Windows XP - Is it genuine??

[SazzyC0]

I have had to reinstall windows on my PC after my boot drive disappeared. I lost my disc to do this and borrowed one off someone. When I had reinstalled it, it was all in a foreign language which I had to change. I am now having problems installing my webcam which previously worked. It says 'class installer has denied the request to install or upgrade this device'.
I have just been trying to d/l things to sort this but apparently my version of XP isnt genuine and it costs �96 to get a genuine product key. I did have one I just lost the disc, is there anything I can do? I can see this causing me problems.

TIA

[daffy654]

Try emailing Microsoft and explaining the situation to them,they may just give you a code to unlock it officially (I know someone who did this a while back) ...it's not very likely but worth a try as the copy you have borrowed is only allowed to be installed on the owner's PC and shouldn't have been lent out to you.

[SazzyC0]

Thanks for that, I will give it a try but I cant find an e-mail addy for them, can anyone help?

[ACtheTROLL]

if it came with the machine there should be a sticker with the serial on it

as long as the disc includes the language you want ... shouldn't be a problem

finally ... don't forget you'll also need to install the system drivers for motherboard etc

[VHG]

As ACtheTroll says, every PC that comes with Windows pre-installed should have a small sticker on it, either on the bottom of a laptop, or on the side of the case on a desktop.

It will look something like this (probably the top one)

http://www.technibble.com/articlecontent/2007/ 11/cod-sticker.jpg

Next to the text "Product Key" will be a sequence of numbers. These are the unique numbers for YOUR version of Windows.

So if you do reinstall Windows from another persons CD DONT put their number in, put the number on the sticker on your PC.

This should ensure you get the right version of Windows (in the right langauge) that you paid for.

[ACtheTROLL]

lol neil - the old ones are the best
even though nostalgia isn't what it used to be

[compugran]

If it`s xp pro reinstall with this serial

V2C47-MK7JD-3R89F-D2KXW-VPK3J

[beso]

Don't count on hacked serials continuing to work. Many have been disabled.

[SazzyC0]

OK, i'm no Computer buff so am slightly confused now! Where is it that I can put the product key in? I cant find a sticker on it, just one that says XP is recommended.

[ACtheTROLL]

leggy and gran
shame that the solution to most problem seems to be increasingly - steal one that works.

Sazzy
At least you are trying to do the right thing ;)

the sticker moves about
on the cd, the case, the paper envelope .... underneath, at the back .... it could even be entered automatically by a system restore
do you have a folder or menu option to create backup discs?

[compugran]

It will work.