OS reinstall

[davidparry]

I recently had to install a new hard drive in my A30(2652-3wg) and because I have had no luck in acquiring a recovery CD to reinstall the OS etc., I borrowed a Win 2000 install CD from a friend (the laptop came with a registered copy of Windows 2000) and tried to install the system with the product code contained on the machine's COA. However the install stalled when setup informed me that my product key was invalid. Anyone got any ideas?

[GomJabbar]

Windows has different versions of their CD's. There is Retail, Upgrade, OEM, and perhaps others. In addition, there are different Service Pack levels 1,2,3,4, etc. A product key for a OEM version will not work on a Retail version, etc. I recently read on this forum that the same holds true for Service Pack levels, that they have to match.

[tfflivemb2]

I know that it might sound ridiculous, but double check to make sure that you typed the cdkey right.

I tried several times on a PC for someone, until I realized that I misread and mistyped the key.

[440roadrunner]

I'd bet that Gomjabber is on the right track. If you your installed software was "factory" (rather than a "store bought" version) you'll need what we call an "OEM" Cd, which will say right on the front something to the effect "to be supplied only with a new PC."

[dsvochak]

The sticker on the bottom of the machine has a "Product key" and a "Product ID". The Product ID is the number that shows up in the registered section when you right click "My Computer".

GomJabbar was on the right track. You might be able to use the Product key from the COA sticker if the borrowed CD is an OEM version.

If it's a retail version you would have to use the product key that goes with the borrowed CD. That will generate a different "Product ID" in My Computer.

There are differing opinions whether having identical product id's on two machines, which both have COA stickers, violates the Microsoft licensing agreement. If this is a concern, you can use regedit to change the product id to that on the COA sticker. It will not change the "DigitalProductID" registry value so the two registry values will not agree. But at least, if someone looked, the product id in My Computer would agree with the COA sticker.

If yours is the only machine the borrowed copy is installed on, don't worry about it.

[Nolonemo]

davidparry, check your PM for help.

[davidparry]

this "limey" would like to thank you all for your replies - and nolonemo for your PM. to be honest, I didn't realise the extent of the problems that could arise when reinstalling (or some of the workarounds that could be tried). I'm sure I'll manage to get up and running OK now and am definitely a thinkpads.com convert.

God bless America

regards, DP.

[440roadrunner]

I would like to lodge a complaint about this business of discussing problems through "PM's"

The whole purpose of this board, over and above helping a specific person, is to post useful info that might help the rest of us who come along and read these posts. PM's certainly don't help anyone else.

[Nolonemo]

roadrunner, I agree with you in general, but sometimes there are potential solutions for problems that I don't think Bill would want discussed on this board.