After a reinstall, my usual pc guy installed XP Pro,(VLK), instead of the OEM
XP home edition, which I have a coa for. When I do a MS update, the message"
Validation Failure: Product Key Failed Validation[0x80080220] The product key
found on your computer is from a Volume License Key (VLK), which has been
blocked. A VLK is typically licensed to organizations who want to use
multiple copies of Windows. However, if a VLK is reported as stolen or
leaked, it is then blocked from passing through validation."

My machine is currently set to obtain windows update automatically.

At the moment I can't place my hands on the XP home disks, due to a recent
home move, but I don't think they are lost.

I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and that I may
not be getting all the relevent updates for my computer. If I cant find the
original disks, I would fork out some cash for another OEM version, but I
heard somewhere that even if you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can
purchase a fresh key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im
not sure how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk would
be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am looking for the
best way forward.at a reasonable price.

Your "usual pc guy" should not be installing a VL
version of Windows XP. You need to visit your
"usual pc guy" and tell him to install a conventional
"Full Version" of Windows XP, either a "Retail" or
an "OEM" version.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Tesco" wrote:

| After a reinstall, my usual pc guy installed XP Pro,(VLK), instead of the OEM
| XP home edition, which I have a coa for. When I do a MS update, the message"
| Validation Failure: Product Key Failed Validation[0x80080220] The product key
| found on your computer is from a Volume License Key (VLK), which has been
| blocked. A VLK is typically licensed to organizations who want to use
| multiple copies of Windows. However, if a VLK is reported as stolen or
| leaked, it is then blocked from passing through validation."
|
| My machine is currently set to obtain windows update automatically.
|
| At the moment I can't place my hands on the XP home disks, due to a recent
| home move, but I don't think they are lost.
|
| I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and that I may
| not be getting all the relevent updates for my computer. If I cant find the
| original disks, I would fork out some cash for another OEM version, but I
| heard somewhere that even if you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can
| purchase a fresh key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im
| not sure how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk would
| be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am looking for the
| best way forward.at a reasonable price.

"=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
news:94A4A318-DBF6-4E11-A640-65902FC4E1B6@microsoft.com:

> I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and
> that I may not be getting all the relevant updates for my
> computer. If I cant find the original disks, I would fork out some
> cash for another OEM version, but I heard somewhere that even if
> you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can purchase a fresh
> key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im not sure
> how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk
> would be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am
> looking for the best way forward.at a reasonable price.

As it stands right now, you'll still get updates through Automatic
Updates, even with a blocked VL copy of Windows XP.

Again, that could change tomorrow. Microsoft has gone back and forth
on this issue. Without a complete wipe, there's no way that Microsoft
is going to give you a valid volume license key unless you buy 5 or
more copies of Windows XP (under Open licensing).

BTW, your "usual PC guy" (if he exists) can get in serious hot water
with Microsoft if he's doing that for other people!

Adam

Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does exhist. Why
he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on my machine is anybodys
guess.!!!
I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of genuine
software, would I be able to use one of the programmes, readily downloadable
from the net to change the key on the installed software, or would I have to
do a full uninstall/reinstall, with the genuine software.?

"Adam Leinss" wrote:

> "=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> news:94A4A318-DBF6-4E11-A640-65902FC4E1B6@microsoft.com:
>
> > I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and
> > that I may not be getting all the relevant updates for my
> > computer. If I cant find the original disks, I would fork out some
> > cash for another OEM version, but I heard somewhere that even if
> > you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can purchase a fresh
> > key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im not sure
> > how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk
> > would be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am
> > looking for the best way forward.at a reasonable price.
>
> As it stands right now, you'll still get updates through Automatic
> Updates, even with a blocked VL copy of Windows XP.
>
> Again, that could change tomorrow. Microsoft has gone back and forth
> on this issue. Without a complete wipe, there's no way that Microsoft
> is going to give you a valid volume license key unless you buy 5 or
> more copies of Windows XP (under Open licensing).
>
> BTW, your "usual PC guy" (if he exists) can get in serious hot water
> with Microsoft if he's doing that for other people!
>
> Adam
>

"=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com:

> Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on
> my machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of
> genuine software, would I be able to use one of the programmes,
> readily downloadable from the net to change the key on the
> installed software, or would I have to do a full
> uninstall/reinstall, with the genuine software.?

Volume media only takes volume licensed keys, OEM media OEM keys and so
on. Looks like it's a wipe and reload of XP Home for you.

PIDGEN.DLL determines the key algorithm (and no, I don't think you can
replace PIDGEN.DLL from the correct copy and make it work). PIDGEN.DLL
differs between OEM, Retail and VL.

