Windows XP SP3 setup not accepting Key?

[kingkiller]

These mini's came with XP SP3 home edition right? It doesn't seem to want to accept my product key now that I'm reinstalling windows...

[canadeza]

U should use the disc that came with the mini. Its not gonna ask u for a cd key

[JohnMcL7]

I am sick to the back teeth of this PC, I've never come across one that's so impossible to build as even Sonys are easier than this - I'm getting the same error but I've checked the box and his PC (bought in UK from CPW, Compaq 110c-1110SA) came with no CDs at all so I'm totally stumped. I bought this machine for my brother and unfortunately he never took an image and due to problems with the machine it now needs rebuilt, I've tried using a Dell XP OEM CD as I normally do for OEM licenses regardless of brand slipstreamed with SATA drivers but it errors with file copying and now won't activate.

I'm completely stumped what to do aside from smash the machine into little pieces if it's not going to allow a Dell XP OEM CD to be used, will it build from a general Compaq or HP XP OEM disc?

John

[Capmaster]

You need to provide a little more information if you want help.

What error are you getting?

What setup/install options are you selecting?

Have you tried repartitioning and reformatting the HD before installing the Dell XP OEM CD?

due to problems with the machine it now needs rebuilt

What does "needs rebuilt" mean? Rebuilt what?

[JohnMcL7]

It's not cryptic - the machine won't activate as it's not taking the serial of the CoA sticker on the bottom and MS aren't having any of it, I thought 'rebuilt' would be fairly obvious as well but obviously not...there's really not much else it could be.

I've resolved it by getting a hold of a Compaq CD elsewhere and slipstreaming the drivers.

John

[Capmaster]

My apologies. I have trouble when technical requests for help contain cell texting shortcuts with the language. I'm of the old school who believes words and sentences should be spelled out, especially when requesting help. I'm funny that way ...

I'm glad you got the problem solved, John 8-)

[JohnMcL7]

Well you shouldn't have had any trouble with my post then as it contains no 'cell' texting shortcuts, I don't agree with them which is why I never use them in either normal text or on mobile phones. 'rebuilt' most certainly is not a texting shortcut:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rebuilt

The only abbreviations I've used are technical ones which should understandable within within a technical request or so I thought.

John