OEM XP Reinstall

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Comments appreciated

> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was on

> the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from

> the registry.

> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition ?

> Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>

> Thanks

> Tom

>

August 22, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98 installation

was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number for

the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove Upgrade

eligibility.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Comments appreciated

> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was on

> the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from

> the registry.

> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition ?

> Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>

> Thanks

> Tom

>

August 22, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home Edition

OEM Software" and looks genuine.

I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to why it

would be rejected ?

You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as far

as I can see....

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98 installation

> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number for

> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

> Upgrade eligibility.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

>

> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> Comments appreciated

>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>> from the registry.

>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition

>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>

>> Thanks

>> Tom

>>

>

August 22, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had 98 installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had it before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine, and left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at System Properties, what version does it say you have?

What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should* accept the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've never fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to System Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, then the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see what needs to be done.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hi Gary,

> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home Edition

> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to why it

> would be rejected ?

> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as far

> as I can see....

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98 installation

>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number for

>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>

>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> Comments appreciated

>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>>> from the registry.

>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition

>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>

>>> Thanks

>>> Tom

>>>

>>

>

August 22, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Hi Gary,

I appreciate your effort, believe me.

I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start ( can't find

win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by default after

20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied to my

friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it with a

Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original version of XP

( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>) and give it

another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just wanted to do a clean

install.

Once again , many thanks for you time

Tom

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had 98

installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had it

before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine, and

left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But there

are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at System

Properties, what version does it say you have?

What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should* accept the

current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're getting

beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've never fully

pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit boot.ini

to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to System Properties,

Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, then the Edit

button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see what needs to

be done.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hi Gary,

> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

> Edition

> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to why

> it

> would be rejected ?

> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as far

> as I can see....

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>> installation

>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number for

>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>

>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> Comments appreciated

>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>>> from the registry.

>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition

>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>

>>> Thanks

>>> Tom

>>>

>>

>

August 22, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume license,

and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to own and use it.

Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's probably why the

PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the volume license, not to

the CD you have, or even to the one you made from the files on the HD. But

I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give you the gory details.

All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what you

*should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:OcOyy7P5HHA.4436@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Hi Gary,

> I appreciate your effort, believe me.

> I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start ( can't

> find win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by default

> after 20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

> I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

> especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

>

> System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

> works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

>

> All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied to my

> friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it with a

> Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original version of

> XP ( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>) and

> give it another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just wanted to do

> a clean install.

>

> Once again , many thanks for you time

> Tom

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had 98

> installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had it

> before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

> installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine, and

> left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But

> there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at

> System Properties, what version does it say you have?

>

> What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should* accept

> the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're

> getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've never

> fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

>

> Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit

> boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to System

> Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, then

> the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see

> what needs to be done.

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

>

> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

> news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> Hi Gary,

>> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

>> Edition

>> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

>> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to why

>> it

>> would be rejected ?

>> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as

>> far

>> as I can see....

>>

>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>>> installation

>>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number

>>> for

>>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>>

>>> --

>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>

>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>> Comments appreciated

>>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>>>> from the registry.

>>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same

>>>> partition

>>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>

>>>> Thanks

>>>> Tom

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:51:50 -0700, "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote:

>Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume license,

>and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to own and use it.

>Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's probably why the

>PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the volume license, not to

>the CD you have, or even to the one you made from the files on the HD. But

>I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give you the gory details.

>

>All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what you

>*should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

Garry,

If it is Windows xp home oem edition, they don't usually have volume

license.

However,

You brought up some interesting questions.

What if the business gives you the computer with xp volume license on

that?

Are they technically suppose to remove xp?

What happens if they don't?

Is the new owner suppose to remove it?

See Windows 98se OEM,. Window ME oem was transferable with a

computer.

The reason I asked all this.

This guy was throwing out a lot of stuff. He gave me some items.

He lost his original paper work for the xp pro. He is not sure what

type it his himself.

My question is.

How do you tell what type of product you have (before installing)?

My problem is with the stupid windows genuine advantage. I do not

want to clash with a person that may have the same key.

I have not installed it. I am not reporting him, he was just

throwing away stuff. (Remember in most states, once you throw

something on the curb for the trash, it becomes public property and

anyone could take it).

Greg Rozelle

========Signature Line=========

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Tom,

I think you do have a legal oem version of windows xp home. Since,

they gave you a computer.

My tip. This is legal. Is look for a program that can read the xp

key. Then use that key to reinstall Windows xp oem. Not the key on

the back.

However, if you also got a booklet with the key that is the same as

back of your computer. Than you could you that key. This way you

may be required to activate your computer. If you have to call. Tell

them they gave you their computer. They will reset under your name.

