Hello L.E.R,
Please refer to the link below and run the MGA Diagnostics tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012
You will be prompted to either “Run” or “Save” the tool. Choose to “Run” the tool and follow the on-screen prompts. You will receive an “Internet Explorer-Security Warning” dialog box for the “Windows Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool”; you must choose to “Run” this tool when prompted.
Once you are presented with the Diagnostics tool choose “Continue” to run the diagnostic report. If the “RESOLVE” button is available after running the diagnostics, please click “RESOLVE” to allow the diagnostic tool to attempt a repair.
1. After running the MGA Diagnostic tool, click on the “Windows” tab and then click on “Copy”.
2. Please return to this post and “Paste” the results here for additional review.
Next look at the materials and documentation you received with your Windows license kits to see if each kit has a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA). Tell us:
1. What edition of Windows XP is it for, Home, Pro, or Media Center, or another version of Windows?
2. Does it read "OEM Software" or "OEM Product" in black lettering?
3. Or, does it have the computer manufacturer's name in black lettering?
4. DO NOT post the full Product Key that may be printed on the CoA.
Not sure what to look for? See this page for reference: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx
Next take a very close look at the CDs you received. The hologram for a systembuilder/small manufacturer OEM license for XP should have "For distribution with a new PC only. For support, contact the manufacturer of your PC" (or woring very close to that) in the upper left quadrant of the CD hologram. There should be no silk screen overprinting on the CDs. Take a very close look at he hologram itself. Is is a very thin label affixed to the top surface of the CD, or is it embedded within the plastic of the CD itself? Finally, pop the CD into a computer, navigate to the \i386 folder, locate the "setupp.ini" file which is a small text file with two sections. Copy and paste the second section into your response to this post.
For great advice on all topics XP, visit http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp
