dtheriault

i was busy and let someone else install xp on my work laptop. (i would never let anyone mess with my home machine)

i've been using it for a while and when i went to install a service pack at microsoft it told me the key was invalid.

knowing who i asked to install it was lazy and fully capable of using a burned cd or a hacked activation code i believe that the code is probably on a site somewhere and microsoft has added it to their list.

i have the legit code. it's an enterprise activation code for our work place.

how to i enter this code without doing a clean install.

thanks.

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hrdwareguy

You can use sysprep to do this. When you run sysprep, it will rip out your hardware information and your activation key. When you reboot, it will do a mini setup to redetect your hardware. You will also be prompted for your Key. After it boots you should be good to go since you have an enterprise code.

You can find more information about sysprep here

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steveincolumbus

tehre is a porgram called keyfinder that is suppost to be able to do it you might want to give it a try first since it doesn't remove any settings in doing so.http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

poof

actually, your "lazy friend" can call the toll free number on "your" screen, give the operater "your" number (the one that came with "your" disk, required), and they will hook you up with a new code.

I have three computers running XP, and I change their stuff whenever I want. I often change processers, memory, raid assignments, vid cards, main boards, network info, etc.

MSoft will tell me when I need to call them because I have made too many changes. I call them, give them my numbers, they give me more numbers, all is cool. I own legitimate software.

Do the right thing. This is not kazaa.

The Enterprise code is not legit. many ways to crack it, but, getting an Sp1 is only for hack/crack punks.

dtheriault

hey poof. seriously that's what happened. i don't own kazaa (puts too much crap on your computer and "it's illegal.") i've never downloaded an mp3 file or burned a copy of a cd. "gasp!" i'm actually pretty much a rule following dork.

i was just too busy at work to deal with the xp install and i was bummed that he didn't use the legit disk (something about not being able to find it...)

i just didn't want to wait for half and hour or more to talk to a microsoft operator. nor did i want to get this person in trouble since we have licenses for all of our computers and this instance was an anomoly.

i do the right thing every day.

__________________
"Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer

Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?

dtheriault

There's one other reason to change your activation code.

if you have a code that somehow become public, then you can't install service packs.

microsoft has a webpage about it below and gives you the steps necessary to change the activation key:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q328874

__________________
"Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer

Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?