Greg Rozelle

========Signature Line=========

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

HI Gary

I THOUGHT it might be something along those lines....it's complicated !!

Just one other question you might be able to help me with. I successfully

made a bootable CD with the copy of XP from the Hard drive ( original , not

Slipstreamed SP2)

I just want to try the code again to see if it would be accepted. It's a

while since I've reinstalled XP so I can't quite remember the sequence.

It identified the existing installation and asked if I wanted to repair or

install Fresh. I didn't continue. Can I proceed to the enter code screen

WITHOUT screwing anything up if it's not accepted ?

I know you have to jump through several hoops before the installation

actually begins...

I HAVE imaged the drive with Acronis , just in case , but I would like to

try...

Thanks

Tom

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

news:uA1tlaQ5HHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume

> license, and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to own

> and use it. Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's

> probably why the PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the

> volume license, not to the CD you have, or even to the one you made from

> the files on the HD. But I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give

> you the gory details.

>

> All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what you

> *should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

>

> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

> news:OcOyy7P5HHA.4436@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Hi Gary,

>> I appreciate your effort, believe me.

>> I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start ( can't

>> find win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by default

>> after 20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

>> I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

>> especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

>>

>> System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

>> works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

>>

>> All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied to

>> my friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it with

>> a Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original version

>> of XP ( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>)

>> and give it another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just wanted

>> to do a clean install.

>>

>> Once again , many thanks for you time

>> Tom

>>

>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>> news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had

>> 98 installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had it

>> before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

>> installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine, and

>> left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But

>> there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at

>> System Properties, what version does it say you have?

>>

>> What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should* accept

>> the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're

>> getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've never

>> fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

>>

>> Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit

>> boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to System

>> Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, then

>> the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see

>> what needs to be done.

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>

>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>> news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>> Hi Gary,

>>> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

>>> Edition

>>> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

>>> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to

>>> why it

>>> would be rejected ?

>>> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as

>>> far

>>> as I can see....

>>>

>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>>>> installation

>>>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number

>>>> for

>>>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>>>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>>>

>>>> --

>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>

>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>> Comments appreciated

>>>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but

>>>>> it's

>>>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what

>>>>> was

>>>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>>>>> from the registry.

>>>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same

>>>>> partition

>>>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>>

>>>>> Thanks

>>>>> Tom

>>>>>

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

"Greg Rozelle" <invaild@invaild.com> wrote in message

news:TM6zi.50419$YL5.2397@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...

> On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:51:50 -0700, "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote:

>

>>Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume

>>license,

>>and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to own and use

>>it.

>>Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's probably why

>>the

>>PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the volume license, not to

>>the CD you have, or even to the one you made from the files on the HD. But

>>I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give you the gory details.

>>

>>All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what you

>>*should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

>

> Garry,

> If it is Windows xp home oem edition, they don't usually have volume

> license.

You've got a point there. Not much of a corporation, <g>. But in that case,

the business should have passed on the installation CD with the machine. As

it is, it would appear that the i386 folder isn't complete, or doesn't match

the installed copy. Maybe someone put it there from some other CD just for

convenience.

> However,

> You brought up some interesting questions.

>

> What if the business gives you the computer with xp volume license on

> that?

> Are they technically suppose to remove xp?

> What happens if they don't?

> Is the new owner suppose to remove it?

AFAIK, the business isn't allowed to transfer ownership of a volume license,

unless it's the entire license (all of teh installations done under that

license.) If the user wants legal title, he needs to either reinstall with a

retail copy or, possibly, go through channels at MS to obtain just the

license. Considering that it will probaly cost as much as the retail copy,

in fact more, I'd want the latter. In any case, it's no skin off the

business's nose, nobody is likely to go after them for a few machines, it's

just a problem for the new owner, who doesn't have a legit license.

> See Windows 98se OEM,. Window ME oem was transferable with a

> computer.

Yes, and so is XP OEM. But not volume licenses. And when such a transfer is

made, the rules stipulate that the installation media be part of the

transfer.

> The reason I asked all this.

> This guy was throwing out a lot of stuff. He gave me some items.

> He lost his original paper work for the xp pro. He is not sure what

> type it his himself.

You're not being clear. What, exactly, did he give you? The machine with XP

already installed? A disk to go with it? Just the disk? Paperwork isn't

important, you just need a legit copy of Windows with a legit Product Key

and know that it isn't under a volume license (Product Key does not equal

license.) If he can't give you all that, then your best bet is to buy a new

copy of XP.

> My question is.

