Dell Operating system Activation

[MentallyNormal]

I'm trying to fix a dell computer for a friend.
He doesn't have the coa sticker anymore or recovery media running XP Home.

The problem with the computer was it keeps bluescreen once it hits windows after a minute or so. It didn't do it in safe mode.
0x0000008E
It mentions kmixer.sys

I googled this an tried various fixes such as

• Running Memtest 24 hours - no errors
• Tried brand new memory
• Uninstalling/Reinstalling soundcard drivers
• Hd Test - No errors
• Removing Graphics card and using onboard
• Different Powersupplies
• Different Ide Cables
• Scanned for Spyware/Viruses etc
• Disabling every startup app
• Created new profiles

No matter what I tried it ends up bluescreening once in windows.
So I pull up JellyBean Keyfinder to retrieve his key.

Then I go ahead and proceed to run xp repair on it and the key works fine.
Now I get to windows and it needs to be activated.
Tried Internet activation - product key problem
Called MS - still problem with the key
They told me to call dell - didn't call up dell

So my question is their a way to activate windows without purchasing a new Xp Home COA?
Also how come the key worked,but had problems being activated?

I now realize I could have backed up the wpa files,but now that is too late DOH!


Thank you for any help

 

[duby229]

It's a real problem for sure....

I had a similar problem twice in my experience fixing windows machines in a repair shop. In both instances I had to contact MS's liscencing department and by a new liscence... The first time it cost 15 bucks, the second time they wouldnt sell it to me, so I had to buy a new retail XP for that machine.

Dont let the transfer you to the anti-piracy department, they are not going to help you. Make sure you speak with the liscencing department instead.

 

[dbwillis]

The key that you found with the magicaljelly bean app isnt the key your supposed to install with, it would have been different than the cdkey on his COA.

How can he not have a COA on the case ?

If you dont have the COA and dont have the CD, then you should call Dell and buy a operating system CD for that model.
They may need the service code/tag from the machine though