Windows serial numbers.

[docusk]

Dear friends, I haven't bothered you for a while but here I am with the old problem.
I have a neighbour who is getting the message 'illegal copy of windows etc.....'
He has now bought a legal copy but the activation wotsit won't accept it, probably (I think) the old wrong number is still buried in the registry.
How can we cure this?
I tried micro$oft's wizard for key change but it, too came up telling me it was not a legal number but the thing was a sealed pack with a hologram and a serial number on the pack and bought from a known reputable source (I bought it for him!)
Suggestions?
We can do a full format and re-install if that's the only way but sooner not
Docusk

[Shoreguy]

Did they have you check your 8's and B's and similar number/letter matches? You may just be interpretting them incorrectly. Happens very often.

[docusk]

Hi shoreguy. Yes, we've used a magnifier to make sure all B s were B s and 8 s were 8 s.
I have now managed to get the proper version of Windows open as there was another version on his D: drive. Still no joy.
I've put him in my LAN to see if we can get any help and that is OK but the change won't work there either.
I bet we'll have to FDISK and FORMAT again. All his other software is original and legal so no prob there. It was just the time but we've already spent ab
out 5 hours b.......g with this already.
Guessing you are UK based because of the spam, spam song.I have the full words of 'we lived in a shoe box' Give you the url but youve probably got it.
docusk

[Shoreguy]

Sounds like you've got your next steps down. I give my friends machines their last rights and get them backed up at about the 5hr mark as well. Unless you're saving the human existance, or tossing back a pint, the time spent at that point gets into the realm of diminishing returns.
No. Raised in the Boston area, lived in California the past 19 years. MP was on local television every night at 11pm growing up. Benny Hill followed. I still find myself trying to get my wife to visit the argument clinic. "Spam..."'s just a little more recognizable to an sysopt forum than 'Are you aware of the red tape involved in installing a gas cooker?'

[docusk]

Now. I left the ruddy machine for a day or two and came back this morning, hoping to get all the odd bits from his C drive and install a new USB 2 card.
Whether it is the new card or not, it won't boot up to any of the drives with a windows opsys, looked like 2 on C: and one on D:.
Eventually after 3 hours of frustration I decided to wipe the whole disk (we've taken out all his databases already) as all he has on the C drive seems to be odd apps. for which he has the disks and a few downloads which he used once and then never bothered to uninstall. No wonder his P III is slower than his wife's P II when starting.
Anyway, I changed the BIOS to have it start from CD, C A. in that sequence and to my horror it says failed! So I'm really stuffed. "I have the ultimate boot disk(CD)" and that works but trhere's a limit to what I can do it seems.
I'll take out the new PCI card next and then maybe download the manual for the UBCD and see if I can get into the C: drive that way.
Meantime, any bright ideas welcom, straws for the clutching at included.

docusk

[BipolarBill]

If the UBCD works and the Windows CD doesn't, there's something wrong with the Windows CD. It's either damaged or a bad copy.

Provide details about the error please.

[docusk]

Oh ha de ha ha. The thing came to life all of a sudden. About 20 minutes after I booted it so what about that. Anyway, I then managed to get as much of his bits and bobs out of the C: drive and into the vast space on my own external drive.
Tomorow at crack of sparrows wotsit I shall take some of the windows files out and then FDISK, FORMAT and load the Win XP. Hope for success chaps.

docusk

[michaelccc]

As with any new implementations of security, there are times where things happen that should not, such as this issue. I, personally, dealt with someone that was running Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and soon after Microsoft's validation was introduced he had the same message come up. All he said that he did was call up Microsoft and explained his case. His issue ended up dealing with a volume product key that was blacklisted for some reason and they fixed it. So, if it is truly a valid product key, they should be able to do the same thing for your friend.

[docusk]

Oh yes, I've done that before but it probably won't work as the new set is OEM.
I've emptied his C: drive of all important items and just about to FDISK and FORMAT when there should be no snags. Fingers crossed though I have done this before several times and, if in doubt, M$ Europe is about 3 miles from where I live and just a local call away.
docusk

[docusk]

Ho! I got so far with the installation and it halted with a message "file asms is needed from win XP from CD with service pack 2" Couldn't even move so (clever stuff this) searched using my own OK computer right next door - and found suport articles a'plenty. problem was that so far none of 'em has worked!
Still, non illegitimus carborundum as they say and I just re-started and it seems to have forgiven me.
BUT, why does it do that and even more mystifying is phoning the M$ help line to be told that my disk is not a genuine M$ one despite having biought it legitimately and so forth, had all the right info on and a COA on the outer covering but I could get help from them for £199 per session!!!
Hey Bill, now I know why you are so rich.
If this hold up comes again, anyone have a tried and tested answer???
docusk

[BipolarBill]

Rich? HA!

Anyway, if the PC is a brand-name job, the OEM CD may not work because the COA is keyed to a designated brand like PC World, Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. In that case, you must install with the COA that came with the CD - not the one that's on the case sticker.

[docusk]

Dorry Bill, I misled you. The COA is the one on the packaging that the CD and so-called handbook game with. That COA has now gone in. I re-started the system from my hangup and all went well, I'm still not sure it's all OK, being cautious hey?
All does seem well though so I'll let you all know what happens manana eh?
docusk

[docusk]

Famous last words!
All WAS going well until I tried to install some of Jim's programs whilst I had the time and here it is, 10 30pm GMT and only 2 gone in.
I have an awful feeling that the installation of XP pro didn't go as well as I thought. I keep getting blown out because the installer isn't working.
I've trawled the M$ site for references to the error messages and followed the instructions but what is predicted doesn't happen.
In addition to all that I can't put his machine on to my LAN. It says its because "either there isn't enough space or not sufficient mamory." There's 50 Gig on C; and about 40 gig elsewhere cos he has 2 IDE s and an external drive and whilst transfering out, I took on board about 20 gig onto my external drive which is now attached to Jim's machine.
So; I can't send you a hijack this file cos no internet connection.
Should I do a repair do you think? if so How to do that?
My trouble is I'm like the girl in Oklahoma, Cain't say no.
docusk

[BipolarBill]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&familyid=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c

You can't put the machine on the network only because the account is unknown to the other machines.

[docusk]

Duh? Don't know what I need to do to remedy that. I'm pretty fair on most things but I had help setting up this network and don't really have the know-how. Knocking on the back door of 80 these days, my learning curve is just slightly above zero percent.
That's why I keep running to you chaps for help.
Ask me to diagnose your stomachache or pain in the left big toe and I'm your man. Networks, uh uh.
Downloaded the file you sent me. Also was directed to a WGA file for scanning the installation but don't know if I'll need that but thanks for the heads up Bill.
I'll keep you posted.
docusk

[BipolarBill]

Yah - I can DX H.Pylori and gout too. ;)

In short, you need to log onto XP with the same username and password as the others *or* use an account that's also present on those PCs. They must all be in the same workgroup as well.

[docusk]

What! Gout? Must have been to the same clinic as me.
Yes to the answer, I'll have to try and understand that tomorrow. I downloaded the file but, of course, I can't register it as I'm not on line! It's picked up hundreds of errors by the way. I'll hit the manual between the eyes tomorrow AM but I have a busy day ahead after breakfast, no free time till about 3 pm our time so I'll have a go at getting on line, registering, repairing and then hope Jimmy can have his computer back.
He and his wife, both much younger than I, have been staunch friends and helpers for well over 30 years but more so since my wife died and I became disabled.
Thanks again for help Bill, I think I'll get some beauty sleep now. 11:30 GMT and time I wasn't here.
By the way, isn't your town where my idol, Francis Albert S comes from?
docusk

[rmanet]

Man - you're having a time of it.....I still think you have to get the issue of a good reinstall of XP on that machine, with ALL updates, before you get the LAN issue resolved. Just because you've got a CD with legit hologram and COA doesn't mean it'll work on your machine - did you buy it retail and have you tried exchanging it for another? If it's legit there shouldn't be a problem with who you bought it from.

I'd rather see you try that with FDISK and a reformat then travel down the path you're on just to have problems later (and a useful free M$ tool is MBSA - d/l it to make sure you have all necessary updates before installing other apps)

Of course, I am assuming however you need the LAN to get d/l of everything?