> How do you tell what type of product you have (before installing)?

You mena if it's under a volume license? I don't know.

> My problem is with the stupid windows genuine advantage. I do not

> want to clash with a person that may have the same key.

Now you're losing me. If you have a legit copy with a legit PK, then you

shouldn't have any problem and neither should anyone else. Are you talking

about some PK found on the internet that works with your OEM copy of

Windows? AFAIK, you just takes your chances, same as everyone else who uses

those PKs. Not having any direct experience, I don't know how WGA handles

those. I'm sure there are others here who will gladly fill you in.

> I have not installed it. I am not reporting him, he was just

> throwing away stuff. (Remember in most states, once you throw

> something on the curb for the trash, it becomes public property and

> anyone could take it).

Installed what? Are you saying that all you found was an installation CD?

That does not qualify as a legitimate copy of Windows, and that is not a

legitimate transfer of title. For all you know, the guy still has that

installed on his machine and the tossing of the CD was by mistake. Even if

you found the PK, too, doesn't mean that he uninstalled the thing, and in

any case, an OEM license is generally only licensed to the first machine

it's installed on.

Sorry, but to be honest I'm only mostly sure of what I'm saying here. Others

here have a far more encyclopedic knowledge of the issue.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

No, you can't test the key without destroying the current installation. It

isn't asked for until well into the procedure. Too late to turn back. I'm

not even sure I'd try a Repair installation. I could test a bit and get back

to you. I just happen to have installed a testbed a few hours ago, and now

that I figured out the problem I installed it to test, it's just going to

waste.

But what is your scenario? What kind of installation do you think to

perform? A second installation to a new folder? A Repair installation? You

have to choose that long before you get to the PK.

How big is the HD and how much free space? Maybe you'd like to shrink the

existing partition and create a new one to test with? That's not hard to do

if the HD has the space. Or you can put in another HD if you have one lying

around.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:OUSE4WT5HHA.3916@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> HI Gary

> I THOUGHT it might be something along those lines....it's complicated !!

> Just one other question you might be able to help me with. I successfully

> made a bootable CD with the copy of XP from the Hard drive ( original ,

> not

> Slipstreamed SP2)

> I just want to try the code again to see if it would be accepted. It's a

> while since I've reinstalled XP so I can't quite remember the sequence.

> It identified the existing installation and asked if I wanted to repair or

> install Fresh. I didn't continue. Can I proceed to the enter code screen

> WITHOUT screwing anything up if it's not accepted ?

> I know you have to jump through several hoops before the installation

> actually begins...

>

> I HAVE imaged the drive with Acronis , just in case , but I would like to

> try...

> Thanks

> Tom

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:uA1tlaQ5HHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume

>> license, and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to own

>> and use it. Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's

>> probably why the PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the

>> volume license, not to the CD you have, or even to the one you made from

>> the files on the HD. But I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give

>> you the gory details.

>>

>> All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what you

>> *should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>

>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>> news:OcOyy7P5HHA.4436@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> Hi Gary,

>>> I appreciate your effort, believe me.

>>> I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start ( can't

>>> find win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by

>>> default

>>> after 20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

>>> I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

>>> especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

>>>

>>> System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

>>> works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

>>>

>>> All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied to

>>> my friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it with

>>> a Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original version

>>> of XP ( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>)

>>> and give it another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just wanted

>>> to do a clean install.

>>>

>>> Once again , many thanks for you time

>>> Tom

>>>

>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>> news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>> So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had

>>> 98 installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had

>>> it

>>> before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

>>> installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine,

>>> and

>>> left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But

>>> there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at

>>> System Properties, what version does it say you have?

>>>

>>> What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should* accept

>>> the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're

>>> getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've

>>> never

>>> fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

>>>

>>> Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit

>>> boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to

>>> System

>>> Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery,

>>> then

>>> the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see

>>> what needs to be done.

>>> --

>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>

>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>> news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>>> Hi Gary,

>>>> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

>>>> Edition

>>>> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

>>>> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to

>>>> why it

>>>> would be rejected ?

>>>> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as

>>>> far

>>>> as I can see....

>>>>

>>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>>> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>>>>> installation

>>>>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number

>>>>> for

>>>>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>>>>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>>>>

>>>>> --

>>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>>

>>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>>> Comments appreciated

>>>>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but

>>>>>> it's

>>>>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows

>>>>>> XP

>>>>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what

>>>>>> was

>>>>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key

>>>>>> from the registry.

