can anybody explain windows genuine validation

[bookouri]

I have an old notebook that somebody gave me. It came with XP Media center loaded on it originally. It still has the genuine windows sticker with the Windows SN printed on it. But there is no media with the notebook. I installed XP Media center from scratch using the Media center cd from another notebook. I installe dit using the original Microsoft SN, but the notebook would not activate so I activated it over the phone and everything seemed ok, but when I went to do the windows updates and installed the validation tool, I started getting a message that my windows was not genuine. Is it simply not possible to reinstall XP without the original media that came with the machine even if i have a legitimate Serial number??

 

[lhuegele]

Sounds like you need to call Microsoft back on the phone to find out what's missing on your setup that is causing the problem.

As long as the version of XP is the same as what your license is for, you should be able to install it using any media. In other-words, if your license is for the OEM version, you need OEM media. If it's for the EA version (enterprise agreement) then you need EA media, etc.

Good luck,

 

[bookouri]

well, i always thought that was the case. I dont know if its even possible to talk to a person as MS... the activation process is all automated...

 

[electronicsfreak]

bookouri, the activation also has a number where you can call and talk to an employee. I have several times. It will give you a phone number for the area you are in.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[bookouri]

thanks, ill take a look again for that number...