[docusk]

Thanks rmanet.
Last shall be first. Yes, I can't download anything direct without the LAN. I put the items Bill sugested on to Floppies and they worked OK (I think) but then I couldn't register as can't hit the 'net.
As for the CD, That was a NEW OEM disk from the firm I get most of my components from, very reliable in the past. I've had several XP pro CD s from them and had no trouble before. This one just seemed to go badly wrong from the time the install routine asked for ASMS before it could conmtinue.
I wonder; if I install a legit CD from one of my own machines which is known to be OK and use the COA serial from the new one will that work? Is there a sort of dongle in the CD that needs to match serials to CD s?
I think that with over 200 errors shown from the "XP repair tool" (Bill's recommendation) I need to start over, clean the new drive with FDISK & FORMAT then see. If it is the HD, then further then no further thought but return & replace
Anyway, it's late again but I think I'll start anew in the morning and hope it goes well.
Thanks again, and watch this space.
And to think I started out just doing a friend a favour!

docusk

[docusk]

Mostly for Bipolar Bill. :t
Just looked back over my posts and my reference to "no wonder you are rich Bill..." was aimed at the poverty stricken Mr Bill Gates (whom God preserve) not our irreplaceable B P Bill.
Apologies for my unintended gaffe!
There goes my bedside manner again.

docusk :eek:

[docusk]

Rmanet and all my friends on sysopt,
I was right about the ? dongle. I tried putting my own CD in and started from FDISK etc. It wouldn't acceot the serial from the new CD so I think I'll just give it one more college try and if the error message comes back again, I shall send the CD and all bits back to the wholesaler with a full report.
If the CD installs, I shall be back to you like a shot.

docusk

[BipolarBill]

By the way, you don't have to FDISK and FORMAT with Win2000 or XP. Just boot from the CD and you can perform that step during setup.

[bruceb]

Windows Does Not require or use a Dongle

Now as to why it won't take your new Serial #
with the CD you tried to use, they have to Match

For example: OEM XP Home CD with an OEM XP Home Serial #
OEM XP Pro CD with an OEM XP Pro Serial #
Full Retail XP Home with Full Retail XP Home Serial #
Full Retail XP Pro with Full Retail XP Pro Serial #
OEM XP Upgrade with an OEM XP Upgrade Serial
Retail XP Upgrade with an Retail XP Upgrade Serial #
Corp or VLK XP with a Corp or VLK XP Serial #

[BipolarBill]

Really - this whole thread borders on the inane.

Follow the rules. If your "friend" cannot afford a retail CD, he can't afford a PC at all. Have him buy a full OEM or retail CD or take the PC to a shop.

[rmanet]

Bill's right - OEM CDs may have worked many times for you in the past (paying what - about $100USD) but you're using a CD intended for a clean install on un unformatted but partitioned disk on a particular brand of comp. Get another and try again or buy retail.

Good luck.

[docusk]

OK but it's not that simple. This is a clean installation of a legitimate OEM CD at normal wholesale price. When I started to use it (it really is for a friend!) it was in a sealed pack with a small instruction book and a legitimate COA on the outside of the pack. There is a silver metal thread across 2 holes in the COA reading ''GENUINE' and the serial number is below that.
I did a regular FDISK and FORMAT as the HD was new and the machine started to install Windows XP PRO with SP2.
As I said earlier the installation stopped - after the serial was entered and accepted - with a screen message 'The installation needs a file "asms" to continue' and on the location bar below the message was "D\I386 but the drop down box had no facility for browsing and I could not search the CD for the location. In fact I don't think it is there.
I left it then and closed it but on my own machine, right next door to where I am normally working, and found answers on the Microsoft site on what to do when asms is required.
None of these solutions seemed to work and there were several.
However, on restart the computer carried on as if nothing was wrong and all seemed well. Problems started to arise when I was installing Jim's own software Family Tree Maker is a case in point and paintshop pro Ver 7 another (these are also legitimate) He uses the computer almost entirely for researchin his family history. All of the data files are backed up on the second HD. I was unable to get any help direct on line as I couldn't get the computer registered on my small LAN.
I finally used the utility from the site Bipolar Bill recommended, XP repair pro and that went on to a FDD and from there into Jim's machine. It worked fine but found about 200 errors and though it offered to repair them, I was unable - again - to get on line to register.
That's where I was when I decided to try and do it with my onw OEM disk bought when I built tghis present P4 a short time ago but it wouldn't accept the serial from the new CD, not surprisingly and that is where I am at present.
I'm sure you do feel it's all become inane but I have been building computers for clients from scratch with the help of a couple of techies, currently both away! Darn 'em. and in any event they are now employed by my daughter who has moved into the top slot since I'm supposed to be retired. At 78 I think it's time. Whatever, here's me taking on a job for a pal, seemingly straightforward. Ha ha!
Kind regards to all
docusk

[BipolarBill]

i think that there's something wrong with either the RAM or the CD drives. Check the RAM:

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

*Do not* mix CDs and COAs.

