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Thread: Fresh install of XP Pro on to Toshiba laptop

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    I machine things !
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    Question Fresh install of XP Pro on to Toshiba laptop

    I've reformatted a Toshiba Tecra M5 laptop, and want to fresh install XP Pro SP2 on to it.
    However, when I come to the product key page, the key from the bottom of the laptop brings the error "The CD Key you entered is not valid." ??
    Am I being stupid or something ? I thought you could use any original install CD with any product key and it'd work........or is the product key tied to a single CD ?

    Help please

    edit: btw, I've done this exact same thing on numerous laptops/desktops over the years and never had a problem. Reckon I may need to call MS ?
    Last edited by machinist; 20-10-2006 at 10:34 AM.

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    Senior Member Kezzer's Avatar
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    Sometimes the key is dedicated to a particular install based on the manufacturer from what I can remember. And yes, you _should_ be able to use any CD to a product key (which is what I do, I have a legit product key but a slipstreamed SP2 disk).

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    Quote Originally Posted by Kezzer View Post
    Sometimes the key is dedicated to a particular install based on the manufacturer from what I can remember.
    Hrrrm, how the hell do they do that ? Is there a way round it ?

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    Senior Member Kezzer's Avatar
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    They do it by signing deals with MS so those keys only work on repair versions I think. I've heard of it before, and I think I've seen it before as well but never experienced in personally. My laptop key works fine so I can't say it's from personal experience - it's more from word of mouth and a vague recollection of memory.

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    The key could be intended solely for Home/OEM, are you certain the key is XP Pro?
    To err is human. To really foul things up ... you need a computer.

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    Squeeler Vini's Avatar
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    its more likely the version is wrong for the key.

    our Tecra's are Pro. you need to make sure you using an OEM version to install though and not a retail/upgrade.

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    Nothing runs like a Deere cotswoldcs's Avatar
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    • cotswoldcs's system
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    Vini is correct. You can use any CD provided it is of the same version. The sticker should say whether it is Home/ Pro and if it is an OEM version or not.

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    I machine things !
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    Ah I see - the version I'm installing is WinXP Pro full - there lies the problem

    Anyone got a spare OEM copy <--joke

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    Seething Cauldron of Hatred TheAnimus's Avatar
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    toshiba have some rather nifty software on their install desks, as much as they have some really god awful stuff (some of it labeled "norton" the main warning that after 1996 its going to be crap).
    throw new ArgumentException (String, String, Exception)

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