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Changing an invalid XP Pro Licence RRS feed

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    I have been given a PC with XPPro that has been built with a VLK which is invalid.I have checked the licence key on the side of the PC & this is for an XPPro build.When I run the validation tool it states the PC has been built using a VLK which differs from the sticker.I then follow the Win Product Key Update Tool prompts but when I click next after entering the licence key I get the message

    The product key could not be updated on your computer.This may be due to technical difficulties or network connectivity issues.

    The internet is working fine as I am hardwired via a CAT5 cable into the back of my router & can get full internet access.I tried using the telephone system to validate but when I enter the key from the sticker it wont generate a new install ID and the automated system just says 'there is a problem' & hangs up.

    Is there another way to change the Licence Key so I am able to validate the install? Unfortunately I do not have the origional media discs as they have been lost.

    Thanks

    • Edited by Marty_B Saturday, October 4, 2008 3:24 PM
    Saturday, October 4, 2008 3:24 PM

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    Marty_B,

    Thank you for visiting the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program forum.

    I'm not sure which tool you used, but here is a couple links:

    http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/XPPkuinst.aspx

    http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx

    Some people who run into issues are uninstalling SP3 and going to SP2.

    If you are using a COA which is stuck on the machine, you may need to get recovery media and restore the machine back to its factory defaults. Make sure you have the right recovery media for the respective COA sticker on the machine. You may need to contact the computer manufacturer like Dell Gateway or Lenovo for recovery media.

    If you do a full system restore, remember to backup your data as it will all be lost during the restoration process.

    Rick, MS

    • Marked as answer by RickImAPC Monday, October 6, 2008 2:35 PM
    Sunday, October 5, 2008 1:41 AM

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    Marty_B,

    Thank you for visiting the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program forum.

    I'm not sure which tool you used, but here is a couple links:

    http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/XPPkuinst.aspx

    http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx

    Some people who run into issues are uninstalling SP3 and going to SP2.

    If you are using a COA which is stuck on the machine, you may need to get recovery media and restore the machine back to its factory defaults. Make sure you have the right recovery media for the respective COA sticker on the machine. You may need to contact the computer manufacturer like Dell Gateway or Lenovo for recovery media.

    If you do a full system restore, remember to backup your data as it will all be lost during the restoration process.

    Rick, MS

    • Marked as answer by RickImAPC Monday, October 6, 2008 2:35 PM
    Sunday, October 5, 2008 1:41 AM
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     Hi, thanks for the info above. I tried both the links but was unable to get the licence to change. I managed to get a copy of an install only XP Pro media disc, ran the recovery & input the licence key on the sticker from the side of the PC. I then had to call up the activation line, followed the instructions & now the PC is all working ok. All service packed up now & working great.

    Thanks for your help & sorry ive not updated sooner.

    Thanks :-)

    Martyn
    Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:41 AM
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    Glad to hear you are up and running Martyn.

    Thank you for visiting the WGA program forum.

    Rick, MS

    Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:06 PM