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Thread ID: 58340	2005-05-28 15:43:00	XP COA - Am I hosed? HELP	Hawkflyer (8097)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
359372	2005-05-28 15:43:00	Hello all, I have upgraded my system with a new MB and CPU. I used my original HD with MS XP Home Edition (also an upgrade a year ago). On booting this system I found that the system would not boot to XP. I needed to reload from the CD-ROM. The only problem is I cannot find my COA with the product key and I cannot proceed without. Is there any way I can get this from MS or any other source (HD, CD-ROM)? Am I hosed and will I need to resort to a purchase of a new XP with license (that would suck)? This XP was purchased on ebay and the cover says “For distribution only with a new PC” and that the COA should be attached to the PC. The only thin is I cant remember how I installed this and don’t remember if I had the COA. I assume I did to install the original upgrade. Thanks.	Hawkflyer (8097)
359373	2005-05-28 16:23:00	To be blatantly honest I would say you're screwed or you have an illegal copy of Windows. Something as important as a Licence key is never put aside in a casual fashion, especially considering the whole activation process. Ring MS they'll ask you about your Windows CD, if you answer appropriately then they may give you a new CD-Key. Sorry but your story just seems a bit too flawed. cheers chiefnz	chiefnz (545)
359374	2005-05-28 16:52:00	I know you do not know me and there is no way for you to know otherwise but, I am an honest person, and as flawed as it may seem, my story is true. Thank you for your help. I will try MS.	Hawkflyer (8097)
359375	2005-05-28 22:02:00	Its a sticker. Did you stick it to the outside of your case? If you can get the HDD to boot, safe mode perhaps? Then you can run key finder to retrieve it.	pctek (84)
359376	2005-05-29 04:43:00	I think the OEM version is cheaper because it is for one set of hardware, only. Thus the licence does not allow for swapping to new hardware. But as you don't have the licence, you can't read it to confirm this!	linw (53)
359377	2005-05-29 04:50:00	lience issues aside, thje key will be on the sticker which is proberly still on the packet the cd came in. if you have thrown it away you will need to buy a new cd or xtract the old key from the pc.	tweak'e (69)
359378	2005-05-29 04:52:00	This XP was purchased on ebay and the cover says “For distribution only with a new PC” and that the COA should be attached to the PC. You have been ripped off - they have sold you a 2nd hand copy of their WinXP which came with their PC (which is actually illegal to do). So... the COA sticker is probably still stuck to their PC, and you technically don't have a legal copy of XP.	somebody (208)
359379	2005-05-29 11:19:00	Well, I don't think you're hosed. It will just require a little work. You know that upgrade you just did? Pull it apart and put your old mobo and cpu back. Hopefully your pc will boot into XP. If that worked, download something like this: www.magicaljellybean.com That will give you your xp product key. Print it out, frame it and hang it on your wall so you don't lose it. If all that worked, go ahead and do your upgrade thing (should be faster the second time around :)) Perform a repair install of XP and all should be fine. Hope that helps. g	Glenn (98)
359380	2005-05-29 16:48:00	I know you do not know me and there is no way for you to know otherwise but, I am an honest person, and as flawed as it may seem, my story is true. Thank you for your help. I will try MS. Maybe you should try an OS that doesn't treat you like a thief by default, or make other people suspicious of you. Very uncool.	vinref (6194)
359381	2005-05-29 22:26:00	I think the OEM version is cheaper because it is for one set of hardware, only. Thus the licence does not allow for swapping to new hardware. But as you don't have the licence, you can't read it to confirm this! I have an OEM version. The reason it is cheaper is because you don't get any manuals with it. Other than that it dose everything the full price version dose. Trevor:)	Trev (427)
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