Can not install XP Pro using the COA on my T40

[jcullen]

I have a T40 and Im trying to install XP PRO. I know there are different versions of XP Pro (retail, corp, VLK, oem) but I am unable to get any of them them (retail, corp, VLK, oem) to accept the COA key on the bottom of my system.

The COA is branded with the "IBM Corporation" logo.

In a nutshell, which version of XP Pro will install with the COA I have??

Thanks, Jim

[Neil]

OEM will accept any valid number.

[poshgeordie]

Hi Jim and welcome to the forums.

I am unable to get any of them them (retail, corp, VLK, oem) to accept the COA key on the bottom of my system

What exactly's happening when you apply the key?

[jcullen]

It returns the error message the key is not valid.

I have been able to get it to accept an "IBM OEM COA" but not the regular "IBM XP PRO COA".

Jim

[Neil]

Jim,

A couple of thing come to mind. Either the install CD you are using is not really "OEM", or you are misreading the characters on the license sticker (I've often had that happen. Don't know if it's my poor sight, or the font on those stickers...)

[jcullen]

Much thanks for the advice.

I used my Dell XP Pro / SP2 and installed.

The install did not ask for a key.

Then, when I activated with MS, the install key was not valid.

Entered the key from the IBM COA on the bottom of the unit, and MS activated my copy of XP Pro.

As you advised, my "OEM" copy was not really OEM. The Dell was OEM.

At this point, I am not sure why the Dell OEM did not ask for key during the install, as the Dell key in the bios was missing ??

Jim

[poshgeordie]

You can't use another manufacturer's install discs since they are optimised for that company, and you run into the problems you describe.

It is possible to make a generic bootable XP CD (ignore the SP2 bit if your existing CD has it already) from your Dell CD and then use your Thinkpad's key in the normal way.

Burn the ISO onto the CD using IsoRecorder - simple to use.

[jcullen]

Some confusion....

1. Tried to install with what I thought was XP Pro oem disc. Would not accept COA key.

2. Then tried to install using XP PRO Retail.... did not accept COA key.

3. Then tried to insall using XP PRO VLK.... did not accept COA key.

4. Then tried to install using DELL OEM disk, installed and did not ask for key.

Activated with MS, MS said key was invalid. Entered key from COA.

MS accepted the COA key on the bottom with the IBM logo.

Have installed all updates and passed MS validation test.

I have no idea why the DELL disk installed without asking for key. I have used it on DELL systems with no problems.

[Norway Pad]

Dell OEM disc.. That's what the guy I bought my T42 from had used too. I found out when I suddenly found some Dell specific folders and stuff I had to delete. And the drivers for all IBM specific functions, like hot keys, WiFi, Active Protection, etc was missing, so I had to download and install all these. (Which I believe you need to do as well) However, the XP installation itself worked on my T42 with no problems.

The installation was yet not activated when I bought the laptop, so it did apparently not ask for key during installation. I simply entered the COA key from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop, and it worked. So it works to use the Dell discs, but it created a whole lot of extra work with the missing drivers.

[poshgeordie]

Can you clearly read the COA label? I had one laptop where the label was worn and the characters difficult to read and I must have been making a mistake because I got the same thing.

The other thing - as mentioned before - is that you're putting a wrong character in, maybe misreading an 8 for a B for instance.

If it helps PM or send me a photo of your COA label to nick@reflowrepairs.com and I'll tell you what I think it is.