|
|
Pichinino
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4
|
|
Hi,
Have just spent several hours ploughing through forums, and am stuck.
Having been unable to get away from the : \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing, I followed advice on this site though the Windows Recovery Console. Basically, I have re-booted from a CD and then got to the recovery console. Having three options (set up . . . Repair . . . Quit . . . ), I followed advice to set up. With my heart in my mouth, I followed advice that, although the warnings of file destruction would appear, because the repair option was present, I would (probably!) be ok.
Well - all went fine on the resinstallation until it asked me for my Product Key. It isn't the one on the sticker under the machine, and is, I suspect, one known only to Dell as Windows came pre-installed.
Any idea how I can now get a valid Product Key?? All the advice I can get presumes a functioning operating system. I have no access to the hard drive at all, and am just stuck in installation, even when I turn off and on (obviously, it isn't the machine I am using now!)
Have I knackered this?
Any advice welcome. Many thanks in advance.
Tim
Dell Inspiron 6000
Windows XP
|
|
heidi
regular
Reg'd: Sun
Posts: 421
|
|
I recently had an issue with my product key and windows activation and used a number that was given during the activation process to contact MS. Maybe this can help you?
0800 018 8354
This number appears on this FAQ page
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/buy/compliance/faq.mspx#EPB
|
RichieP
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4959
|
|
Quote:
It isn't the one on the sticker under the machine
Not sure what you mean by that.
If you use a disk with the same version as on your label underneath, when it asks for the product key, use the one printed underneath.
In my experience it activates online no problem 90% of the time.
If it doesn't, as said above, ring the phone number and follow the automated response and it will be fine.
--------------------
 OK OK I can't go any faster! aaaaaaaaaaaagh!
|
Pichinino
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4
|
|
Thanks for this - although it didn't get me any further forwards.
|
Pichinino
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4
|
|
Hi,
Trouble is, XP was preinstalled by Dell, so no disk with the machine. In desparation, I used another XP disk (that came with the machine I am typing on now), to get into the windows repair console. However, the product key for that doesn't work, and I suspect that it is looking for the product key for the original installation.
I am now resigned to losing access to any files on the hard disk (happily, fairly recently backed up). Any ideas how I escape from this loop of being asked for the product key, and re-format the drive? (or any ingenious, better ? solutions I haven't thought of)?
Thanks a lot for help. Much appreciated.
|
RichieP
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 4959
|
|
If you've got XP Home printed on the sticker on your computer, you need an XP Home disk. Likewise for XP Pro.
If you can't do a repair install, do a full reformat and install, seeing as you've got your stuff backed up anyway.
--------------------
OK OK I can't go any faster! aaaaaaaaaaaagh!
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
