Need to activate XP

[Brad.]

So basically, when I received my PC from Acer it came with Windows MCE pre-installed. I then received the Vista Home Premium upgrade disk and upgraded to Windows Vista.

Then my hard drive corrupted and I tried to install Vista on a clean hard drive. However this was a no-go as it is the upgrade edition, more problems came up as I didn't receive a MCE disk with the PC itself.

I finally installed XP off a friends CD and I'm still waiting to activate it. Now what would you do? I don't want to fork out the costs for a new XP product key, but I don't see any other options.

Any ideas?

[+allan MVC]

You are not permitted to activate someone else's copy of an OS on your system. You can try requesting a copy of MCE from the computer OEM. You can also try calling Microsoft and explaining your situation, but I don't think it will help. To stay within the law you'll need to purcase an original CD.

[Admiral Michael]

Perform a Clean Install with a Vista Upgrade Disc

Since the release of Windows Vista, it was thought that the Upgrade Disc would install over your XP and invalidate the key. However, there had always been a workaround that just requires a few different clicks when installing with the disc.

So far, this workaround has been working for many. Microsoft even confirmed that the workaround was possible but warned that they would be violating the terms of use agreed to when they purchased Vista. There has yet to be a fix for Microsoft’s error.

The process is very simple, except you will have to install Vista twice. This process has worked for many, although I have never personally tested this.

1. Boot your computer using the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD:

To do this, make sure you have your DVD in your PC before your computer moves on to the 2nd screen at bootup. You may have to configure your BIOS so your DVD drive is recognized as a boot device.

2. Install normally but DO NOT enter your product key:

Make sure you follow this step. By not entering your product key, you will install Vista as a 30-day trial.

3. Select the version of Windows Vista purchased:

4. Re-install Vista within Vista:

Once you are finished installing Vista, go to My Computer, and install Windows Vista.

5. Install and type in your Product Key:

When prompted, enter your Product Key.

6. Perform a Custom (advanced) Install:

You will come to a point where you have to choose between an Upgrade and Custom Install. Make sure to choose Custom. Windows should now perform a clean install of Vista on your PC. Don’t forget to restart.

Source

[Brad.]

Perform a Clean Install with a Vista Upgrade Disc

Since the release of Windows Vista, it was thought that the Upgrade Disc would install over your XP and invalidate the key. However, there had always been a workaround that just requires a few different clicks when installing with the disc.

So far, this workaround has been working for many. Microsoft even confirmed that the workaround was possible but warned that they would be violating the terms of use agreed to when they purchased Vista. There has yet to be a fix for Microsoft?s error.

The process is very simple, except you will have to install Vista twice. This process has worked for many, although I have never personally tested this.

1. Boot your computer using the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD:

To do this, make sure you have your DVD in your PC before your computer moves on to the 2nd screen at bootup. You may have to configure your BIOS so your DVD drive is recognized as a boot device.

2. Install normally but DO NOT enter your product key:

Make sure you follow this step. By not entering your product key, you will install Vista as a 30-day trial.

3. Select the version of Windows Vista purchased:

4. Re-install Vista within Vista:

Once you are finished installing Vista, go to My Computer, and install Windows Vista.

5. Install and type in your Product Key:

When prompted, enter your Product Key.

6. Perform a Custom (advanced) Install:

You will come to a point where you have to choose between an Upgrade and Custom Install. Make sure to choose Custom. Windows should now perform a clean install of Vista on your PC. Don?t forget to restart.

Source

I'll try that later on, thanks for the info!

[+allan MVC]

Just so you understand, performing the described procedure is a violation of the EULA.

[Admiral Michael]

I don't get why they crippled the upgrade install like that. Surely they would've thought at some point the user would have to re-install Vista. Why make em install two OS's to get there computer up and running.

Very foolish move if you ask me.

[+allan MVC]

For obvious reason. If you allow a clean install using the upgrade disk why would anyone buy the "full" version? They could have done the same thing the did with the XP upgrade version, requiring the insertion of an older, qualifying OS install disk, making a clean install possible. Regardless Admiral, your post describes a method of violating an EULA which should, in my opinion, be deleted from this thread. It is a clear violation of Neowin's forum policy.

[Impact]

There's threads about violation Apple EULA (osx86), and they are allowed. I don't see why this would be any different.

[Brad.]

The installation wasn't successful anyway.

Just presented with a nice big error code upon boot-up.