Windows XP Product Key won't work
Windows XP Product Key won't work
I need some help configuring Windows XP Guest on an Ubuntu 7.04 (64 bit). I was originally trying to use my current install of windows XP on partition2 in VB. But that was not working out for me so I decided to do a clean install. I did not have a windows XP install CD, so I followed this tutorial (http://www.howtohaven.com/system/create ... disk.shtml) and created one. I went to install it, and was good until I came up to where you insert the product key for XP. I did not know what it was so I saved the state, and booted back into windows. I then downloaded winxpkey.exe, and retrieved my product key. Following that I booted back into Ubuntu and reloaded the state (where XP wants the product key). I put it in, but it tells me it’s not correct. Does anyone know what I need to accomplish for this to work. Lastly I don’t think I checked the IO APIC box before starting the VB.
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Sasquatch
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There might be 2 reasons for it not working. One, what XP do you use on the other partition? It's possible you want to install a different version (OEM instead of retail or vice versa) and therefor the key is not accepted. Other option is that you are installing a corporate version and you want to use a normal key (also, vice versa is possible). Those are the things the licence key will not work. It's also possible that the key has been blocked because is't listed as illegal.
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?
I use windows XP Home on the other partition. I would assume I am also trying to install Windows XP home since i made the disc from my all ready installed version of windows. However it is probably OEM. I.e it came pre installed on my Compaq computer. I do not have a corporate version. How does it know what is an acceptable key if it is not connected to anything? What options do I have for getting it installed in VB?
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Sasquatch
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Ah, you have the third, and worst, option, OEM preinstall. Those keys (almost) never work on a normal install. The key is build in the install and activated with it. If you followed the news about the Vista activation and OEM manufacturers, you would know that with those Windows versions, things are a bit different then when you buy a Windows licence from a computer shop and install it yourself.
Only option left is to buy Windows if you want to stay legal.
Only option left is to buy Windows if you want to stay legal.
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org
Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
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Old_sparky
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Re: Windows XP Product Key won't work
I've got the same issue. I'm trying to install an XP VM on both Linux Mint 22.3 and Win 11 hosts. I have the original purchased (legal) XP CD with the key and have also verified the key using a key reader (I also have the same version of XP running in VMware on my laptop).
Windows XP was activated on the same linux machine so it should still work there. It does the same thing on both hosts, and it doesn't matter if I do an unattended or manual install. I have slipstreamed SPs, SATA & USB drivers and activation key into an ISO image using Nliite. I am using version 7.2.6 of Virtualbox / extensions on both machines. Linux machine is a desktop AMD and laptop is a Ryzen 5, both with 16GB RAM.
I am having a few issues getting virtualization to work on the Linux machine, but the laptop has worked pretty well up until now. For the laptop, I was able to copy the key directly from the key reader in VMWare and copy into the unattended key entry field (no keyboard required). Since both machines are behaving identically, this seems more like a Virtualbox issue.
Windows XP was activated on the same linux machine so it should still work there. It does the same thing on both hosts, and it doesn't matter if I do an unattended or manual install. I have slipstreamed SPs, SATA & USB drivers and activation key into an ISO image using Nliite. I am using version 7.2.6 of Virtualbox / extensions on both machines. Linux machine is a desktop AMD and laptop is a Ryzen 5, both with 16GB RAM.
I am having a few issues getting virtualization to work on the Linux machine, but the laptop has worked pretty well up until now. For the laptop, I was able to copy the key directly from the key reader in VMWare and copy into the unattended key entry field (no keyboard required). Since both machines are behaving identically, this seems more like a Virtualbox issue.
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multiOS
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Re: Windows XP Product Key won't work
I don't see a VirtualBox issue jus a 'problem' with Windows Activation for Windows versions that are no longer supported by Microsoft:
You haven't mentioned what you mean by the "Product Key Won't Work" but the activation of WindowsXP (and other Windows version) was/is never a straightforward matter of simply enetering an Activation Key as the Key also had to be validated online by Microsoft's Windows Activation Servers. However, that validation step no longer appears to be possible for 'historic' Windows versions which are not actively supported as Microsoft (after many years) has closed down the Server access that was hard-coded into those system installations.
You may still be able to use the Automated Telephone Activation Service, but if not, all you can do is contact your 'regional' Microsoft Help Desk for help/guidance. The automated Telephone service was still working the last time I needed to activate a Windows XP system, but that was some considerable time ago (at least 2 years ago).
From your posting, you may also need to bear in mind that an Activation Key can only be used to activate Windows on a single device. It is usually possible to transfer a Licence between devices if the original Product key was from a Retail Product, but a single Key cannot legitimately be used to activate Windows on multiple devices Note: Every pbysical and/or Virtual Machine is considered to be a separate device under Microsoft's Licencing Terms, so every device in use has to be activated with a unique Product Key.
You haven't mentioned what you mean by the "Product Key Won't Work" but the activation of WindowsXP (and other Windows version) was/is never a straightforward matter of simply enetering an Activation Key as the Key also had to be validated online by Microsoft's Windows Activation Servers. However, that validation step no longer appears to be possible for 'historic' Windows versions which are not actively supported as Microsoft (after many years) has closed down the Server access that was hard-coded into those system installations.
You may still be able to use the Automated Telephone Activation Service, but if not, all you can do is contact your 'regional' Microsoft Help Desk for help/guidance. The automated Telephone service was still working the last time I needed to activate a Windows XP system, but that was some considerable time ago (at least 2 years ago).
From your posting, you may also need to bear in mind that an Activation Key can only be used to activate Windows on a single device. It is usually possible to transfer a Licence between devices if the original Product key was from a Retail Product, but a single Key cannot legitimately be used to activate Windows on multiple devices Note: Every pbysical and/or Virtual Machine is considered to be a separate device under Microsoft's Licencing Terms, so every device in use has to be activated with a unique Product Key.