XP product code not accepted in Virtual Box

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I’m running Windows 7 64 bit. I’ve installed Virtual Box and wanted to install my old XP system as a guest OS. When I get to the section where it’s asking me for the product key, I’ve tried 3 different product keys that I’ve had with 3 different XP systems and it tells me they are all invalid. I’m not even at the activation point yet, it’s right when it verifies wether the key is valid or not. Any thoughts as to what’s wrong or what I can do to get around this problem?

Thanks,
Ken

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I’m running Windows 7 64 bit. I’ve installed Virtual Box and wanted to install my old XP system as a guest OS. When I get to the section where it’s asking me for the product key, I’ve tried 3 different product keys that I’ve had with 3 different XP systems and it tells me they are all invalid. I’m not even at the activation point yet, it’s right when it verifies wether the key is valid or not. Any thoughts as to what’s wrong or what I can do to get around this problem?

Thanks,
Ken

Did you try XP Mode on your Win 7 PC? This is a virtual XP Mode that does not require entry of a valid key to run.

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XP system as a guest OS. When I get to the section where it’s asking me for the product key, I’ve tried 3 different product keys that I’ve had with 3 different XP systems and it tells me they are all invalid. I’m not even at the activation point yet, it’s right when it verifies wether the key is valid or not. Any thoughts as to what’s wrong or what I can do to get around this problem?

Is this a retail version of XP and you are using OEM keys? Or is it an OEM version of XP and you are using retail keys?

XP mode mentioned by Ted is free.

Joe

--Joe

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Is this a retail version of XP and you are using OEM keys? Or is it an OEM version of XP and you are using retail keys?

XP mode mentioned by Ted is free.

Joe

I think they came with the machines when I bought them, so I guess this makes them OEM. And, unfortunately, I made a tactical error when I ordered my 7 system. I ordered Home Premium, which I don’t believe allows XP mode.

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I think they came with the machines when I bought them, so I guess this makes them OEM. And, unfortunately, I made a tactical error when I ordered my 7 system. I ordered Home Premium, which I don’t believe allows XP mode.

An OEM version are supposedly tied to the machine on which it was originally installed. In addition to being difficult to install on another machine it is a violation of the license.

Joe

--Joe

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I ordered Home Premium, which I don’t believe allows XP mode.

It might be worth checking out Windows Anytime Upgrade option. It might be quite reasonable to upgrade to Professional to gain XP mode functionality, legitimately.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows7/products/features/windows-anytime-upgrade

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows7/products/compare?T1=tab05

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There is a method described by How To Geekbut it does require an operational key so this might not be able to use it, but it is worth a look see.

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