>>>>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same

>>>>>> partition

>>>>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Thanks

>>>>>> Tom

>>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Hi Gary,

Thanks for all your attention. As the computer came from a friend and

neighbour , I already deleted all her documents , in her presence , assuring

her I wasn't able to retrieve them , and as it's currently FAT32 etc etc

etc , I just wanted to start from fresh. I'm about to reinstall my own XP on

my main machine , and I wanted to experiment on the other one. That's all.

All things considered, it doesn't run 'badly' and drive space isn't an issue

, I just assumed that because it has a Genuine MS sticker on it , I'd be

able to reinstall. I guess you learn something new every day

Regards

Tom

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

news:uilIrqT5HHA.5724@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> No, you can't test the key without destroying the current installation. It

> isn't asked for until well into the procedure. Too late to turn back. I'm

> not even sure I'd try a Repair installation. I could test a bit and get

> back to you. I just happen to have installed a testbed a few hours ago,

> and now that I figured out the problem I installed it to test, it's just

> going to waste.

>

> But what is your scenario? What kind of installation do you think to

> perform? A second installation to a new folder? A Repair installation? You

> have to choose that long before you get to the PK.

>

> How big is the HD and how much free space? Maybe you'd like to shrink the

> existing partition and create a new one to test with? That's not hard to

> do if the HD has the space. Or you can put in another HD if you have one

> lying around.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

>

> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

> news:OUSE4WT5HHA.3916@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>> HI Gary

>> I THOUGHT it might be something along those lines....it's complicated !!

>> Just one other question you might be able to help me with. I successfully

>> made a bootable CD with the copy of XP from the Hard drive ( original ,

>> not

>> Slipstreamed SP2)

>> I just want to try the code again to see if it would be accepted. It's a

>> while since I've reinstalled XP so I can't quite remember the sequence.

>> It identified the existing installation and asked if I wanted to repair

>> or

>> install Fresh. I didn't continue. Can I proceed to the enter code screen

>> WITHOUT screwing anything up if it's not accepted ?

>> I know you have to jump through several hoops before the installation

>> actually begins...

>>

>> I HAVE imaged the drive with Acronis , just in case , but I would like to

>> try...

>> Thanks

>> Tom

>>

>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>> news:uA1tlaQ5HHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>> Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume

>>> license, and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to

>>> own

>>> and use it. Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's

>>> probably why the PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the

>>> volume license, not to the CD you have, or even to the one you made from

>>> the files on the HD. But I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't give

>>> you the gory details.

>>>

>>> All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what

>>> you

>>> *should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

>>>

>>> --

>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>

>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>> news:OcOyy7P5HHA.4436@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>>> Hi Gary,

>>>> I appreciate your effort, believe me.

>>>> I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start ( can't

>>>> find win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by

>>>> default

>>>> after 20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

>>>> I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

>>>> especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

>>>>

>>>> System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

>>>> works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

>>>>

>>>> All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied to

>>>> my friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it

>>>> with

>>>> a Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original

>>>> version

>>>> of XP ( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>)

>>>> and give it another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just

>>>> wanted

>>>> to do a clean install.

>>>>

>>>> Once again , many thanks for you time

>>>> Tom

>>>>

>>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>>> news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>> So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably had

>>>> 98 installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had

>>>> it

>>>> before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

>>>> installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine,

>>>> and

>>>> left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But

>>>> there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at

>>>> System Properties, what version does it say you have?

>>>>

>>>> What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should*

>>>> accept

>>>> the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're

>>>> getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've

>>>> never

>>>> fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

>>>>

>>>> Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit

>>>> boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to

>>>> System

>>>> Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery,

>>>> then

>>>> the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll see

>>>> what needs to be done.

>>>> --

>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>

>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>>>> Hi Gary,

>>>>> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

>>>>> Edition

>>>>> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

>>>>> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to

>>>>> why it

>>>>> would be rejected ?

>>>>> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it as

>>>>> far

>>>>> as I can see....

>>>>>

>>>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>>>> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>>>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>>>>>> installation

>>>>>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the number

>>>>>> for

>>>>>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>>>>>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> --

>>>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>>>

>>>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>>>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>>>> Comments appreciated

>>>>>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but

>>>>>>> it's

>>>>>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>>>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows

>>>>>>> XP

>>>>>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>>>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what

>>>>>>> was

>>>>>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install

>>>>>>> key

>>>>>>> from the registry.

>>>>>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same

>>>>>>> partition

>>>>>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Thanks

>>>>>>> Tom

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Well, then, I think you should learn some things on that machine, like how

to resize partitions, install Windows to a second partition, etc. Just ask

if you want details. Otherwise, it' been a pleasure. See you later.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:eDu$O%23T5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Hi Gary,

> Thanks for all your attention. As the computer came from a friend and

> neighbour , I already deleted all her documents , in her presence ,

> assuring her I wasn't able to retrieve them , and as it's currently FAT32

> etc etc etc , I just wanted to start from fresh. I'm about to reinstall my

> own XP on my main machine , and I wanted to experiment on the other one.

