1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Resolved Unauthorized product key

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by prdnitjsr, 2010/07/25.

  1. 2010/07/25
    prdnitjsr

    prdnitjsr Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/06/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi All,

    I have dual booting on my laptop(that came with vista preinstalled). I booted with an XP cd but during the installation, there was no prompt for product key. Installation got completed even then, but am getting this 'Activate Windows' prompt wherein if I try entering the product key now, it says 'Unauthorized'.? How do I solve the problem...?
     
    prdnitjsr,
    #1
  2. 2010/07/25
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    You may have a number of possible issues here .....

    To install XP with Vista already installed you need to follow ......

    How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first)

    Is the XP install CD retail or OEM?

    Has that CD been used to install XP on another computer? You may only install XP from a given CD on one computer. Although the install will complete on another computer it will not activate.

    Windows Genuine Advantage does not validate a copy of Windows XP

    Also look here .....

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP

    and scroll down to Product Activation.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2010/08/04
    prdnitjsr

    prdnitjsr Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/06/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi

    PeteC,

    The windows xp profession(with sp3) CD is an OEM one. It was previously used with my other desktop system. Now when I tried to install this on my laptop (with preinstalled vista), I was not asked for the product key (dual booting was successfully done). Though I have the product key, its not getting authorized. Am not able to contact MS on its India Contact No also.

    Removed by Moderator

    Please help!!!
     
    prdnitjsr,
    #3
  5. 2010/08/04
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

    Joined:
    2001/12/27
    Messages:
    15,174
    Likes Received:
    412
    You are not allowed to transfer an OEM license to another system.

    From Microsoft's Operating System Licensing Q&A

     
    Arie,
    #4
  6. 2010/08/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    I think your only source of assistance is MS and I would not hold my breathe there ....
    MS changed the rules for re-activation of OEM installations some time ago barring a whole raft of COA's because of piracy.

    You may only install XP from one CD on a single computer - you have already done that. To comply with the EULA you must completely remove XP from your other desktop and contact MS to re-activate - if possible. The fact that you were not prompted for a key suggests to me that it is included on the OEM CD which may be specific to the computer on which it was first installed.

    And please don't post any workarounds you have tried - this is not the sort of info we want to see on the Board and it contravenes our Posting Rules.
     
    PeteC,
    #5
  7. 2010/08/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Thanks for that Arie - I failed to find it in my searches :(
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2010/08/04
    prdnitjsr

    prdnitjsr Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/06/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks PeteC for informing... I was not sure of rules (because for me dual booting was also same as tweaking the registry)...Anyway, would be careful regarding this.

    And am sure you will help me get some relevant MS email id to contact with, since the contact no provided(in the activation page) by MS is not valid.. :)


    Regards...
     
    prdnitjsr,
    #7
  9. 2010/08/04
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

    Joined:
    2001/12/27
    Messages:
    15,174
    Likes Received:
    412
    Not sure for what, since I've shown you that you'll need to get a new license.

    AFAIK their toll free customer service # in India = 1800 111100

    For other options see: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=india
     
    Arie,
    #8

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...