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need product key code

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jim222

Technical User
Feb 21, 2008
4
OK heres the deal I found a nice computer took it home turn it on and & Its asking for a xp home key code> xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx my question is there a program to retrive this product key code or do I have to put a new harddrive in with a new os? computer has a slave drive can I do something with it. thanks mike... p.s. its a compaq build in 99 & upgraded to win. xp home with a slave drive.
 
It is asking for the code because the box is blank.

You need a new key code if you don't have a sticker on the machine.

This means you need to buy a new copy of the operating system.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
 
Looks like the former owner re-installed Windows XP but never activated it. I think now XP gives you 30days to activate, after that time it will simply refuse to boot to desktop and continuosly ask that you insert the key.
Go buy a copy of XP.

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my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep
 
Time was, you could buy a COA only, those days are gone, but it's good to have the media too. You shouldn't have to pay more than $90 or so:


This keeps things legal, but it's an OEM that can't be transferred to other machines. Before you buy, look all around the case for the sticker. When I build PCs for friends with kids I sometimes put the sticker on the inside to keep their grubby little mitts from peeling it off...or covering it with Hannah Montana stickers...

Tony

Users helping Users...
 
thanks guys for all the info. I think ILL just gutt it in dump it. I undersstand you can only use xp home key code on only one computer. I just dont know what to do but to trash it, am a newbe to all this thanks for all the help..
 
If you buy a home license and media you have home. If you buy professional you reinstall with professional.

When it comes time to upgrade you can install with the same license (scrap the old machine, of course) and have something more modern.

OEM stuff can't legally move like that, but full retail can.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
 
HI guys I have a question how do you go about install a slave drive in a new computer the slave drive is about 6 years old and the new computer is one year old do you just put it in and xp will know its there? thanks mike....
 
What is the connection type? Is it an IDE (ribbon cable) or SATA (small flat, usually red cable)? Chances are the 1-yo machine is SATA, and the 6-yo HDD is IDE/PATA.

Tony

Users helping Users...
 
jim222: Please start a new thread when your question has nothing to do with the original question.




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This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.


 
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