> That's all. All things considered, it doesn't run 'badly' and drive space

> isn't an issue , I just assumed that because it has a Genuine MS sticker

> on it , I'd be able to reinstall. I guess you learn something new every

> day

> Regards

> Tom

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:uilIrqT5HHA.5724@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> No, you can't test the key without destroying the current installation.

>> It isn't asked for until well into the procedure. Too late to turn back.

>> I'm not even sure I'd try a Repair installation. I could test a bit and

>> get back to you. I just happen to have installed a testbed a few hours

>> ago, and now that I figured out the problem I installed it to test, it's

>> just going to waste.

>>

>> But what is your scenario? What kind of installation do you think to

>> perform? A second installation to a new folder? A Repair installation?

>> You have to choose that long before you get to the PK.

>>

>> How big is the HD and how much free space? Maybe you'd like to shrink the

>> existing partition and create a new one to test with? That's not hard to

>> do if the HD has the space. Or you can put in another HD if you have one

>> lying around.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>

>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>> news:OUSE4WT5HHA.3916@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>>> HI Gary

>>> I THOUGHT it might be something along those lines....it's complicated !!

>>> Just one other question you might be able to help me with. I

>>> successfully

>>> made a bootable CD with the copy of XP from the Hard drive ( original ,

>>> not

>>> Slipstreamed SP2)

>>> I just want to try the code again to see if it would be accepted. It's a

>>> while since I've reinstalled XP so I can't quite remember the sequence.

>>> It identified the existing installation and asked if I wanted to repair

>>> or

>>> install Fresh. I didn't continue. Can I proceed to the enter code

>>> screen

>>> WITHOUT screwing anything up if it's not accepted ?

>>> I know you have to jump through several hoops before the installation

>>> actually begins...

>>>

>>> I HAVE imaged the drive with Acronis , just in case , but I would like

>>> to

>>> try...

>>> Thanks

>>> Tom

>>>

>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>> news:uA1tlaQ5HHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>> Well, if it came from a corporation, then it probably has a volume

>>>> license, and regardless of what WGA says, it's not "legal" for you to

>>>> own

>>>> and use it. Those licenses aren't transferable in that way, and that's

>>>> probably why the PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the

>>>> volume license, not to the CD you have, or even to the one you made

>>>> from

>>>> the files on the HD. But I'm not an expert in the field, so I can't

>>>> give

>>>> you the gory details.

>>>>

>>>> All in all, I'd say you really need to get your own copy. That's what

>>>> you

>>>> *should* do, anyway. It's up to you.

>>>>

>>>> --

>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>

>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:OcOyy7P5HHA.4436@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>>>> Hi Gary,

>>>>> I appreciate your effort, believe me.

>>>>> I rebooted and selected the menu for 98 , but it wouldn't start (

>>>>> can't

>>>>> find win.com , which I KNOW is an important file ! ) XP loads by

>>>>> default

>>>>> after 20 seconds , so it's no big deal.

>>>>> I'm FAR from an expert , but I know when to leave well enough alone ,

>>>>> especially when it seems I can't reinstall XP.

>>>>>

>>>>> System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. It all

>>>>> works...validation and Genuine Advantage , so it's a legal key ?

>>>>>

>>>>> All I know about the history of the computer is that it was supplied

>>>>> to

>>>>> my friend by a company she's affiliated with. They just replaced it

>>>>> with

>>>>> a Dell. I'm going to try making a bootable CD using her original

>>>>> version

>>>>> of XP ( without slipstreaming SP2....I'm very good at that now !! <G>)

>>>>> and give it another shot , just for 'fun'. It works fine...I just

>>>>> wanted

>>>>> to do a clean install.

>>>>>

>>>>> Once again , many thanks for you time

>>>>> Tom

>>>>>

>>>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>>>> news:OGOunNO5HHA.1212@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>>> So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. And it probably

>>>>> had

>>>>> 98 installed before the XP was installed. My guess is that whoever had

>>>>> it

>>>>> before did a lot of stuff to it, wiped the disk and installed 98, then

>>>>> installed XP from a disk other than that which came with the machine,

>>>>> and

>>>>> left behind the disk that corresponds to the sticker's PK number. But

>>>>> there are various ways that this could have happened. When you look at

>>>>> System Properties, what version does it say you have?

