How can I get the "right" xp cd that matches my Licence key?

Factual Questions
1

I have an IBM thinkpad T23 that I purchsed used, and had xp previously installed on it. I recently had to wipe the HD due to some nasty malware, but now I cannot seem to get xp installed properly. I have a “genuine” xp code for “XP professional for 1-2 processor” and tried several xp cd’s i have laying around, but none of them seem to recognize the code on the bottom of the machine.

I tried searching Microsoft’s website for a phone number, but evidently bill doesn’t want you to call. I checked Lenovo’s and IBM’s websites to see if they had some disk images or a phone number to buy some new disks, but they don’t seem to be too interested in my calling china, either! :dubious:

So, it seems my options are 1) buy a new xp os which seems to be a waste of money, or come up with some other resource. Does any dopers have any ideas to help me out?

2

If they were genuine XP install CDs, did you try the code from the CDs (or on the jewels cases/sleeves)?

3

Are you sure the number you’re entering is an XP license number?

4

Good point. It should be 25 characters - 5x5.

5

During the installation, there is an option for not being connected to the internet on the registration page, then it should show a field of spaces to fill and the phone number to call; have at hand the code number to give to MS with a touch tone phone. MS then should give you a new number to enter.

6

The license on the bottom of a thinkpad is only valid for the restore image XP that comes bundled with your thinkpad and wont work with a generic windows installation. The restore data is on a hidden partition of your hard drive. Check the ibm help to figure out how to restore your thinkpad.

7

If it’s XP Pro, it may not have been an image-based restore media. Getting the right release of XP is crucial though - you can’t install XP from a CD that has SP2 bundled using a license key that came with a release that didn’t have the service pack, and vice versa; not because there are any particular technical problems with doing so, or even that there are any relevant legal restrictions, the limitation exists simply because the installer on any given release is set up only to recognise keys issued with that release.

The best solution is to find someone who has a different release of XP and borrow their install CD; I’m pretty sure you could even make a copy for yourself without incurring any legal liabilities, because the license is what you pay Microsoft for, and you are clearly in possession of the license if you have the COA sticker on your machine.

8

This I think would work, and was looking to do, except that there is no “phone a freind” option. And I guess it’s too difficult for Microsoft to post the phone numbers on their website. :mad:
I agree with Mangetout… if I could find another copy of the t23 disks to borrow, that would be the best route.

9

I just re-read this and although the OP seems to have understood it, I would just like to clarify my sloppiness; by ‘different release’, I of course meant ‘different from the release you have already tried’, not ‘different from the one you originally had installed’.