How do I activate Windows?!!

[thesun]

I'm sorry this is such a rock stupid question: my Windows Guest install was from the OEM backup disk I got from the manufacturer and there doesn't seem to be any kind of code written on it. I have the original envelope and the original disk, but can't find any code to enter.

I've tried searching the forum for activation related threads and nothing seemed to answer this. I don't believe I even have XP installed on my machine anymore, as I rarely (if ever) used it.

I thought one thread mentioned editing the registry code by hand to place the appropriate codes there, but in my case, I don't have any versions of XP running on any of my machines.

Anyone have suggestions? I don't really want to buy a copy of XP just to play around with Virtual Box. Registration, somehow, would be nice.

Thanks for any and all help!

[Perryg]

Sorry but if you do not have the validation key we can not help due to licensing restrictions. I can tell you that if it was pre-installed as an OEM it more than likely was licensed to that particular machine and the key would have been taped to that machine. I don't know and can not advise you of anything else to check.

[thesun]

Thank you for the help. Are there any other places the key might be? I still have the Service Tag, for example, from the manufacturer...might they be able to look it up and/or walk me through that part of things?

I am not trying to install a illegal copy of Windows. I've paid for Windows on 2 systems and should hopefully be able to have it on at least one of them. The fact that it's Virtual rather than in a dual boot shouldn't matter.

But I do understand and am not trying to ask for cheats or illegal suggestions. Knowing a little more about how to actually activate Windows would be useful, but if even that is beyond the scope of this forum, I won't press for more info.

If anything else comes to mind please let me know. Thanks!

[dmcgraw]

The fact that it's Virtual rather than in a dual boot shouldn't matter.

That is the whole problem. It is tied to the original hardware. And as far as the OEM is concerned, you are no longer running on the original hardware.

[Perryg]

We have covered this enough now. Topic will be locked.