*Do not* FDISK! I've said this many times. There is no need to format the drive. The CD setup allows full access to even a brand new hard drive. All you need to do is to slow down and read the prompts. Pay particular attention to the part where setup asks where you want Windows installed.

Forgive me, but I always believed that a user must be willing and able to read simple instructions. There are entirely too many people who are too "busy" to do so. Sure, you could call it job security for us nerds, but this is just ridiculous.

[docusk]

OK No FDISK then. I'll just try it one more time following all the prompts (I thought I had) and see where it gets me. I also made sure I cleaned the business side of the CD rom with Isoprop. and soft tissue so that may help. Right now I'm really hacked off with the dam thing but, I foolishly told 'im next door that it would be simple!
Shows what a misplaced confidence I'm cursed with.

docusk - soon to be in the land of Nod.

[rmanet]

docusk - soon to be in the land of Nod.

no you're not - you're haunted - I stopped long ago helping nearly all friends with their comp problems - fix them and they come back with other problems 3-6 months later and it's your fault

or you become their "free" techie 7/24 and no thanks for the time effort and cost - doesn't surprise me that you still have issues

when I get to that point I simply say:

1. did this as a favor
2. you have a clean install of XP, period (if the CD key thing ever gets sorted out) - and I sure hope you get there - you have the patience of Job
3. have them reinstall on their own their old apps - although it's probable they lost the CDs and don't have a clue where everything is
4. if they don't like results buy a new machine and software on their own
5. this isn't about you knowing what you're doing - you're competent and they're saving big $$ because of your help
6. amazing how most have the money - I'll help someone in a heartbeat if they have no money, but that's usually not the case

it's not tough love - it's called survival for guys like you (and the rest of us) just trying to be good guys. :t

[docusk]

I know you're right rmanet but I just can't be like that. Of course he'll put his own apps in and get all his stuff down off the 'net but I feel obligated since he and Mrs Jim did so much for me when my wife died and after I had major surgery. So... here I am trying to work out a way to make it all work. If push comes to shove, I'll even buy a new OEM CD. I'm about to test the RAM as per Bill's suggestion so let you know. This am I'm having a break, over to see my daughter and her daughter's new puppy. God knows why.
(see what i mean?)

docusk

[docusk]

Well, I've been to my daughters and seen the puppy Ahhhhhh.
I ran the memory diagnostic and it ran for 6 cycles with no errors reported so the RAM is OK. Then started installation from where it had ended and to my delight it went right through the whole sequence, even installed the network and picked up My network places.
I then tried installing his apps FTW 11 and PSPro and not a wrong foot amongst them. Tomorrow I shall activate it and then it will go back home for him to stick the rest of the stuff in.
I came to the conclusion that the main problem all along was that because the CD was spotty, it threw up the objections. After it was cleaned it all now seems OK.
I'm going at it tomorrow when I'm fresh and I'll keep you informed.

Thanks for all help - as usual - and pleasant dreams should await me in about 4 hours.

Regards, docusk :t :D

?? a useful sticky, Make sure the CD is clean and free from blemishes!

[docusk]

Well.,Monday again and here I am as promised, giving the good news and the bad news.
Bad news first, there isn't any bad news!
Good news is that everything is going very well, his Family History files are all ready for editing and in the right places and I'm just finishing some net downloads for him as he only has a steam powered modem, Pro tem he's hooked up to my broadband but that will end this evening when he comes round to take his ....###xyz computer back.
I must repeat, I really do think cleaning the CD was the final step. Put that into my memory banks for the future eh?
Still and all, many thanks to everyone who helped and chivvied me into thinking "out of the box" as they say.

Regards to all docusk