Windows XP Product Key on side of HP computer will not work?

Question

I have a HP Pavilion a1555a and the motherboard recently 'blew up'. I installed a new motherboard and also a new hard drive while I was at it. When trying to install Windows XP on my new hard drive it would not allow me to use the product key on the side of the computer (on the COA). I have formatted the old hard drive by the way (I got what I needed from it). I want to know why the Product Key on the Certificate of Authority won't work.

Answer 1

CanadaRAM, you're wrong. ALL copies of Windows installation CDs/DVDs are the SAME. It doesn't matter if the installation media is retail or OEM, it will all be the same Windows setup program and data. The KEYS are the only unique component.

If keys were specific to a disc, then what's stopping you from copying the disc 600 times, and giving it to everyone you know. If the key validated against the disc, they would all work. Microsoft is a bit smarter than that.

When you call and ask for a new key, you don't have to read them the disc's serial numbers, do you? Nope. Keys are in no way tied to the data contained on the installation media.

As long as the product type is correct (XP, Home, Pro, Tablet, or MCE), ANY install disc will accept the OEM key. This is because all copies of the installation media contain the same setup program and data..

Windows keys are validated against a self-checking algorithm, similar to a Luhn formula. Then, it is paired with a "signature" generated by your specific hardware configuration. This signature is your computer's "thumbprint"; it's used to define and declare a computer.

This signature, along with your product key, is sent home to Microsoft and logged. This allows them to keep track of how many machines the key was used on, and deny activation after three successful activation attempts.

Since the OEM hardware signature for your individual machine is already KNOWN, the special "embedded" key that's printed on the COA sticker will validate against the OEM hardware it's expecting.

Because the motherboard and hard drive was changed, the hardware signature failed to validate, causing the key to be rejected. A different motherboard would cause such a major change in the hardware signature, that Windows considers the system to be an entirely separate computer.

You need to call up Microsoft and tell them what happened. If they buy your story — and it'll take some convincing on your part — they should be able to give you a new key.

Answer 2

Yes, sometimes this will happen when trying to install with different hardware. But you have the option of calling Microsoft, explaining your situation, and having them validate your installation manually. I don't know if they give you a new code or connect to your computer directly, but telling them your motherboard burned and had to be replaced is sufficient cause to get a new activation.

For the record, to the above answerer, I recently built a new computer, new mobo, new processor, etc. and saved only the hard drives from my 5 year old Dell Dimension desktop, and when I reinstalled Windows XP with my Dell CD, expecting it to fail, it, um, didn't; it activated it online without any problems.

Answer 3

Probably because you did not use the actual Windows restore disk that came with  the HP.   The COA number is specific to the bundled version of software that HP shipped with your machine, and no other.

Answer 4

You are using the wrong Windows CD installation disk. Use the one that came with the computer when purchased.

Answer 5

Use Winxp CD which come along with the PC

Maiba_abu