I have problems to register my original Windows XP. I introduce the key of the product but tells me that it does not recognize. The system will be useless in n days.

Virtualbox has some problem to recognize an original Windows XP?

What can I do?

I think that OEM copies of windows will only register if the hardware is the same as the system with which that cop of XP was sold. I think the same thing happens if you make too many changes to the hardware too.

I've heard that Microsoft support are quite reasonable about it if you call them up and tell them that you changed your hard disk and video card, and that this is the only copy of the OS you have - they change something on their activation servers and you can activate it. I don't know if they behave as nicely if you want to transfer your copy of the their OS to a virtual machine. I doubt it.

If you do call them up and ask if they will let you activate it from a VM, please do post back - I'd like to know if this is possible.

Follow up: googling for "license transfer windows virtual machine" tells me it is not possible. You will have to buy a new copy of Windows to run it legally in a VM.

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/h...ation/faq.mspx

So why not just junk it completely...? Who needs to spend $100 for this hassle?

I have called to the free telephone of activation of the product that indicated the assistant of activation and all has gone well.

With the original key of the product the system returns you a code of installation that one must mark in the telephone in series of 6 numbers.

Is very simple and has left to the perfection. I give a 10 to the service of activation of Microsoft.

Comment you that the phone number is for Spain, I do not know the service will be equal of good in other countries.

Thanks for all.

Thanks for the follow up. Good to know. BTW, is it an OEM license or a boxed copy of Windows (e.g. for retail)?

The computer came with the preinstalled system and CD copy. Yes, I understand that is a OEM license. Did not lack of special key for virtual use.

I do not know if I explain well for the language translation and business difference here in Spain.

You did an excellent job explaining it in english The business differences are probably that non-US Microsoft might actually feel a need to compete for business and provide good free customer service to their customers; there is competition after all. While inside the US they think they are above the law, better than anything remotely close to them, and provide par to sub par customer service to their customers (unless you want to pay...).

-Chad

I agree totally, although I have failed and referred as for the difference of the appointment of products among countries: CD copy, preinstalled,...