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Repair Windows XP

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by germanator

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I tried to do a repair on a Dell laptop with an original Windows XP Professional CD, when I get to the part of the repair to enter the product key I receive a message that it is an incorrect product key I have used this CD before and I know that there is nothing wrong with the CD or the product key that is on the sleeve. I think that there is a virus on the laptop that is changing the product key. I was going to try running F-Prot Antivirus in the DOS mode and try again. What I was wondering though is there a DOS utility that I can see what the product code is? Or is there a way to get around the product code entry so that I can work in Windows to fix the rest of the problems?

4 replies

by kenone

Dell being one of them have special OEM product keys, you need to use the Dell product key on a Dell machine, just any old valid key won't do, unless you do a complete format/install.

by tmalo627

In fact there are three different types of media that can be used: OEM, Retail and Upgrade. You will have to know which was originally installed on the computer you're trying to repair. There is a tool put out by Microsoft that tells you what type of installation you have, but at this point it won't do you any good. But if you do know you can make a copy of your CD and change the type of disk it is by altering a certain file on it.

Click this link to find out more.

http://www.thetechguide.com/howto/setuppini.html

Hope this helps.

Edit: One other thing, you have to use the license key of the original installation, not the one on the CD sleeve.

by thechas

As stated, Dell systems often require a Dell CD and key when you install an OEM version of Windows.

If your CD is the full retail version, then, it should work on any system.

However, if your CD is an OEM for a different brand, or even a generic OEM CD, the BIOS on the Dell reports to the XP installer that this is a Dell system and you can only use a Dell OEM CD for installing Windows.

Even worse, you must have the correct CD for the version of XP and perhaps even run of systems or the key will not match the CD.

Chas

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