Unbelievable! (XP registration problem).

[Elf Wizard]

Hi! I was trying today, to install a copy of XP (pro, x86), at a friend's system.So, I got the installation CD (really nice colors, attractive CD, with it's own box case, carefully kept safe in a drawer, away from dust, sunrise etc.)I installed windows, SP3, WMP 11,....oops, needs genuine check. OK! Installed genuine validation and.....failed!Needs windows activation first! Aaargh!OK! Take it easy! Just go for yet another activation! (even before windows installation completion)!I launced activation and....... What means exceeded???Has the money that my friend gave for them, lost their value within a year?If so, can I ask MS, to return them?Clicking on the link (for help), returns a 404 error!Before torrenting for a solution, does someone has any idea, what this "meaningful" "friendly" and "helpful" message means?Googling for that, reveals that many people, already has this 45092 "error", without providing a real solution.

[zlim]

Click on telephone and call the phone number provided.

[redmaledeer]

Linux?

[kkehoe]

I'd be interested in the source of this disk, especially where it's XP Pro (vs Home). It brings up visions of Volume License Keys that have been pirated and subsequently blocked by Microsoft. Run the following WGA Diagnostic Tool for more detailed info:http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012Kevin

[tommyj12]

Call it in. Usually take about 5 minutes.

[nlinecomputers]

Before torrenting for a solution...Sounds like a pirate that got caught.

[Elf Wizard]

MANY THANKS guys for your help!!!

Click on telephone and call the phone number provided.

Call it in. Usually take about 5 minutes.

OK! I'll do it tomorrow, although the last time I did that, the person who replied me (from the local MS department), was not very familiar with computers.

Linux?

Indeed, I'm using Kubuntu, but installing Linux at other people's systems, sounds somewhat scaring for them! Further that that, I think Linux isn't a Windows replacement! It's a totally different culture!

I'd be interested in the source of this disk, especially where it's XP Pro (vs Home). It brings up visions of Volume License Keys that have been pirated and subsequently blocked by Microsoft. Run the following WGA Diagnostic Tool for more detailed info:http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012Kevin

Looks like original to me. PC's owner is not very familiar with computers. I'm the only person, who used this CD (for installing Windows, before ~1 year, without any problems, at that time).It's the original CD, with the accompanying printed manuals etc.The only problematic thing, is that is an OEM version (from a well known international hardware vendor).Indeed, it's the 1st time, I show an XP pro OEM. Usually they're Home.I've seen also before pirated versions, but it's the 1st time that I can see the "expired"? (limited installations) message.Anyway, I'll try to run the tool (WMP validation, refused to run) and in case of success, I'll post the results here.

Before torrenting for a solution...Sounds like a pirate that got caught.

Yes indeed!MS is making piracy! Expiration???I can understand, a "not valid" or a "pirated" message, but I just can't understand, this "expiration" thing!What now? Sue MS? OK! Seriously now, that issues are really frustrating for paid products.And SORRY for my bad sense of humor! THANKS AGAIN for your help guys!!!I'll run the diag, I'll try contact the local MS, and I'll be back tomorrow.

[tommyj12]

MANY THANKS guys for your help!!! OK! I'll do it tomorrow, although the last time I did that, the person who replied me (from the local MS department), was not very familiar with computers.

It will most likely be and India call center , but if you say that I had to swap a hd they will get you a new key without a problem.

[Tushman]

It will most likely be and India call center , but if you say that I had to swap a hd they will get you a new key without a problem.

I've had to do so several times in the past. They will never provide you with a new key; however they will provide an installation ID so one can activate the new installation.==================================Edit:I just looked at the screenshot you posted Elf Wizard. That is a rather odd circumstance; it should not be asking for a new product key (different from installation ID) unless the key entered was invalid. Even if you had an invalid key, (i.e. pirated key) it should at the very least provide an installation ID. From there it would be a simple matter of activating on line or by phone. Did you not get a installation ID screen when you tried to activate it? You're going to need that number when you call Microsoft's Activation line. That is the very 1st thing they'll ask you for. Edited December 30, 2008 by Tushman

[Elf Wizard]

Well, the official response was buying a replacement CD (~80€). Unofficially.......no further comments on it!

