Need product key xp help !

someone gave me a cd to re-install xp. now when i try to activate it the key thats already typed in doesnt work. i tried my own key from the side of the pc - no go. so i tried over the phone and gave them the install id and it says not recogonized by windows contact your xp re-seller for a key ? i have no idea and am running out of days. anyone ?

If you are able to boot into Windows Normally, you can use either Belarc Advisor or Everest 2.20, either of which will tell you the Product Identification Number information for the version/installation of XP that has already been installed on your machine. But I'm thinking you can't get that far. Are you able to use your Windows XP at all?

i am into windows now, but i keep gettin the reminder at the bottom that i have to activate windows and i have xx days left.

Download and run a free copy of either Belarc Advisor or Everest 2.20 and run either one to determine the correct Product Identification Number for your Current installed version of XP.
Write it down on Paper.

Please inform us if the Product Identification Number, as reported by Belarc or Everest, is the same or different from the ID number on the Sticker on the outside of your tower case.
Do not include the ID number in your reply (keep it confidential to yourself) Just report that it is Same or Different.

Next, tell us more about this XP CD "someone gave me a cd to re-install xp"
Is it…..?
Retail version
OEM version
Branded to a machine (ex. Dell, HP, etc)
Corporate Multi-License version
Student Version



Is it Home, Pro, or Media Center?

What version of XP did your machine have on it previously? (Home, Pro, Media Center)
What "type" of licensed XP did the machine have on it previously? (Retail, OEM, Branded, Corporate, Student)

Is the XP CD that "someone gave you" an original with the Microsoft Holographic emblem?
Or is it a "copy"?

You state:

when i try to activate it the key thats already typed in doesnt work

Is that Product ID Number printed on the box or envelope the XP CD came in?
Is that Product ID Number printed on the actual XP CD?
Is it not printed on any visible source, but just come up during the installation sequence with the numbers already typed in?

You may have few or even no options.
However, we will not be able to determine whether or not we can provide additional assistance without answers to the questions that are asked above.

Please answer each and all of the above questions, in order that they are asked.

Best Regards

1. The number from belarc and the side of my pc are different. 2. I believe the cd was a retail version. it said on the cd ver - sofoe00rcof-b Northgate innovations, for distribution with new pc only. dvd 101/06-1-4 3. i believe it was home ed 4. the pc had a home ed on it b4 and came that way from HP 5.no there was no hologram it said northgate innovations 6"Is that Product ID Number printed on the box or envelope the XP CD came in?" dont think so 7."Is that Product ID Number printed on the actual XP CD" No? 8."Is it not printed on any visible source, but just come up during the installation sequence with the numbers already typed in?" Yes Thanks, hope thats enough info

Northgate innovations, for distribution with new pc only

This is an OEM-Branded XP CD that is specific to a machine built by Northgate Innovations.
To the best of my knowledge, The only Product ID number that will ever work with this installation CD will be the one "specifically assigned to it."
Again, to the best of my knowledge, - that particular XP installation, will already be "installed" AND "activated" throught the Microsoft Activation process for the one specific machine built by and sold by Northgate Innovations.

You and any other user will not be able to use that specific OEM XP installation CD on any other machine.

Sorry. But it is bad news for you on this one.

Best Regards

Work Around? —- Maybe. Try the Telephone Activation process again. When they ask for your Product Activation Number, give then the one that Belarc/Everest reports for your Machine. Tell them your situation, and beg for mercy. Best Regards

ok thanks dough. if that doesnt work would there be anywhere online that i can re-format windows with where it can be used fully ? thanks