Version of XP that accepts my key?

[stgreek]

After receiving two corrupted T40 recovery sets from IBM, I have given up on trying to install XP from the recovery discs. Also, this is a clean formatted hard drive, so no I386 or hidden partition stuff on it. Since I don't need any of IBM's drivers/software, I was wondering if any one could tell me which version of Windows XP will accept my key, so that I can try and download it from a dodgy p2p network (it still should be legal, as I have the COA). Unless of course someone is so kind as to provide me with their I386 directory (without the key info of course).

Thanks
Stavros

[sktn77a]

XP Pro (OEM) will work. XP home (OEM or retail) and XP pro (retail) will not work with your thinkpad's license key.

[Leon]

the key on the bottom of the machine, or the one in the original registry file?

[stgreek]

the key on the bottom of the machine, or the one in the original registry file?

The key on the COA, bottom of the laptop.

[Leon]

then, will the one inside the registry work on the retail version?

[stgreek]

then, will the one inside the registry work on the retail version?

I believe you have not read my original post. I do NOT have windows xp on my laptop, this is a clean drive.

[ZPrime]

there is no key stored in the registry of XP, at least not in any easily user-readable form.

there is a "product ID" (PID) but this is not your product KEY used during install. The key is on the COA on the bottom of the laptop.

[Leon]

well, my Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder finds a Windows XP CD Key that is different........

[ZPrime]

well, my Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder finds a Windows XP CD Key that is different........

And where did the last installation of Windows come from then? Sounds to me like you managed to get some pirated junk on there somehow.

It wasn't from IBM if it's not using the key on the bottom. They're supposed to sysprep /reseal the machine and make you enter the key YOURSELF. The factory image should put XP on the drive and get it to a "pre-usage" state where it will prompt you for language and an administrator password and then the product key.

Your key doesn't happen to be "FCKGW-", does it?

Alternatively, the MJB keyfinder could be wrong, I guess, although I personally have yet to see it be wrong. *shrug*

[Leon]

no, factory install, two different keys.......

[Skywing]

well, my Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder finds a Windows XP CD Key that is different........

And where did the last installation of Windows come from then? Sounds to me like you managed to get some pirated junk on there somehow.

It wasn't from IBM if it's not using the key on the bottom. They're supposed to sysprep /reseal the machine and make you enter the key YOURSELF. The factory image should put XP on the drive and get it to a "pre-usage" state where it will prompt you for language and an administrator password and then the product key.

Your key doesn't happen to be "FCKGW-", does it?

Alternatively, the MJB keyfinder could be wrong, I guess, although I personally have yet to see it be wrong. *shrug*

mine never asked for the serial when i first turned it on from ibm

[sktn77a]

Recovery CDs don't ask for a key. But if you want to do a clean install from an OEM XP pro disk, use the key on the bottom of the computer.

[Leon]

I'm going to be stubborn..... the Key in the Registry (different than the one on the case) was there since I got the machine....... It must be needed/important for something........

[bdk]

The key you found with the key finder is probably the IBM OEM VLK. I'm fairly certain that it can be found in the unattended installation file in the I386 directory. Using this key and an OEM install, I believe activation is not required. Also, it should be possible to change a retail XP CD image to an OEM one with some small changes, but I can't remember them at the moment.

[andyk]

You may want to check out cooljw and RaysMD's posts in:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=1009