original receipts and documentation are essential.

Full story: thread68-1243379

Liverpool: Capital of Culture 2008
Anfield: Capital of Football since 1892
Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[cdogg]

For the record, I've never had an issue in calling Microsoft about an OEM key for Windows XP. On more than a dozen occasions, I've called them regarding a clean install that wouldn't activate on an HP or Dell laptop. Obviously, the hardware did not change.

They ask me one or two questions that they don't seem to listen to the answer for, and then give me the code to punch in to activate Windows. Nothing to it!

Now where they won't usually help you is if you have a CD that won't take the OEM key in the beginning within Setup, which is the problem ".net" was having. That has nothing to do with activation and is another issue entirely...

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
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