Windows XP Repair question

I believe I will be performing a Windows XP repair install soon, I looked around on the internet for how to do it, and after I found out, I soon saw a note about using your product key to reactivate my computer.

I then used a program called keyfinder to find my Windows XP Home-Edition Key.
I got my Windows XPCD disc and I found out that both of the keys are different for some reason.

I'm wondering if I am able to repair sucessfully by using a disc with a different product key even though I know the original product key that my computer is currently using. Thank you.

On a lot of manufacture brand name computers (Dell; HP; Acer) Systems are built with a generic key (this way they don't have to create a unique CD for everyone)

You are suppose to use the key (C.O.A.) attached to your case though under re-install. But both will work.

Just have both ready (written down somewhere)

If this is not one of those popular manufactured computers, then it's quite possible the key installed is not an authentic key, in that case, just use yours.

Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Repair Install step by step
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/part3.htm

Microsoft's Windows XP Home Repair Install step by step
http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/part3.htm

Tech Spot Repair Windows
http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic8356.html

Midway through my installation, I received this error:

COM+ Setup Error
Sub-component COM+ raised an exception while processing the OC_COMPLETE_INSTALLATION setup message.
d:\nt\com\com1x\src\complussetup\comsetup\csetuputil.cpp (line 3406)
Error Code = 0x8007007f

The specified procedure could not be found.
Failed to load the library 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\catsvr.dll'.

I'm currently using a laptop i have to type this, I'm not sure if this would affect my installation but I'm just keeping my progress posted.

I think the repair has been sucessful, but I'm having some trouble accessing windows update through Internet explorer. The page simply isn't loading.

I figured there was something weird about the different keys. When I tried to run windows update, it said my version of windows wasn't genuine, I used the one on the cd, my previous key already on my computer was already genuine. When I ran the repair, I tried inputting the one I have already on my computer, and that one wouldn't work at all, I'm not sure what to do.

Hmm I've seen that complus issue as well. Sometimes it's actually faulty Ram
You may wish to re-seat the ram (blowing out any dust) or run Memtest for a while.

I don't think the Repair has been sucessful

Do you actually have a C.O.A. (certificate Of Authenticity) sticker, attached to side of computer ?

Yes I do have a certificate of authenticity on the side of my computer.

The thing is, When I used the program called Keyfinder, It found a different key than the one on the side of the computer.

Ok

Then the CD you are using is Not the original Windows CD for that key.

You will need to track down a Windows CD for your key, there are few different versions:
Upgrade
Full
2002
2005
(I had a link to a list once (it'll be on MS web site somewhere) suffice to say that your key doesn't suit that CD

Either locate the correct CD, or contact MS to order a new CD (at reduced cost)

By the way how many days is it giving you ?
You can reset the amount of days by

Reseting the Activation Trial:
------------------------------
In this example: Your activation period has expired, (past 30 days) and you need to get to Normal mode again.

It's quite legal to do, and doesn't affect data, so forth.

alright, thanks for the help so far kimsland, I believe i'm trying one option though.

I found it on this site.
http://www.shivaranjan.com/2006/09/...ows-product-key-and-registration-information/

I'm currently trying to do that but every time I try to run the application, I get an error that says I may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
This is very frustrating..

How did it go?
I still believe that you will require the exact CD for your key though

MS has an option as well
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874

Also you need to be an Administrator account
Please confirm by going to Users in Control Panel

There is also a ton of information here, including asking MS for another CD
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Peculiar as it is, I was using an administrator account, but I tried safe mode as an administrator and i was able to go as far as starting the program itself. I would get as far as typing in the correct key I had before, but when I press Ok to do the change, I would get a Windows Script Host error. When not in safe mode, the error I received was 0x80041001.

I also tried, manually editing the registry, I edited a file called OOBETimer, and changed the values to cause the Windows key to deactivate. I tried reactivating it, but then it persists to say that my Windows version is already activated.

Other than the above links.

I must inform you, that I have had this on many occasions before.