[Tushman]

OK! Take it easy! Just go for yet another activation! (even before windows installation completion)!I launced activation and.......[/color]

What confuses me is how you can say windows did not complete the installation. It sounds like to me it did; otherwise how could you ever install service pack 3, WMP 11..etc. If you have gotten to the point where Windows is asking to be activated - then Windows has finished installing. Even if you had chosen the option to activate at a later time during the installation, you would still have a fully functional installation. XP always gives you 30 days grace period to activate the new install.If on the other hand, it never made to the desktop, then definitely windows did not finish the install and you more than likely have a pirated (illegal) copy. Edited December 30, 2008 by Tushman

[Elf Wizard]

What confuses me is how you can say windows did not complete the installation. It sounds like to me it did; otherwise how could you ever install service pack 3, WMP 11..etc. If you have gotten to the point where Windows is asking to be activated - then Windows has finished installing. Even if you had chosen the option to activate at a later time during the installation, you would still have a fully functional installation. XP always gives you 30 days grace period to activate the new install.If on the other hand, it never made to the desktop, then definitely windows did not finish the install and you more than likely have a pirated (illegal) copy.

Service pack 3 installed. WMP not installed because needs activation first. XP is still giving 28 days for activation. Desktop is fully functionall, and what confuses me is that, this "over limited" copy was a fully functional copy before 1 year. Pirated versions can't pass the activation (as this copy already did before 1 year) and they are not bringing this particular message, that I have never seen before!Anyway, I giving up!The PC is not mine, and I suppose it's owner will still use it, as it is, but of course I'm not authorized to express him. I just installed windows for him.

[Tushman]

Service pack 3 installed. WMP not installed because needs activation first.

Ermm... you're the one that originally said WMP 11 was installed.

I installed windows, SP3, WMP 11,

Anyway, I giving up!The PC is not mine, and I suppose it's owner will still use it, as it is, but of course I'm not authorized to express him.

You're not authorized to do what?! LOL. Is that a 'Greek thingy'? :hysterical:Almost sounds like the Greek Mafioso. Edited December 31, 2008 by Tushman

[Elf Wizard]

You're not authorized to do what?! LOL. Is that a 'Greek thingy'? Almost sounds like the Greek Mafioso.

Oh, thank you very much for your nice words!!!And your really good sense of humor!!! THANKS GOD, I have A LOT of American friends that are both GENTLE and GENIOUS and really nice persons!!!Of course dear Nazi, you cannot understand what I mean.

[Tushman]

Oh, thank you very much for your nice words!!!And your really good sense of humor!!! THANKS GOD, I have A LOT of American friends that are both GENTLE and GENIOUS and really nice persons!!!Of course dear Nazi, you cannot understand what I mean.

Here in the states, when you say you're going to 'cap' someone, it means to finish him/her off. As in - morte, not breathing, dead, kaput. In your post, you said quote:

...but of course, I'm not authorized to express him.

Ergo, my joke was supposed to be a pun - I guess the humor did not translate to your culture. (Pun means a play on words by the way). I should have thought of that since you are from Greece and you guys don't have the same euphemisms we have here.Oh and by the way Elfwizard - I know of some very GENTLE and GENIOUS greeks here in chi-town. They usually express to me how wonderful their american friends are! When I ask for an expresso, they usually buy me two shots. Oops, there I go with the puns again. LOL.Thank you, thank you... I'm here all day. <drum roll></takes a blow> Edited December 31, 2008 by Tushman

[Elf Wizard]

Ehm!!!I really really SORRY!!! Please accept my apologies!!!I didn't meant to flame you, or to drive you crazy.And if you can, please accept also, myBEST WISHES for a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (This applies to everyone here).

[Tushman]

Ehm!!!I really really SORRY!!! Please accept my apologies!!!I didn't meant to flame you, or to drive you crazy.And if you can, please accept also, myBEST WISHES for a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (This applies to everyone here).

It is quite alright Elf Wizard, perhaps it is I who should apologize for my bad puns.

[Elf Wizard]

It is quite alright Elf Wizard, perhaps it is I who should apologize for my bad puns.

Oh, no problem!It was just a misunderstanding, that now solved!