>>>>>

>>>>> What bothers me is that I should think the disk you made *should*

>>>>> accept

>>>>> the current PK number, as it appears in the Registry, but now we're

>>>>> getting beyond my knowledge. There's a few oddities there that I've

>>>>> never

>>>>> fully pinned down (or if I have, I've forgotten .)

>>>>>

>>>>> Assuming the actual 98 installation no longer exists, you can edit

>>>>> boot.ini to get rid of the line that prompts you at startup. Go to

>>>>> System

>>>>> Properties, Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery,

>>>>> then

>>>>> the Edit button. Copy what's there and paste it into a reply. We'll

>>>>> see

>>>>> what needs to be done.

>>>>> --

>>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>>

>>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>>> news:OMqQy3N5HHA.5980@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>>>>> Hi Gary,

>>>>>> Thanks for the reply. The sticker on the case says " Windows XP Home

>>>>>> Edition

>>>>>> OEM Software" and looks genuine.

>>>>>> I'll probably just leave 'well enough' alone , but I am curious as to

>>>>>> why it

>>>>>> would be rejected ?

>>>>>> You have to select XP or Win 98 at boot , so it didn't overwrite it

>>>>>> as

>>>>>> far

>>>>>> as I can see....

>>>>>>

>>>>>> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

>>>>>> news:OpTNvlM5HHA.4676@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>>>>>>> PS -- There is no OEM Windows XP Upgrade disk. Perhaps the 98

>>>>>>> installation

>>>>>>> was OEM, but the XP Upgrade one isn't. Also, if you do get the

>>>>>>> number

>>>>>>> for

>>>>>>> the XP disk, you'll still need the original (98?) OEM disk to prove

>>>>>>> Upgrade eligibility.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> --

>>>>>>> Gary S. Terhune

>>>>>>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>>>>>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

>>>>>>> news:OqEzo0I5HHA.980@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>>>>>> Comments appreciated

>>>>>>>> I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but

>>>>>>>> it's

>>>>>>>> FAT 32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>>>>>> It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows

>>>>>>>> XP

>>>>>>>> folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable

>>>>>>>> ,

>>>>>>>> but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what

>>>>>>>> was

>>>>>>>> on the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install

>>>>>>>> key

>>>>>>>> from the registry.

>>>>>>>> It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same

>>>>>>>> partition

>>>>>>>> ? Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>> Thanks

>>>>>>>> Tom

>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>

>>>

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

"Greg Rozelle" <invaild@invaild.com> wrote in message

news:eX6zi.50421$YL5.42737@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...

> Tom,

>

> I think you do have a legal oem version of windows xp home. Since,

> they gave you a computer.

From all the evidence, no, the machine he has does not have a legit license.

But it's impossible to know. Yes, it activated, obviously. That doesn't mean

it's legit.

> My tip. This is legal. Is look for a program that can read the xp

> key. Then use that key to reinstall Windows xp oem. Not the key on

> the back.

He tried the PK from the Registry (which is where the kind of utility you

speak of gets it.) Didn't work with the CD he made from the i386 folder,

which is the only copy he has.

> However, if you also got a booklet with the key that is the same as

> back of your computer. Than you could you that key. This way you

> may be required to activate your computer. If you have to call. Tell

> them they gave you their computer. They will reset under your name.

He got no book, no PK number. Not even the PK from the sticker on the

outside of the machine works, and it isn't the same as that in the Registry.

Note that he got no CD, either, but made one from the i386 folder on the

machine. All in all, he's got a mess that isn't going to be easily remedied

short of buying a new copy or reinstalling from scratch, hoping that he can

find a PK that works with the CD he made. Won't be in the least bit legit,

but there you have it.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:22:13 -0700, "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com>

wrote:

>Comments appreciated

>I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's FAT

>32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was on

>the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from the

>registry.

>It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition ?

>Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>

>Thanks

>Tom

>

I really think you have a legit computer but you didn't get all the

stuff.

Since the back of the Case has the windows xp oem sticker.

You need to get the xp oem cd from your friend to install it correctly

or the manufature restore cd from him. A copy is ok, if he does not

have the orginal. Otherwise he needs to give you both.

Download xp sp2 for later install.

Disconnect any connection from the internet.

Install windows xp or use the restore windows xp CD.

Some restore cds may require you to enter a key

Use the key on the back of the computer for either method.

Now install windows xp sp2.

Restore connection to the internet

Then do updates.

Slipstreaming does not always work with upgrade version of xp.

That is why you can not install this. I am surprise Gary did not

know this.

