xp media center, can't validate or activate

Bought media ceter PC (Vaio) a couple of years ago--had early version of media center. I think my son downloaded an upgrade of it or a newer version. My product key showing in the cpu is different than the one on the sticker. I called microsoft to activate but no luck. My original key isn't working for activation and the counterfit key doesn't work for validation. I tried to change the key with software but it still shoes the counterfit key. I tried to see how much a new key would cost from MS but they don't sell one for xp media center. MS told me to call Sony for a valid key but no luck. I'm at a loss as to how to resolve this issue. I'm thinking that if I restore the computer to the original factory settings that my product key will match up, at the same time I'll have to reinstall everything that I have installed since then (probably an all day affair). Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Hmmz, I don't really have resolve to you I am saying this straight away. All I know is that you won't get key from Sony nor any other computer developer. IT IS microsoft service indeed who should solve this issue or might be as in *unnamed* developer. The deal goes > you call developer/publisher of that (sony?) > that dev./pub. calls microsoft or gets key that way > you activate and this all works only, if your warranty is okay. hehe..

Now, about key.. It should work ofcourse, but *some* media centers has hard issues since when you update you mess up entire software. only way update according to at least all major developers should be done is from their homepage. Which is literally funny. You could install/restore the factory defaults ofcourse and then it would be activated. After that watch what you update and so on.. On last resort you can always force the key with oobe activation. Anyhow not so sure does this work either hehe..

Anyhow as I said Don't have an answer for you, but little understanding how these works.. Ofcourse you can always follow Microsoft Instructions > Kill the WGA > delete WGA > delete WGA regkeys.. A LA Microsoft

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/03/07/bypass-and-disable-genuine-windows-validation-check/

 

When you purchase a mass produced PC (HP, Dell, etc..) they come with a pre-loaded XP with an OEM product key. For example: I've checked the internal key on two new HP's running side-by-side, and they both had the same key but the key on the stickers were different from the internal key and from each other: each PC had a unique sticker key. If your son downloaded a version of Windows from the web, it's a real good chance that it's bootlegged or pirated, or 'cracked' and the keys you have won't work. You have a couple options: restore from your CD that came with the PC (or use the recovery partition if available); purchase a new Windows CD; or borrow a Windows CD that is the same version as the version shown on the sticker on your PC and when you install it, use the key from that sticker. The internal OEM keys do not activate, even though they work for installing Windows.... GOOD LUCK!

hopperdave2000

 

Run this and read,

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html

 

Interesting.. I though those still all has individual keys since as far I know if that kinda key got banned that would sure piss of HP.. hehe.. and yeah, almost all are preinstalled. Which sure is a bitch to reinstall but for example HP has hidden partition also.. which works in startup with Fxx keys to reinstall systems to factory defaults.. So does Acer & as far I know Fujitsu Siemens..

Anyhow, good info there..

 

That should be showing what keys are being used on your pc now, some programs show the key that the factory used when they setup your hard drive. ed

 

this tool unable to change my product key

 

Any way for me to only restore the original OS without having to reinstall all the programs?