Fun as in it sucks to be me.

So about a month ago I finished building my computer, I didnt have a full installation of Windows at the time, but I knew I was going to buy one later on, so I just installed a trial version off of a dell version I had laying around. Well, it expired today (as long as I dont turn the computer off it doesnt take effect) and I have a copy of Windows xp Pro. Well, I went to install it (I was just going to install over the dell install that is on it) and the key code I have is 'invalid'....but I know it isn't.

Help?

Let me check with my stp-bro. He knows a ton of stuff about computers, just about everything (I think) But I'll get back to you on that ok

OK here is what he sent back to me:
"The key is invalid for that install of windows. He'll have to reinstall the
new one he got because Dell would be issued an OEM version and he probably
bought a retail version.

Other than that I don't know what else to tell him other than to re-install
completely."

Hope it helps you out man! ;)

Well, format it is....

Say what?

I am just going to re-format over spring break.

As long as I dont log off though, I dont have to activate. :)

Have fun! How do you reformat and not log off?
Eagle
(is this a trick of the trade your reformat and then install it again!) you could go years like taht!) :)

OK I see mich that should work! Good luck!

How long does it take to format it? I hope you selected NTFS format... FAT32 doesn't have encryption or compression options. And besides, everyone else is doing it... Lol.

I'm running NTFS format with a 127 gig partition. Will probably do the same after I format.

And I cant format without logging off, when it is booting I will run the disk, format and partition, and reinstall.

That's fun... Lol