Greg Rozelle

========Signature Line=========

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Greg, please read the entire thread, especially my last reply to you.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

> http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

"Greg Rozelle" <invaild@invaild.com> wrote in message

news:oQhzi.30165$RX.5293@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net...

> On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:22:13 -0700, "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com>

> wrote:

>

>>Comments appreciated

>>I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>FAT

>>32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was on

>>the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from

>>the

>>registry.

>>It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition ?

>>Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>

>>Thanks

>>Tom

>>

>

> I really think you have a legit computer but you didn't get all the

> stuff.

>

> Since the back of the Case has the windows xp oem sticker.

> You need to get the xp oem cd from your friend to install it correctly

> or the manufature restore cd from him. A copy is ok, if he does not

> have the orginal. Otherwise he needs to give you both.

>

> Download xp sp2 for later install.

>

> Disconnect any connection from the internet.

>

> Install windows xp or use the restore windows xp CD.

> Some restore cds may require you to enter a key

> Use the key on the back of the computer for either method.

>

> Now install windows xp sp2.

> Restore connection to the internet

> Then do updates.

>

> Slipstreaming does not always work with upgrade version of xp.

> That is why you can not install this. I am surprise Gary did not

> know this.

>

> Greg Rozelle

>

> ========Signature Line=========

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Hey Guys, I'm new to this group and didn't want to start WW3 ?? <G>

Just to recap so there's no misunderstanding.

My friend has her own company and is affiliated with a larger company in

some way or other ( not sure of the details )

The computer was supplied and ' maintained ' by the company who also

installed Office etc etc etc. She gave it to me because I help her with

general computing tasks.

She wasn't given ANY disks with it and I imagine if something happened that

required reinstalling , the company would have taken care of it. When I saw

the OEM sticker, I ASSUMED it was legit and just wanted to do a fresh

install. I don't know why the key is rejected ( Belarc Advisor reports the

same PK from the registry...) , but if it aint gonna work , I'm not gonna

screw with it !!

Thanks for all your time

Tom

"Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

news:%232RbW7Z5HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Greg, please read the entire thread, especially my last reply to you.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

>

> "Greg Rozelle" <invaild@invaild.com> wrote in message

> news:oQhzi.30165$RX.5293@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net...

>> On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:22:13 -0700, "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com>

>> wrote:

>>

>>>Comments appreciated

>>>I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>>FAT

>>>32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>>folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>>>on

>>>the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from

>>>the

>>>registry.

>>>It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition

>>>?

>>>Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>

>>>Thanks

>>>Tom

>>>

>>

>> I really think you have a legit computer but you didn't get all the

>> stuff.

>>

>> Since the back of the Case has the windows xp oem sticker.

>> You need to get the xp oem cd from your friend to install it correctly

>> or the manufature restore cd from him. A copy is ok, if he does not

>> have the orginal. Otherwise he needs to give you both.

>>

>> Download xp sp2 for later install.

>>

>> Disconnect any connection from the internet.

>>

>> Install windows xp or use the restore windows xp CD.

>> Some restore cds may require you to enter a key

>> Use the key on the back of the computer for either method.

>>

>> Now install windows xp sp2.

>> Restore connection to the internet

>> Then do updates.

>>

>> Slipstreaming does not always work with upgrade version of xp.

>> That is why you can not install this. I am surprise Gary did not

>> know this.

>>

>> Greg Rozelle

>>

>> ========Signature Line=========

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

Just to finish.. I heartily applaud your desire to do a fresh install. While

this was a business machine and probably wasn't used for nefarious purposes

(trolling for kiddie porn, etc.) it is standard advice that you reformat and

reinstall a used system that you've obtained.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

"Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com> wrote in message

news:un2tKVa5HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hey Guys, I'm new to this group and didn't want to start WW3 ?? <G>

> Just to recap so there's no misunderstanding.

> My friend has her own company and is affiliated with a larger company in

> some way or other ( not sure of the details )

> The computer was supplied and ' maintained ' by the company who also

> installed Office etc etc etc. She gave it to me because I help her with

> general computing tasks.

> She wasn't given ANY disks with it and I imagine if something happened

> that required reinstalling , the company would have taken care of it. When

> I saw the OEM sticker, I ASSUMED it was legit and just wanted to do a

> fresh install. I don't know why the key is rejected ( Belarc Advisor

> reports the same PK from the registry...) , but if it aint gonna work ,

> I'm not gonna screw with it !!

>

> Thanks for all your time

>

> Tom

> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> wrote in message

> news:%232RbW7Z5HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> Greg, please read the entire thread, especially my last reply to you.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>>> http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

>>

>> "Greg Rozelle" <invaild@invaild.com> wrote in message

>> news:oQhzi.30165$RX.5293@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net...