On 99% of all occasions, I had to Re-Install (Repair) Windows using the correct CD
Understandably, you do not have that CD, I'm wondering if you are even able to borrow another?
I think, by calling MS, and quoting your C.O.A. they will be able to advise you, as to which version of Windows is required (after the conversation has progressed past all the innitial, why don't you have your CD?)

Please continue to post updates, as by this, I will reply to you, if I can.

Edit:
For some reason, I did not receive an email notification to your last message, I was just re-viewing the page, and luckily noticed your post.
I am definately subscribed to this thread, with instant email notification
So that's strange !

I've contacted Microsoft through e-mails about the problem, but before I go all the way with a phone call, I skipped over an option which I thought didn't work.

I saw this method of changing the key using this script. It says I can use it as a windows startup script, but I'm not quite sure how to use it.

'
' WMI Script - ChangeVLKey.vbs
'
' This script changes the product key on the computer
'
'***************************************************************************

ON ERROR RESUME NEXT

if Wscript.arguments.count<1 then
Wscript.echo "Script can't run without VolumeProductKey argument"
Wscript.echo "Correct usage: Cscript ChangeVLKey.vbs ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO-PRSTU-WYQZX"
Wscript.quit
end if

Dim VOL_PROD_KEY
VOL_PROD_KEY = Wscript.arguments.Item(0)
VOL_PROD_KEY = Replace(VOL_PROD_KEY,"-","") 'remove hyphens if any
Dim WshShell
Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.RegDelete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents\OOBETimer" 'delete OOBETimer registry value
for each Obj in GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}").InstancesOf ("win32_WindowsProductActivation")

result = Obj.SetProductKey (VOL_PROD_KEY)

if err <> 0 then
WScript.Echo Err.Description, "0x" & Hex(Err.Number)
Err.Clear
end if

Next



I know I should change the key where it shows the alphabet in place of the key, but do I simply put this vbs script on an ms-dos boot disc and start it? Thanks.

Edit: that script is used for Windows XP without service pack 1.

Yes MS are saying you can use that script to deploy on many computers, that way it can be used in a batch file, pointing to the VBS file.

But, you can just copy this to Notepad (replace the letters and remove the dashes; and put in your key- without the dashes) then save it as (all files) ChangeVLKey.vbs and save it to anywhere (your Desktop will do)

And then run it from your Desktop (no need for a batch file or floppy or CD) the VBS file can be run from within Windows, on the computer to have the COA key replaced.

In simpler terms

No, just run it from anywhere.

When I click on the script on the desktop, I get this error.

"Windows Script Host"
Can't find script engine "VBScript" for script "C:\Documents and Settings\*my user name*\Desktop\ChangeVLKey.vbs

I then tried running regsvr32 vbscript.dll and I got an error message of 0x80004005

I seem to be running into one problem after another..

oh yes, by the way, in your previous post you asked how many days it is giving me for my activation. Once I started the computer after I did the repair install, I immediately got a notice in the log in screen on the bottom right hand corner notifying that I am a victim of software piracy.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...25-d896-482e-a0d6-524e7e844d81&DisplayLang=en

I don't know why that took me so long !

Edit:
I'll be back later
Please reply, with what happened

I've been downloading the script for awhile. Its just been stuck at "Creating third party driver list". Oh and thank you very much for the help so far.

Edit: The program just suddenly finished, but I tried the script again and it still does not work. I'm trying windows script 5.6 now.

OK that's the one I was trying to find, I eventually found it, but when I saw 5.7 I thought ooo bonus.

Later on I thought, I wonder if that download requires authentication, hope not. But if so, you may need to download from another activated computer, and bring across (usb flash drive)

how strange, i rebooted my computer after 5.6 finished, and it says, "Windows Update" an error has occurred while setting up C:\Windows\System32\jscript.dll".

This error has been logged, the installation will continue.

Darn..it said the same for vbscript.dll

I am currently trying an option of resetting the permissions by using a reset command. I did this before when talking to a microsoft representative awhile back. I'm going to try and reinstall the script once it finishes.