Windows XP Pro Install on T30 / Invalid Key message

[Turbovend]

This T30 has a valid Win XP Pro COA sticker but when I enter the Key I get "This CD Key is Invalid"

The COA Says: Windows XP Professional 1- 2 CPU

I am using a slipstreamed SP2 WinXP Pro, created from a legitimate retail CD.
Is the slipstream SP2 a problem? Or are there different versions of WinXP Pro? Possibly an OEM version?

This machine is licensed for Win XP Pro, so what's the problem?

Thanks

[jdhurst]

The problem occurs over and over and over again in this forum. You cannot use the key for anything but IBM's OEM install. If you use the IBM OEM install, it will NOT ask you for the key. If the OEM install DOES ask you for the key, the OEM install is defective. Been there, done that. ... JD Hurst

[Turbovend]

Oh, jeez. That really stinks

Ok, I hate to ask, but where does one legitimately get the IBM OEM install?



edit - Ok, I've read through the forum and some are claiming that any OEM version of Windows will work. I've got a brand new OEM version here and I'm going to try it and see.

If it doesn't, this is MS at their worst.

[GomJabbar]

Well, read my experience in the How to Fresh Install Sticky near the top of this forum. I kind of used a hybrid approach which resulted in the need to use the key on the bottom of the ThinkPad - which did work. I used files from my ThinkPad as well as from a desktop OEM XP PRO CD to create my bootable Windows XP PRO install CD. Kinda weird, I know.

[Turbovend]

I've read through much of the sticky and now my head is spinning... There doesn't seem to be anything that works consistently for everyone, particularly with SP2, AND when you're starting from scratch. This laptop has a wiped HDD.

I tried using the product key from the original unattend.txt and it didn't work. (OK, I realize now I needed the unattend.txt from the original HDD install or recovery CD, I have neither).

I called Lenovo and they said I would need the exact restore disk for this particular model (2366) and they wanted $51 for it — in warranty or not!!

I may still try the generic OEM Windoze.. what do I have to lose?

edit: Generic OEM Windows will install with the COA Key, however, internet activation fails: Incorrect Product Key

Lesson: Don't purchase these laptops without an OS or some way to obtain the recovery CDs, unless you're willing to buy the recovery CD or a fresh copy of Windows.

Solution: Recovery CDs can be found pretty cheap on eBay. Watch out for the ones that don't contain Windows; only consider the authentic factory recovery CD's.

Also, take a look at this:

http://aaltonen.us/archive/2006/05/15/f ... overy-cds/

Ciao

[dsvochak]

1. Whether retail or OEM, you have to use the product key that came with the XP copy.

2. The easiest was to obtain recovery disks for your machine is to post a wanted in the Marketplace section. There are usually a number of members who will provide copies for a nominal fee (cost of disks and postage).