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@Mortso wrote:
I ran the MS validation just now and MS did not recognize the Key for XP that is on my tower. I ran Belarc Advisor, and it came up with a different key entirely. I tried that key in the MS validation, and MS would not accept it either. I have done one format and reinstall on this computer since I've gotten it, and have made numerous hardware changes. When I did the reinstall I used the Dell XP, sp1 CD I received with the computer. What's going on?

Belarc cannot report the XP key.  The key is on the sticker on the tower, try replacing zeros and Ohs, eights and B until you get it right.

Mortso,

Belarc and ViewKeyXP and similar programs report the volume licensing key which Dell used to install Windows on your (and my) system. You say you have made numerous changes to your system. Take a look under "Technical Activation Details" here and see if perhaps your changes have resulted in your system appearing as a "new" system to Product Activation.

Rick-- Thanks for the response. I did verify the key on the tower. MS just wouldn't accept it. Belarc lists the keys for Media Player, Money 2003, IE, and XP immediately after installed hotfixes in its report(IE/XP keys the same). I just ran View Key XP and it came up with the same key that Belarc shows. I don't know which key is correct, now, since MS wouldn't accept either of them.

Denny- the hardware is more than likely the problem. I increased RAM, added a controller card, a hard drive, a CD-RW, and a NIC. I think that's it.  Except for the NIC I made these changes after my reinstall.  MS ended up validating it anyway through the alternate method (entering manufacturer/place of purchase). Guess I'll probably have to call MS to activate if I do another reinstall. Well, no biggy.  Thanks for the explanation of what Belarc and ViewKeyXP reported. I couldn't figure out where that number was coming from.