hi, i have just been given an old toshiba laptop (had xp home sp1) i decided to do a clean install, i skipped the rregistration process and installed the modem driver and AOL

i then tried to activate it online, i typed the 25 digit product key in and clicked next, it said something about an invallid code, i checked it, deleted it and typed it in again.... same problem.

could you please tell me why this is and how i go about fixing it?

Thanks,
Mike

Was this product key the original key on the laptop?

Or was it ever used on another computer?

Did a phone number come up in order to contact Microsoft? (This is often necessary when moving versions of XP about).

Or have I missed the point

Usually you put in the Product Key before the installation begins. Then the activation on-line is fairly automatic afterwards.

the product key is on the bottom of the laptop.

it has not been used before (for any computer) not even this one because win xp came pre-installed

it doesnt matter what cd you use does it? because i have used the cd for my computer.

it gives an activation phone number so i will try that in the morning.

Usually you put in the Product Key before the installation begins. Then the activation on-line is fairly automatic afterwards.

i thaught this, but windows xp installed and on the setup stage (with language settings and things) it asked me if i wanted to register, i clicked later and logged onto windows, it then said i have 30 days to register..... i installed the internet applications and tried registering....

Th[/QUOTE]anks for the reply,
Mike

Usually with a Microsoft CD you are asked for your Product Key right at the beginning. Before any files are transfered. Afterward the full installation you are asked to activate (register). Usually you do not use your key again as it is already on your hard drive and detected. Anyway there might be some differences with the original OEM setup.

All that being said the call to Microsoft should do the trick.

you mean the automatic thing that tells you the registration code?
or an actual person on the other end of the phone? lol

Thanks again,
Mike

You will probably have to talk to a human entity and explain what you did (are doing).

I have had to do this when moving XP between computers. As long as you have the original Product Key it is usually quick and simple.

ok, thanks once again for your help

No problem. Let us know how it goes.

phoned them this morning, all working and activated

Thanks,
Mike

Thanks for the update and the thanks!

Let us know if we can help further in the future!




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