Adam

Well yes you can change the XP CD Key and hopefully unblock the Windows
Update etc...........go to this link:

http://www.petri.co.il/change_the_se...windows_xp.htm


--
The_JAT


"Adam Leinss" wrote:

> "=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com:
>
> > Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> > exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on
> > my machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> > I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of
> > genuine software, would I be able to use one of the programmes,
> > readily downloadable from the net to change the key on the
> > installed software, or would I have to do a full
> > uninstall/reinstall, with the genuine software.?
>
> Volume media only takes volume licensed keys, OEM media OEM keys and so
> on. Looks like it's a wipe and reload of XP Home for you.
>
> PIDGEN.DLL determines the key algorithm (and no, I don't think you can
> replace PIDGEN.DLL from the correct copy and make it work). PIDGEN.DLL
> differs between OEM, Retail and VL.
>
> Adam
>

In news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com,
Tesco <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> replied with a ;-)
> Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on my
> machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of genuine
> software, would I be able to use one of the programmes, readily
> downloadable from the net to change the key on the installed
> software, or would I have to do a full uninstall/reinstall, with the
> genuine software.?
>

You would need a full retail or OEM Pro version to use the key changers or
do a reair install. Otherwise you will need to clean install your version of
Home.


> "Adam Leinss" wrote:
>
>> "=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> news:94A4A318-DBF6-4E11-A640-65902FC4E1B6@microsoft.com:
>>
>>> I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and
>>> that I may not be getting all the relevant updates for my
>>> computer. If I cant find the original disks, I would fork out some
>>> cash for another OEM version, but I heard somewhere that even if
>>> you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can purchase a fresh
>>> key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im not sure
>>> how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk
>>> would be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am
>>> looking for the best way forward.at a reasonable price.
>>
>> As it stands right now, you'll still get updates through Automatic
>> Updates, even with a blocked VL copy of Windows XP.
>>
>> Again, that could change tomorrow. Microsoft has gone back and forth
>> on this issue. Without a complete wipe, there's no way that
>> Microsoft is going to give you a valid volume license key unless you
>> buy 5 or more copies of Windows XP (under Open licensing).
>>
>> BTW, your "usual PC guy" (if he exists) can get in serious hot water
>> with Microsoft if he's doing that for other people!
>>
>> Adam

"=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com:

> Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on
> my machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of
> genuine software, would I be able to use one of the programmes,
> readily downloadable from the net to change the key on the
> installed software, or would I have to do a full
> uninstall/reinstall, with the genuine software.?

Volume media only takes volume licensed keys, OEM media OEM keys and so
on. Looks like it's a wipe and reload of XP Home for you.

PIDGEN.DLL determines the key algorithm (and no, I don't think you can
replace PIDGEN.DLL from the correct copy and make it work). PIDGEN.DLL
differs between OEM, Retail and VL.

Adam

Well yes you can change the XP CD Key and hopefully unblock the Windows
Update etc...........go to this link:

http://www.petri.co.il/change_the_se...windows_xp.htm


--
The_JAT


"Adam Leinss" wrote:

> "=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com:
>
> > Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> > exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on
> > my machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> > I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of
> > genuine software, would I be able to use one of the programmes,
> > readily downloadable from the net to change the key on the
> > installed software, or would I have to do a full
> > uninstall/reinstall, with the genuine software.?
>
> Volume media only takes volume licensed keys, OEM media OEM keys and so
> on. Looks like it's a wipe and reload of XP Home for you.
>
> PIDGEN.DLL determines the key algorithm (and no, I don't think you can
> replace PIDGEN.DLL from the correct copy and make it work). PIDGEN.DLL
> differs between OEM, Retail and VL.
>
> Adam
>

In news:55F3512D-3067-40D4-8705-830897EEBCB8@microsoft.com,
Tesco <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> replied with a ;-)
> Thanks Adam for your reply! unfortunately the usual pc guy does
> exhist. Why he installed a VL key when I have the COA sticker on my
> machine is anybodys guess.!!!
> I was wondering would you know if I was able to get a copy of genuine
> software, would I be able to use one of the programmes, readily
> downloadable from the net to change the key on the installed
> software, or would I have to do a full uninstall/reinstall, with the
> genuine software.?
>

You would need a full retail or OEM Pro version to use the key changers or
do a reair install. Otherwise you will need to clean install your version of
Home.


> "Adam Leinss" wrote:
>
>> "=?Utf-8?B?VGVzY28=?=" <Tesco@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> news:94A4A318-DBF6-4E11-A640-65902FC4E1B6@microsoft.com:
>>
>>> I'm concerned that Big brother is now watching more closely, and
>>> that I may not be getting all the relevant updates for my
>>> computer. If I cant find the original disks, I would fork out some
>>> cash for another OEM version, but I heard somewhere that even if
>>> you have a VLK blocked copy of XP,that you can purchase a fresh
>>> key and reactivate the software to pass validation.But im not sure
>>> how to go about this or what the cost compared to an OEM disk
>>> would be. Basically I want to avoid an uninstall/reinstall, and am
>>> looking for the best way forward.at a reasonable price.
>>
>> As it stands right now, you'll still get updates through Automatic
>> Updates, even with a blocked VL copy of Windows XP.
>>
>> Again, that could change tomorrow. Microsoft has gone back and forth
>> on this issue. Without a complete wipe, there's no way that
>> Microsoft is going to give you a valid volume license key unless you
>> buy 5 or more copies of Windows XP (under Open licensing).
>>
>> BTW, your "usual PC guy" (if he exists) can get in serious hot water
>> with Microsoft if he's doing that for other people!
>>
>> Adam