>>> On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:22:13 -0700, "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com>

>>> wrote:

>>>

>>>>Comments appreciated

>>>>I was given a 1.8ghz P4 by a friend who upgraded. It runs OK , but it's

>>>>FAT

>>>>32 and looks like it's been upgraded from 98 ?

>>>>It has an OEM sticker on the case , but no disks. I found a Windows XP

>>>>folder on the HD. I slipstreamed SP 2 onto it and made it bootable ,

>>>>but when I ran it , it rejected the serial number. I confirmed what was

>>>>on

>>>>the case , and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key from

>>>>the

>>>>registry.

>>>>It looks like my only choice might be to reinstall to the same partition

>>>>?

>>>>Is that a limit of the particular version of XP ?

>>>>

>>>>Thanks

>>>>Tom

>>>>

>>>

>>> I really think you have a legit computer but you didn't get all the

>>> stuff.

>>>

>>> Since the back of the Case has the windows xp oem sticker.

>>> You need to get the xp oem cd from your friend to install it correctly

>>> or the manufature restore cd from him. A copy is ok, if he does not

>>> have the orginal. Otherwise he needs to give you both.

>>>

>>> Download xp sp2 for later install.

>>>

>>> Disconnect any connection from the internet.

>>>

>>> Install windows xp or use the restore windows xp CD.

>>> Some restore cds may require you to enter a key

>>> Use the key on the back of the computer for either method.

>>>

>>> Now install windows xp sp2.

>>> Restore connection to the internet

>>> Then do updates.

>>>

>>> Slipstreaming does not always work with upgrade version of xp.

>>> That is why you can not install this. I am surprise Gary did not

>>> know this.

>>>

>>> Greg Rozelle

>>>

>>> ========Signature Line=========

>>

>

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:47:21 -0700, "Tom Crooze" <nobody@nowhere.com>

wrote:

>Hey Guys, I'm new to this group and didn't want to start WW3 ?? <G>

>Just to recap so there's no misunderstanding.

>My friend has her own company and is affiliated with a larger company in

>some way or other ( not sure of the details )

>The computer was supplied and ' maintained ' by the company who also

>installed Office etc etc etc. She gave it to me because I help her with

>general computing tasks.

>She wasn't given ANY disks with it and I imagine if something happened that

>required reinstalling , the company would have taken care of it. When I saw

>the OEM sticker, I ASSUMED it was legit and just wanted to do a fresh

>install. I don't know why the key is rejected ( Belarc Advisor reports the

>same PK from the registry...) , but if it aint gonna work , I'm not gonna

>screw with it !!

Actually, depending on how xp oem was originally installed. It

could be legit. That is the key to the debate, Me and Gary are

having.

Technically, I think you have to remove office if she still has it on

or another computers.

========Signature Line=========

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?certegy

August 23, 2007

Re: OEM XP Reinstall

We aren't having a debate until you read the entire thread again and get

clear on what the OP has and how he got it.

1. The ONLY way he can create an install disk is using the i386 folder on

the machine. No chance of getting the CD that was used to install the

system, or any other CD except to go out and buy one, which would make this

discussion moot.

2. The PK that belongs to the installed system, as reflected in the

Registry, does not work with the CD created from the i386 folder.

3. The PK that is on the outside of the system does not work with the CD

created from the i386 folder. Nor does it match the installed system.

Conclusions.

1. The original factory installation was wiped at some point and a different

CD was used to reinstall it.

2. The i386 folder that is on the system did not come from the original CD,

nor did it come from the CD that was used to reinstall it. Someone copied

that folder from yet another CD, just to have it available so the CD wasn't

needed for whatever one needs an i386 folder.

3. That system is in no way legitimately licensed to Tom Crooze. He has no

way of knowing where the system that is actually installed came from, and no

way of knowing if it has been used with another system. It is not the OEM

installation that came pre-installed from the factory. That makes it

illegitimate right there. If nothing else, the transfer of ownership was

incomplete because it did not include the CD and accompanying literature.

Read the EULA in re transfer of ownership.

4. The CD created from the i386 folder is even less legit, since there is no

PK to go with it.

5. The only way to reinstall that system is to go online and search for OEM

PKs and try them with the CD he created from the i386 folder. Even if he

manages to Activate such an installation and pass WGA, it STILL won't be a

legitimately licensed installation, and those actions may very well screw up

the company whence it came if they try to use the real CD that provided that

i386 folder. Not that' I'd care much about that. They obviously played fast

and loose with their CDs and installations.

I think that about covers it.

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User